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DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (4/15/17): MLB DFS Advice

JB's DraftKings analysis and advice. The top MLB DFS lineup picks on for 4/15/17, as well as a couple of sleepers for daily fantasy baseball rosters.

Who's ready to get rowdy? Welcome to Saturday DFS, RotoBallers. Today we have a full plate of baseball, split between a 10-game Early Slate and a five-game Main Slate. Mother Nature looks to be fairly cooperative, with only the CWS-MIN game in Minneapolis looking like a serious storm risk for the second consecutive day. There is also a few strong forecasted winds that could give our hitters a huge boost in reaching the stands such as the games in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Cincinnati. So keep that in mind when paying up for your pitchers!

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/15/17. I am not one to waste time nor insult someone's intelligence. I won't tell you that Mike Trout and Chris Sale are good plays today, because they are good plays everyday. Instead I will focus on where you can scrape up value in order to afford rostering Mike Trout and Chris Sale- whom you know are good plays today because you are an adult and have watched baseball at least once in your life. Enjoy the read and good luck out there today!

You can read our FanDuel and Yahoo DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @RowdyRotoJB

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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

Cincinnati Reds versus Zach Davies

The suprising Reds currently sit at fourth in the entire league in runs scored and team OPS. They were somewhat quieted last night by Tommy Milone so I expect a big bounceback performance tonight against Zach Davies who owns a mind boggling 10.61 ERA and 2.36 WHIP after his first two starts of 2017. Joey Votto and Adam Duvall are must-haves if you can afford the costs, but Eugenio Suarez, Zack Cozart, Scooter Gennett, and Billy Hamilton are more than affordable.

Also Consider: Chicago Cubs versus Tyler Glasnow; Seattle Mariners versus Andrew Cashner

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Justin Verlander, DET at CLE ($8,500)

Nothing about the matchup will make you warm inside considering Verlander owned a 4.88 ERA against the Indians last year and Corey Kluber is on the mound. But the Tribe are currently in a bit of a funk and sit at 22nd in the league in OPS versus RHP. It's not often you get to roster Verlander at this price, and he has the strikeout potential to provide plenty of value, even if one of the Cleveland lefties takes advantage of the forecasted 17 mph wind blowing out to rightfield. He has already accrued 14 whiffs in his first two starts of 2017. I mean he costs less than Matt Shoemaker for goodness sake. I don't feel safe enough to have him as my anchor cash pitcher today, but feel good about the ceiling for GPP contests.

 

Tanner Roark, WSH vs PHI- ($8,100)

The stars have aligned for a gem from Roark against the Phillies. In 2016 he owned a 2.72 ERA at home, a 0.79 ERA against Philly, and a 1.61 ERA for day games. It's the perfect storm. That's not even including the fact these two teams went into extra innings on Friday, meaning potential fatigue could play a role on the hitters. Roark should be rostered in all cash lineups today, and hopefully will have a low enough ownership percentage due to the top-heavy slate to warrant a SP1 spot in GPP lines as well.

Also Consider: Ervin Santana, MIN vs CWS ($7,500) *GPP-only due to weather concerns

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Welington Castillo, BAL at TOR ($3,200)

BvP lovers brace yourselves. In 26 career AB against Marco Estrada, Castillo has hit four HR and a double. That equates to a .808 SLG. He got a day off on Friday, so he should be plenty rested for this matchup. The RHB has yet to break the HR seal this year, but has hit the ball much better away from Camden Yards early on. Opposing pitcher Estrada had an ugly start last time on the mound, and has already given up three bombs and seven ER in just 11 IP in 2017.

Also Consider: Christian Vazquez, BOS vs TBR ($2,700)

 

First Base (1B)

Mitch Moreland, BOS vs TBR ($3,300)

Moreland has been a pleasant surprise offensively for the Red Sox thus far in 2017. He leads the league with eight doubles, and is slashing .324/.410/.559. Despite the good numbers, he has yet to hit a HR and only has one RBI. But a matchup with Jake Odorizzi could be the cure as the Boston studs are finally recovered from their battle with the flu. Odorizzi owned a 5.40 ERA against the Sox in 2016, and has given up three long balls in just 12 IP this year. I like Morelands chances for wrapping a line drive around Pesky Pole today, along with plenty of RBI opportunities at a low cost.

Also Consider: Jesus Aguilar, MIL at CIN ($3,400)

 

Second Base (2B)

DJ LeMahieu, COL at SFG ($3,500)

Matt Moore posted a 6.10 ERA against the Rockies in 2016, while LeMahieu hit .331/.415/.517 against LHP. We've all heard the saying "Keep It Simple Stupid." LeMahieu's ceiling away from Coors and amidst an early season slump is low enough to keep him out of GPP consideration, but the floor and price fit nicely with cash games.

Also Consider: Scooter Gennett, CIN vs MIL ($3,700)

 

Shortstop (SS)

Zack Cozart, CIN vs MIL ($3,500)

As we have seen plenty of times in the past, Cozart can go on some freakish hot streaks, and he is currently in one to begin the 2017 season. After hitting his first HR Friday, his BA now sits at an absurd .467. Despite the uno jack, he has added two doubles and two triples along with a SB. There's no reason to keep him out of your lineups until this streak has for sure died off. He is at the heart of the previously mentioned Reds stack due to the lack of value at the shortstop position today. Also Zach Davies has been terrible, absolutely terrible.

Also Consider: Trevor Story, COL at SFG ($4,000)

 

Third Base (3B)

Mike Moustakas, KC vs LAA ($3,400)

I couldn't keep Moose out of my lineups Friday due to his cheap price tag, and he repaid me with a HR. Today his price still remains too low, and he draws a matchup with Matt Shoemaker. Shoemaker struggled in away games last season, and was flat out awful against the Royals. Add in the fact that he has a 7.71 ERA and allowed three long balls through two starts in 2017 and you got yourself a great play for both GPP and cash games.

Also Consider: Eugenio Suarez, CIN vs MIL ($3,600)

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Willson Contreras, CHC vs PIT ($3,600)

It won't be often that I choose to use Contreras in the outfield this year, but with the matchup and 20 mph forecasted winds blowing to dead center, I'll certainly take a piece of that pie for this price. In his first start of 2017, Tyler Glasnow gave up five ER and walked four in just 1 2/3 IP. Yikes. His pitching coach stated that for Saturday's game he will be using a new pitch delivery, so I assume another rough outing as he searches for a new look. Contreras took the day off Friday so he should return to his usual spot in the Cubs dangerous lineup Saturday refreshed.

 

Andrew Benintendi, BOS vs TBR ($3,900)

Even though the fantasy stat line doesn't look overly sexy, Benintendo 64 has been as advertised in 2017. He has 10 hits in 38 AB, and has only struck out four times. He is certainly going to become an OBP monster, and when he faces the right pitchers, he's going to put some balls out past Pesky Pole. Jake Odorizzi is certainly the right pitcher to target. The ceiling isn't overly high here, but the floor is certainly high enough to warrant a spot in your cash lines.

 

Billy Hamilton, CIN vs MIL ($4,100)

When you find a pitcher that Billy Hamilton has strong BvP numbers against, you use him. It is rare in nature, but can lead to crazy SB output. Zach Davies will be used for this theory, as Hamilton is 4-8 against the RHP for his career and already has swiped five bases in 2017. Maybe he can double that total today. In case you have forgotten since the other times I mentioned it, Zach Davies has been very bad this season.

Also Consider: Chris Young, BOS vs TBR ($3,100); Manuel Margot, SDP at ATL ($3,500)

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kareem Hunt

Scores Twice in Monday Night Win Over Washington
George Springer

Pulled Early in Game 3 With Side Injury
Terry McLaurin

Questionable to Return in Week 8 After Aggravating Quad Injury
Baltimore Orioles

Orioles Finalizing Deal to Hire Craig Albernaz as the Next Manager
William Byron

Dominates at Martinsville and Advances to the Championship Round
Kyle Larson

Advances to the Championship Round After Top-Five Finish
Ryan Blaney

Falls Short of the Victory and Title Contention at Martinsville
Chase Elliott

Eliminated From 2025 Title Contention Despite Strong Martinsville Run
Daniel Gafford

Remains Out Versus OKC
Dereck Lively II

Out on Monday Evening
Josh Giddey

Set to Suit Up Monday
Jaylen Brown

Available Against Pelicans
William Nylander

Questionable for Tuesday
Caris LeVert

Sidelined Again on Monday
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Third Straight Game
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Expect Lamar Jackson to Play on Thursday Night
Jalen Johnson

Available Versus Chicago
Kristaps Porzingis

Back on Monday Night
Dylan Strome

Ruled Out for Tuesday
Marcus Sasser

Unavailable Monday
Zion Williamson

Ruled Out on Monday Night
Brad Marchand

Won't Play on Tuesday
Alexey Toropchenko

Returns to Blues Lineup
Jake Neighbours

Unavailable Versus Penguins
Robert Thomas

Out on Monday
Michael Carter

Cardinals Release Michael Carter on Monday
Jaxson Hayes

Sidelined Again on Monday
Carson Wentz

to Undergo Season-Ending Shoulder Surgery
Marcus Smart

Out Against Portland
Gabe Vincent

Sidelined on Monday
Chet Holmgren

Available for Monday Night Tilt
Jaylen Brown

Questionable for Monday Night
Yves Missi

Back in Action Monday Night
CFB

Behren Morton Will Start Against Kansas State
Zion Williamson

Questionable Monday vs. Celtics
Nico Collins

Trending Toward a Week 9 Return
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

to Miss Monday's Tilt
Puka Nacua

Expected to Practice Wednesday, Play in Week 9
Dereck Lively II

Doubtful for Monday's Matchup
Egor Demin

Won't Suit Up Monday
Caris LeVert

Considered Questionable on Monday
CFB

Lane Kiffin Says Money Won't Impact his Decision-Making
Tony Pollard

Reportedly Available for Trade
CFB

Arch Manning in Concussion Protocol, Misses Practice Monday
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jaguars Not Planning on Trading Brian Thomas Jr.
Justin Fields

Jets Non-Committal on Justin Fields as the Starter Going Forward
Christopher Bell

Eliminated From Championship 4 After a Too Conservative Season
Joey Logano

Lack of Championship-Caliber Speed Leads to Elimination
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Last at Martinsville
Denny Hamlin

Don't Think Denny Hamlin's Engine Failure Affects his Championship Prospects
Cam Skattebo

Out for the Season With Dislocated Ankle
Nick Schmaltz

Stretches Point Streak to Seven Games
Ciryl Gane

Fight With Tom Aspinall Ends In No-Contest
Kirill Kaprizov

Records Three Assists in Losing Effort
William Eklund

Has Three Points in Sunday's Win
Brock Boeser

Totals Three Points Sunday
Ciryl Gane

Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Ends in No-Contest
Warren Foegele

Exits Early Sunday
Ilya Mikheyev

Exits With Injury Sunday
Virna Jandiroba

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Quinn Hughes

Day-to-Day With Lower-Body Injury
Mackenzie Dern

Wins Vacant Strawweight Title
Mario Bautista

Gets Outclassed
Umar Nurmagomedov

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jailton Almeida

Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Split Decision At UFC 321
Azamat Murzakanov

Remains Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Tucker Kraft

Dominates With 143 Yards, Two Touchdowns on Sunday Night
Troy Franklin

Explodes for Two Touchdowns Against Cowboys
J.K. Dobbins

Breaks 100 Yards Again but Doesn't Find the End Zone
Bo Nix

has a Season-Best Four Passing Touchdowns
Jalen Hurts

Matches Career High With Four Touchdown Passes in Week 8
RJ Harvey

R.J. Harvey Breaks Out With Three Touchdowns in Week 8
Marvin Mims Jr.

Enters Concussion Protocol
Tua Tagovailoa

Throws Four Touchdowns in Win
Breece Hall

Records Three Touchdowns
Patrick Kane

to Remain Out on Tuesday
Spencer Rattler

Benched in Week 8
Brett Pesce

Ruled Out for Road Trip
Jason Dickinson

Expected Back on Sunday
Tyler Bertuzzi

Skips Sunday's Action
Marcus Foligno

Out Sunday
Roope Hintz

Unavailable Versus Predators
Rickard Rakell

Undergoes Hand Surgery
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher A Playable DFS option for Martinsville?
Ryan Preece

is an Intriguing DFS Option For Martinsville
Daniel Suarez

May be Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville
Austin Dillon

Is Austin Dillon Worth Rostering in DFS for Martinsville This week?
Christopher Bell

Kyle Larson Should Advance to Championship 4
Joey Logano

Don't Expect Joey Logano to Significantly Contend for Championship 4
William Byron

A DFS Must-Start Due to Lap-Leader Points
Ross Chastain

Hail Melon Nostalgia Masks Ross Chastain's Martinsville Mediocrity
Josh Berry

a Top Contender for DFS Place-Differential Points
Brad Keselowski

an Intriguing Martinsville Option
Shane Van Gisbergen

Now Competent on Ovals, but Don't Start Him Here
Kyle Busch

Qualifies Well but Probably Won't Have Staying Power
Carson Hocevar

Lack of Finesse Makes Him a Risky Martinsville Pick
Bryce Harper

Phillies Aren't Planning to Trade Bryce Harper
Bo Bichette

Starting at Second, Batting Cleanup in Game 1 of World Series
Bo Bichette

Makes World Series Roster
Ciryl Gane

Scheduled For A Title Fight
Tom Aspinall

Set for First Official Title Defense
Mackenzie Dern

Can Become The New Strawweight Champion
Virna Jandiroba

Set For UFC 321 Co-Main Event
Mario Bautista

Aims To Extend His Win Streak
MMA

Umar Numagomedov A Favorite At UFC 321
Jailton Almeida

Hopes To Get A Title Shot With A Win
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Azamat Murzakanov

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Aleksandar Rakic

In Dire Need Of Victory
CFB

Texas Tech QB Will Hammond Will Start vs. Oklahoma State Saturday
CFB

Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Out For Sunflower Showdown
CFB

Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson Will Not Play In Week 9
Zack Wheeler

Could be Ready for Opening Day in 2026
William Contreras

Could Need Finger Surgery
CFB

Utah QB Devon Dampier Listed as Questionable on Big 12 Injury Report
San Francisco Giants

Tony Vitello Named New Manager of the Giants
Francisco Lindor

has Elbow Surgery, Expected to be Ready for Spring Training
PGA

Alex Noren is a Smash Play at Bank of Utah Championship
Maverick McNealy

Look Out For Maverick McNealy This Week in Utah
Justin Lower

Unlikely to Flip The Script at Bank of Utah Championship
Stephan Jaeger

Looking for Repeat Performance in Utah
CFB

Behren Morton Will be Listed as Questionable on Wednesday
Max McGreevy

a Longer Shot to Contend in Utah
Jackson Suber

on the Bubble for the PGA in 2026
Greyson Sigg

Improving at the Right Time This Fall
Seamus Power

Hopes to Make More Birdies This Week
Patton Kizzire

May Struggle Once Again in Utah
Beau Hossler

Up and Down Heading to Bank of Utah Championship
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Find the Weekend in Utah
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Enjoying the Fall Golf Season

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP