X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (9/18/19): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on September 18th, 2019. Austyn Varney's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Welcome to Wednesday baseball over on DraftKings. While football is in full swing, DraftKings has continued pouring out these huge tournaments. The $250 GPP is featured, but they have a ton of different price ranges worth considering.

It's a fun slate, with a few games in the morning and the main slate at night. There's 10 games to touch on and we have to make sure we nail pitching. There will be some great starts today, so we'll need to make sure we get that right. Let's dive in and take a look at a top play from each position!

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 9/18/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Be sure to also check out all the MLB Rosters for today's slate. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. .

Featured Promo! Save 50% on any PGA Premium Pass using discount code MASTERS, this week only! Win more with our DFS and Betting Packages, get expert tools and advice from proven winners including the Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, betting/props cheat sheet and more. GAIN FULL ACCESS HERE

 

DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers

Gerrit Cole - HOU vs. TEX - $12,800

Gerrit Cole is in a tier of his own on this slate and in baseball. While guys like Scherzer, Verlander, and Kershaw have more experience, nobody is shutting guys down like Gerrit Cole. He’s striking out 12+ batters per nine innings and combining for a .221 wOBA allowed. It doesn’t get any better than that. This Rangers team strikes out at a 26% clip, but they can hit homers. Expect Cole to have mother seven solid innings and for the Astros to get an easy win. He’s expensive, but the easiest play on the board.

Aaron Civale - CLE vs. DET - $9,100

It doesn't even matter who the pitcher is at this point. As long as it's not one of the worst pitchers in baseball, you can target them against the Detroit Tigers. The Tigers have found a way to be worse than the Marlins, sporting a .278 team wOBA and ranking 30th in the league. Civale has been great since coming up from the minors, holding both lefties and righties under a .270 wOBA. He strikes out close to eight batters per nine innings and this Tigers team is mostly right-handed. Civale is affordable as an SP2 in both cash games and tournaments.

 

DraftKings DFS Infielders

Daniel Vogelbach - SEA @ PIT (Agrazal) - $4,000

The issue we run into with Daniel Vogelbach is that he strikes out a ton. 26% of the time to be exact. However, the Mariners face off with Dario Agrazal, who wipes those concerns away. Agrazal strikes out just four batters per nine innings at 10%. Vogelbach is extremely dangerous when putting the ball in play and he shouldn’t have any issue with that here. Vogelbach has a great shot of going deep tonight.

Cavan Biggio - TOR @ BAL (Bundy) - $4,500

There isn’t all that much to love at second base. Dylan Bundy has definitely turned things in the right direction this year, but he’s far from perfect. In fact, he’s given up a .347 wOBA to opposing lefties and only strikes out just over seven per nine. Biggio is swinging as hot of a stick as you can, and this ballpark is an upgrade from the Rogers Centre. Let’s hope we can get Biggio under 10% again.

Eugenio Suarez - CIN @ CHC - $4,800

Believe it or not, Eugenio Suarez has the second most home runs in baseball at 47. He’s quietly been one of the more impressive hitters in all of baseball. Against southpaws, he’s posted a .407 wOBA and has hit 10 home runs in just 115 at-bats. Jon Lester is no slouch, but he’s turning into just that with a .338 wOBA allowed to righties. He doesn’t have the same strikeout stuff he’s used to and he’ll have trouble putting Suarez away. The Reds aren’t a great team stack, but Suarez is a great one-off.

Jorge Polanco - MIN vs. CWS (Santiago) - $4,900

Shortstop is another position that leaves plenty to be desired. You can pay up like always, but there isn’t much good value before lineups come out. We’ll take a look at Jorge Polanco, who’s facing off with Ivan Nova at home in Minnesota. Nova is terrible against everyone, allowing a .350 and .358 wOBA to each side of the plate. However, he’s only pitching one inning as the opener before Hector Santiago comes in. I’ll make an under-the-radar-call and say Polanco takes one deep tonight.

 

DraftKings DFS Outfielders

Nelson Cruz - MIN vs. CWS (Santiago) - $5,200

Nelson Cruz is a guy you plug in every time against a lefty. Hopefully the name of Ivan Nova and him being a righty will keep a few people off of him. Nova is pitching just one inning and left-hander Hector Santiago will follow. Cruz has blasted lefties to a .471 wOBA this season and has hit a home run every eight at-bats. There’s no rhyme or reason I can give to fade Nelson Cruz tonight. If you can afford him, Nelson Cruz is my favorite hitter on this entire slate.

Trey Mancini - BAL vs. TOR (Buccholz) - $4,900

Trey Mancini is on fire and now the Orioles draw Clay Buccholz. He’s legitimately one of the worst pitchers in baseball and is a guarantee to allow at least three or four homers in every single start. Mancini dominates both lefties and righties, sporting a .417 combined wOBA on the season. Camden Yards is where he does most of his damage and it makes sense why. The Orioles are projected for over five runs tonight and it’s not hard to see why with Clay Buccholz on the mound. Good luck tonight and please do reach out with any questions!

Things change quickly as lineups come out. If you have any questions, hit me up on Twitter @VarneyDFS and I'd be more than happy to help.

MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Kenyon Sadiq

Is Kenyon Sadiq the Next Great Rookie Tight End?
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
Jon Rahm

Having Excellent Season On LIV Tour
Collin Morikawa

Looking for Bounce-Back at PGA Championship
Viktor Hovland

Struggling to Find Early Season Form Heading to PGA Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Bounce Back After Worst Finish of 2026
Patrick Cantlay

Showing Signs of Life After Slow Start to 2026 Season
Cade Klubnik

Becoming Fan Favorite, in Play to Win Backup QB Job?
Michael Penix Jr.

Throwing During Offseason Program
Bryce Young

Panthers Will Continue to Discuss Extension With Bryce Young
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Michael Mayer

More Opportunities Coming for Michael Mayer?
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Brandon Clarke

Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Mark Stone

Won't Play Tuesday
Carnell Tate

Is Carnell Tate Poised for Immediate Stardom in Tennessee?
Jeremiyah Love

Will Jeremiyah Love See a Limited Role in Arizona as a Rookie?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dynasty Stock Fading Following NFL Draft
Bucky Irving

Not Yet Cleared to Participate in OTAs
Tyler Shough

Dynasty Stock Rising with Improved Supporting Cast in New Orleans
Garrett Wilson

Dynasty Upside Limited by Quarterback Questions
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Ted Hurst

Viewed as "True X" Receiver Going into Rookie Campaign
Kenneth Gainwell

Zac Robinson Thinks Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell Have Similar Skill Sets
Emeka Egbuka

to Settle into "Z" Role in Year 2
Trey Benson

Droppable in Some Dynasty Leagues?
Cameron Ward

Looking to Make a Year 2 Leap
Omar Cooper Jr.

to Require Some Patience in Dynasty Leagues?
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
Ajay Mitchell

Continues to Excel for Thunder
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts 35 Points in Series Clincher
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
Cade Cunningham

Struggles in Game 4 Loss
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
James Harden

Records 40th Postseason Double-Double
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Donovan Mitchell

Ties NBA Playoff Record With 39 Second-Half Points
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF