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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (4/21/17): MLB DFS Advice

There are no afternoon games Friday, meaning it's a normal evening slate of games on DraftKings. With 15 games on the docket, there will be plenty of options to choose from. While some expensive pitching targets exist for Friday, the key will be to find value on the mound in order to afford some big-time hitters. 

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/21/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.

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 @barryleonardjr.

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

 

DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

Cleveland Indians vs. Jose Quintana (LHP)

The Tribe hitters get a very favorable matchup Friday with Jose Quintana. The Chicago southpaw has really struggled to start the season, posting a record of 0-3 and an ERA of 6.75. He's given up five runs in two of his first three starts. Current Cleveland batters have a lifetime average of .280 against him, with Michael Brantley collecting 13 hits, a homer, and six RBI in 27 at-bats. Righties have been very successful against Quintana this year, so don't be afraid to deploy guys like Francisco Lindor, Edwin Encarnacion.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Adam Wainwright (RHP)

Wainwright is 0-3 to start the year and has given up a total of nine runs in his last two starts. Friday's task won't be easy, as he'll be going up against the hard-hitting Brewers. Milwaukee is one of the top offensive teams in the league and makes for a great lineup stack. Lefties have crushed Wainwright to the tune of .455 this year, so Travis Shaw and Eric Thames could be in for big games.

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Jeremy Hellickson - vs. Atlanta Braves, $7,300 

Hellickson has started the new season with a record of 2-0 and an ERA of just 1.59. He has pitched in three games against two tough lineups -- Washington and Cincinnati -- and has looked sharp. He won't overwhelm opponents with strikeouts, but his ability to get outs is very valuable for fantasy lineups. With current Atlanta hitters carrying a combined average of .237 against him, Hellickson is in a good spot Friday.

Wily Peralta vs. St. Louis Cardinals, $5,700

This one could be a bit of a sleeper, but the St. Louis lineup hasn't been as dangerous this year as it has been in the past. Peralta has been flying under the fantasy radar a bit this year, but he's 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA. Don't let the fact that he went 0-2 against the Cardinals last year scare you away, he's pitching on a team that's been on of the best offenses to start the year.

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

Buster Posey - SF at COL, $5,100

If you take the above advice and go the cheap pitcher route you'll have some extra cap space for some big hitters. Buster Posey's price tag is higher than normal Friday thanks to the Coors Field effect. Despite missing time with a concussion earlier this year, Posey is off to a good start -- hitting .367 for the year and .444 over the last week. He's just 2-for-18 in his career against opposing starter Tyler Chatwood, but don't shy away. Posey is hitting well and racked up an average of .360 with two home runs and seven RBI at Coors last season.

First Base (1B)

Anthony Rizzo - CHC at CIN, $5,300

Rizzo has been smoking hot lately and is currently riding a nine-game hit streak. He is hitting .400 over the last week and has three straight games with at least 10 points on DraftKings. He has just six career at-bats against opposing pitcher Tim Adleman, but he's got four hits, including a double. Rizzo had six home runs in 40 at-bats at Great American Ballpark a year ago, so that bodes well for his chances Friday.

Second Base (2B)

Jose Ramirez - CLE at CHW, $3,700

Ramirez had a six-game hit streak end on Thursday, but he still enters Friday with a batting average of .345 with four homers and 16 RBI. He's really been hot recently, batting over .500 in the last week. He gets a good matchup with Jose Quintana Friday, as he has a lifetime average of .375 (9-for-24) against him.

Shortstop (SS)

Francisco Lindor - CLE at CHW , $3,900

Lindor went hitless Thursday, but he's still hitting .328 for the year and .370 over the past seven days. He continues to be the best available shortstop from a daily fantasy perspective and is averaging over 11 points a game on DraftKings. He can hit for both power and average, making him a must-start on most days.

Third Base (3B)

Nolan Arenado - COL vs. SF, $5,300

This one will cost you, but it's not wise to fade Nolan Arenado at home, particularly with him on a hot streak. The Colorado slugger is hitting .356 this year with six home runs, including that two that he hit against the Dodgers Tuesday. Arenado has three multi-hit games in his last four contests and is batting .435 over the last seven days. He does face a bit of a tough matchup with Johnny Cueto Friday, but his recent stretch and history at Coors Field should outweigh that. Arenado has been a daily fantasy stud and is a must-start, especially at home.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

 Ryan Braun - MIL vs. STL, $5,000

Braun has turned back the clock a bit to start this season and is hitting over .300 with five home runs. He has two career home runs in his career against Adam Wainwright. Braun could be a savvy pick Friday, as many could stay away from his .213 lifetime average against the St. Louis right-hander and his low average against righties this season. Still, Braun has been hitting well and has been a very reliable source of fantasy points with an average of near 11 a game. 

Charlie Blackmon - COL vs SF, $5,100

Blackmon has struggled this year, particularly over the last week, hitting just .208. However, when hitting at Coors Field, his average is .348 with two home runs. He has also been good in the past against Johnny Cueto, hitting .300 (9-for-30). It's always wise to deploy some Rockies when they are home. Carlos Gonzalez would be the better choice here, but he's dealing with an injury, so go with Blackmon.

Steven Souza Jr. - TB vs HOU, $3,500

Steven Souza Jr. had a huge day Thursday, going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. The outfielder is hitting .349 for the season and slugging .603. He has hit .308 over the last week and enters Friday with 11 hits over the last seven games. Despite being a right-handed batter, Souza has torched righties this year with a .341 average and two home runs.

 

DFS Hitters to Avoid on DraftKings

Anthony Rendon - WAS at NYM, $3,500

Yes, Rendon has heated up lately, hitting .348 over the last weekbut he faces a very difficult matchup with New York's Jacob deGrom on Friday. In 10 at-bats against him Rendon is hitless and has three strikeouts. While that's a small sample size, there's also the fact that Rendon is hitting barley over .200 against righties this season, and deGrom has limited right-handed hitters to a .212 average.

Trevor Story - COL vs. SF, $4,900

Trevor Story is priced among the most expensive shortstops available on Friday, but he's not worth the price. Sure, the thought of him hitting at Coors Field is enticing, but not when you realize how badly he's struggled this year. Story is hitting just .135 this year and has already struck out 25 times. Also, in his brief career against Johnny Cueto he's just 3-for-12.

 

MLB News & Injury Alerts

 

Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass

Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $49.99.

That's over 200 days of Premium DFS, delivered every single day:

  • DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel, DraftKings and Yahoo - seven days a week
  • Six expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, Yahoo and Stacks of the Day - seven days a week
  • Top DFS value plays, avoids and injury updates - seven days a week
  • Lineup tools: daily premium hitter and pitcher matchup ratings

Sign Up Now!

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

NFL

First Round of NFL Draft Could Feature Plenty of Trades
Max Muncy

has Another Multi-Homer Game at Coors Field
Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Expected to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Austin Riley

Hits Two Home Runs in Shutout Win Over Phillies
Daulton Varsho

Removed Early on Friday With Knee Discomfort
Rashawn Slater

Joe Alt Expected to Participate in Offseason Program
Aaron Gordon

Available for Game 1 Against Timberwolves
Julius Randle

Cleared for Playoffs
Jaxson Hayes

Available Saturday Night
Grayson Allen

Will Play Against Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis

Cleared for Friday's Game
Kevin Durant

Iffy for Saturday's Game 1
Mark Williams

Won't Play Friday Night
Spencer Jones

is Questionable for Game 1 on Saturday
Peyton Watson

is Ruled Out for Game 1 on Saturday
Edwin Uceta

Having More Shoulder Issues, "Shut Down for a Few Days"
Moussa Diabaté

Moussa Diabate is Available on Friday
Ayo Dosunmu

is Available for Saturday's Game
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Saturday's Action
Jonathan Isaac

Remains Out Friday
NFL

Jeremiyah Love Considered the Top Overall Talent in 2026 NFL Draft?
Jarrett Allen

Removed From Injury Report Ahead of Playoffs
Donovan Mitchell

Good to Go for Playoff Opener
Mitchell Robinson

Ready for Game 1 Against Hawks
OG Anunoby

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Brunson

Available for Game 1 Saturday
Thomas Bryant

Won't Play Saturday
Immanuel Quickley

Questionable for Game 1
Kristaps Porzingis

Expected to Play Friday
Aaron Jones Sr.

Role in Minnesota Could Continue to Decrease in 2026
Romeo Doubs

Appears Poised for Larger Role in New England
Isiah Pacheco

Is Isiah Pacheco a Worthy Buy-Low Target for Dynasty Managers?
Rico Dowdle

Will Rico Dowdle Emerge as the Clear RB1 in Pittsburgh?
Rashid Shaheed

Can Rashid Shaheed Establish a Higher-Volume Role in Seattle in 2026?
Marcus Mariota

Set for Backup Role in 2026
Josh Hader

Moved to 60-Day Injured List
Ruke Orhorhoro

Jaguars Acquire Ruke Orhorhoro From the Falcons
NFL

Jordyn Tyson Could Come Off the Board as Early as Fifth Overall
Willson Contreras

Returns to Red Sox Lineup on Friday
Daniel Palencia

Goes on 15-Day Injured List With Oblique Strain
Jacoby Brissett

Sitting Out Offseason Workouts, Asking for Extension
Will Anderson Jr.

Texans Agree to Three-Year Extension With Will Anderson Jr.
Juan Soto

Still on Track to Return Next Week
Los Angeles Angels

Garret Anderson Dies at 53 Years Old
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers Not Expected to Take a QB at No. 21 Overall in the Draft
NFL

Jordyn Tyson's Friday Workout to be Heavily Attended
Quentin Johnston

Chargers Shut Down Trade Rumors Surrounding Quentin Johnston
Najee Harris

a Name to Remember After the NFL Draft
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
NFL

Malachi Fields Could Provide More Value to NFL Team Than Fantasy Managers
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Travis Etienne Jr.

Entering a Second Dynasty Peak
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Tyler Allgeier

Familiarity with System Could Give Him an Early Edge
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Kenneth Gainwell

Should Carve Out Meaningful Role with Buccaneers
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
Robert Thomas

Wraps Up Season With a Hat Trick
Macklin Celebrini

Establishes Sharks' New Scoring Record
Scott Wedgewood

Keeps Kraken From Scoring Thursday
Nathan MacKinnon

Wins Rocket Richard Trophy With 53 Goals
Connor McDavid

Secures Sixth Art Ross Trophy With Four-Assist Performance
Connor Dewar

Ready for Game 1
Nikita Grebenkin

Unavailable at Start of Playoffs
Parker Messick

Flirts With No-Hitter in Latest Gem Against Orioles
Mike Trout

Hits Five Homers in Series Versus Yankees
CGY

Arsenii Sergeev to Make NHL Debut Thursday
Aleksander Barkov

Cleared for World Championship
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Dealing With Fractured Hand
Zach Whitecloud

Ready to Rock Thursday
Matt Coronato

Available Against Kings
Josh Manson

Expected to Return for Postseason
Nathan MacKinnon

Martin Necas Sit Out Regular-Season Finale
Spencer Arrighetti

Fans 10 in Season Debut, to Remain a Focal Point in Rotation?
Nick Pivetta

Dealing With Flexor Strain, Could Miss Months
Nico Hoerner

Homers, Drive in Five in Win Over Phillies
Shota Imanaga

Strikes Out 11 in First Win of the Season
Sal Stewart

Continues to Hit, Goes Deep Twice on Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Strikes Out 10 in Win Over Mets
Connor Bedard

Has Two Assists in Season Finale
Claude Giroux

Sends Out Two Assists in Battle of Ontario Win
Tye Kartye

Registers First Career Three-Point Game
Owen Power

Records Two Assists Wednesday
Esa Lindell

Tallies Two Points in Regular-Season Finale
Reilly Smith

Produces Three-Point Performance Wednesday
Shane Wright

Returns With a Goal Wednesday
Shohei Ohtani

Will Pitch on Wednesday, But Won't DH
Nick Pivetta

Confident he'll Pitch Again This Year
Trevor Story

Carries Red Sox With Five RBI on Wednesday
CFB

Michigan Lands Commitment From Quarterback Kamden Lopati
Sahith Theegala

Brings Strong Form Into Harbour Town
Wyndham Clark

Needs Putter to Show Up at RBC Heritage
Jacob Bridgeman

Looks to Return to Elite Form at Harbour Town
J.J. Spaun

a Volatile Option at RBC Heritage
PGA

Sungjae Im Offers High-Upside Value at RBC Heritage
Matt Fitzpatrick

Set for Another Strong Showing at RBC Heritage
Jason Day

Eyes Bounce-Back After Sunday Struggles at the Masters
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Rebound at Harbour Town
Cameron Young

Hoping to Secure Second Win of Season at RBC Heritage
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Again at RBC Heritage
Shane Lowry

Has Disappointing Final Round at Masters
Viktor Hovland

Hoping to Build on Final Round at Masters
Brian Harman

Struggling For Consistency Heading to RBC Heritage
Chris Gotterup

Putting Together Outstanding 2026 Season
Justin Thomas

Looks to Defend in Hilton Head
Jordan Spieth

in Search of Improved Putting at RBC Heritage
Marco Penge

May Continue Up-and-Down Ride at the RBC Heritage
Xander Schauffele

Could Get The Job Done at RBC Heritage
Jake Knapp

Keeps Building Strong Results in 2026
Kurt Kitayama

Trying to Regain Form From Florida
Collin Morikawa

Continues to be a Scary DFS Play at RBC Heritage
CFB

Tramell Jones Jr. Outperforms Aaron Philo During Florida's Spring Scrimmage
CFB

Keelon Russell Flashes in Alabama's Spring Game
Ty Gibbs

Holds off the Field for His First Cup Series Victory at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Earns His First Runner-Up Finish at Bristol
Kyle Larson

Dominant Performance At Bristol Falls Short of Victory
Tyler Reddick

Matches his Career-Best Finish at Bristol
Alex Bowman

Crashes Early at Bristol in Return From Injury
Carlos Ulberg

Is The New Light Heavyweight Champion
Jiří Procházka

Jiri Prochazka Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Azamat Murzakanov

Suffers His First Loss
Paulo Costa

Wins Back-to-Back Fights
Curtis Blaydes

Drops Decision At UFC 327
Josh Hokit

Remains Unbeaten
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar A Worthy DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be A Solid DFS Option for Bristol Lineups?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF