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 50% 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 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Linked to Ty Simpson, Willing to Trade Up for him?
Jimmy Garoppolo

Rams Not Rushing Jimmy Garoppolo to Make a Decision
Harold Fannin Jr.

Taking Part in Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Jaylen Brown

Leads All Scorers With 36 Points in Game 2
Deshaun Watson

Going First in Early Offseason Drills
VJ Edgecombe

Has Historic Outing in Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Wins Clutch Player of the Year Award
Austin Reaves

Begins Return-to-Play Protocol
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Not Expected to Play in First-Round Series
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Kevin Durant

Good to Go Tuesday
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Victor Wembanyama

Lands in Concussion Protocol, Won't Return Tuesday
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Jonathan Isaac

Unlikely to Play in Game 2
Mark Williams

Could Sit Again in Game 2
Grayson Allen

Questionable for Game 2
Jordan Goodwin

Iffy for Game 2
Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan Exiting as Bulls Head Coach
Ron Harper Jr.

Available for Game 2 Against 76ers
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Jonathan Toews

Undecided on NHL Future
Jonathan Huberdeau

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
DAL

Nathan Bastian Not Expected to Play Before Round 2
Roope Hintz

Doubtful for Game 4
Adam Henrique

Won't Play in Game 2 Against Ducks
Victor Hedman

Doubtful to Play in Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Tuesday
Dalton Kincaid

Sell Window in Dynasty Formats May Be Closing Ahead of NFL Draft
Alvin Kamara

Remains a Top Dynasty Sell Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Jordan James

Offers Sneaky Buy-Low Potential Ahead of NFL Draft
Jaylen Waddle

a Top Buy-Low Candidate Heading into First Season in Denver
Josh Downs

a Top Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Mike Evans

a Sneaky Dynasty Buy Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft?
Tyler Bass

Close to Full Health, Ready to Return to Fantasy Relevance?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
New England Patriots

Patriots Targeting Eli Stowers in the NFL Draft?
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy has Confidence in Aaron Rodgers if he Re-Signs
Daniel Jones

is Dropping Back and Passing in his Rehab
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
NFL

Jermod McCoy Could Fall in Draft Due to Long-Term Knee Concerns
NFL

Ty Simpson Could Fall Out of the First Round
Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love Could Unlock Commanders Offense
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Nnamdi Madubuike

Doctors Think Nnamdi Madubuike Can Resume his Playing Career
Kayshon Boutte

Not Present for Voluntary Workouts
Tetairoa McMillan

Working on "Power" and Weight/Muscle Gain
Ashton Jeanty

a Top Dynasty Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft?
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
Jake Sanderson

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Brock Faber

Bags Two Goals in Monday's Defeat
Wyatt Johnston

Notches Two Goals in Game 2 Win
Troy Terry

Has Special Playoffs Debut
Dan Vladar

Leads Flyers to Victory With 27-Save Shutout
Yakov Trenin

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 2
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Start of 2026-27
CJ McCollum

Shines at MSG in Game 2
Donovan Mitchell

Extends 30-Point Streak
Jakob Poeltl

Gets Benched in Second Half
Brandon Ingram

Continues to Struggle
Al Horford

Undecided on Future
Brandin Podziemski

Wants to Stay With Warriors Long-Term
Max Muncy

With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Jordan McLaughlin

Ruled Out for Game 2
Ron Harper Jr.

Probable for Game 2
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Mick Abel

Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
Brendan Donovan

Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain
Sonny Gray

Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Edwin Uceta

Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Doubtful for Game 2
Brad Keller

Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen
Roope Hintz

to Miss at Least Two More Games
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury
Ross Johnston

Won't Play in Game 1 Against Oilers
Artem Zub

Considered a Game-Time Decision Monday
Tyler Kleven

Remains Out Monday
Jason Dickinson

a Game-Time Call Monday
Leon Draisaitl

Expected to Return Monday
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Sonny Gray

Leaves Monday's Start Early With Hamstring Tightness
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF