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Friday’s slate of MLB games is pretty cut and dry. All 30 teams are playing at night with a lot of aces going, which should make for a fun day of DFS action on DraftKings.
As always, my goal with this article is to help you identify viable options to insert into your DraftKings lineups, based on pricing and matchups data. Below are my picks for DraftKings DFS games on Friday May 22nd, 2015.
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Offenses to Target for DraftKings Stacking
Baltimore Orioles middle of the lineup vs. Henderson Alvarez
The Orioles are an interesting team in that their right-handed batters do very well against right handed pitching, posting a wRC+ of 112. With this in mind, look for players in the middle of the Oriole’s lineup to have good chances to drive in runs against the struggling Henderson Alvarez. Alvarez has a 6.23 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP on the year, and will likely struggle against the hot bats of the Orioles lineup. Look for Adam Jones to be a great pick for your outfield slot and for Steve Pearce to be a possible sleeper pick.
Washington Nationals LHB vs Sean O’Sullivan
The left-handed bats of the Washington Nationals continue to hit well against right-handed pitching. At this point in the season, the Nationals' lefties post an incredible wRC+ of 163 against right handers, which is by far the best in the league. Feel free to target Denard Span and, of course, Bryce Harper. However, you could also look into picking up some other hot bats like Ian Desmond, who should have plenty of opportunities to score runs in this potent offense on Friday.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for DraftKings
Noah Syndergaard (SP, NYM) - $7500
Noah Syndergaard provides a great value for Friday’s slate of games. Syndergaard’s price tag is still relatively low, and he has shown the ability to strike out batters at one per inning. Syndergaard gets a great matchup against the Pirates, who have one of the worst offenses against right handed pitchers with strikeout ability. The Pirates post a wRC+ of only 86 against right handed pitching, and they are also in the top ten in strikeout rate. Syndergaard may be on a leash in terms of innings, but he could still provide plenty of value.
Ubaldo Jimenez (SP, BAL) - $7000
Ubaldo Jimenez looks like an amazing bargain pick for your secondary pitching slot. Jimenez has always been up and down during his career, but this seems like a good year for him. Feel free to roll with him for as long as he continues to pitch well. On the season, Jimenez has a 2.43 ERA with a 1.03 WHIP. He takes the mound against the Marlins, who have a wRC+ of only 80 against right-handed pitching. The Marlins are also in the top ten in strikeout rate. With this in mind, you can have confidence in Jimenez to come out firing against Miami’s struggling offense.
DFS Infielders to Consider for DraftKings
James McCann (C, DET) - $2800
The catcher position has become harder and harder to pick due to similar performance levels from everyone outside of the expensive Buster Posey. With this in mind, have a look at James McCann, who is batting against Collin McHugh. McCann has taken over primary catching duties since Alex Avila has been injured, and he is costing you a measly portion of your salary. McCann has a .302 average in May and just hit a walk-off home run on Thursday.
Edwin Encarnacion (1B, TOR) - $4400
Edwin Encarnacion is a risky pick for Friday’s slate of games, but you should definitely take a look at "E5" if you are entering into a larger pool on DraftKings. Encarnacion could easily provide you with home runs, but could also put up strikeouts if he fails to make contact. Encarnacion is going up against Felix Hernandez. Despite the King’s great track record, he has given up two home runs in two consecutive games. Encarnacion’s investment price is still not as steep as the other top first basemen, so he is definitely a risk worth taking.
Logan Forsythe (2B, TB) - $3100
Logan Forsythe is a dirt cheap option at second base, but has provided incredible value this season. He is riding a five-game hitting streak, and he has a .301 average with 4 home runs and 18 RBI on the year. Forsythe will be going up against Scott Kazmir, who, despite a good start to the season, has been very hittable in his last four starts. Forsythe’s ideal position in the middle of the Ray’s lineup provides him with plenty of opportunities to drive in runs.
Josh Harrison (3B, PIT) - $4100
Josh Harrison is really providing the punch that the Pirates needed to get their offense back into shape. He is 18 for his last 35 and is providing the consistent hitting he had shown last year. Harrison is even showing some pop in his bat, and he has a .255 average with 4 home runs and 11 RBI on the year. Harrison will be matched up against Noah Syndergaard. Despite the tough matchup, Harrison should be counted on to make contact and provide excellent value for your lineup.
Brad Miller (SS, SEA) - $4000
Brad Miller has been making hard contact as of late, showing off the power potential that he has. He now has four home runs in his last eight games, along with a .261 average on the year. Miller goes up against Marco Estrada, who has struggled against lefties this year. Estrada has also not lasted more than five innings in any game this year, so look for Miller to be a safe pick at the shortstop position.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for DraftKings
Ryan Braun (OF, MIL) - $4500
If you discount Bryce Harper, Ryan Braun has been the hottest outfielder in baseball. Braun seems to have really rounded back to form this year, and he has hit consecutive home runs heading into Thursday. On the year, Braun has a .263 average with 10 home runs and 28 RBI. Look for Braun to continue his great year against Alex Wood on Friday, as Wood has really struggled against right-handed batters this year.
Yasmany Tomas (OF/3B, ARI) - $3700
Tomas is still a hidden asset at the outfielder position, but he won’t be for long. Tomas is batting against Jon Lester on Friday. Despite the tough opposition, Tomas should still have himself a nice night. Heading into Friday, Tomas is carrying a six-game multi-hit streak, and he now holds a .346 average with 1 home run and 11 RBI on the year.
DFS Q&A with Max Petrie @ 6PM on 5/22
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