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DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (5/21/17): MLB DFS Advice

Troy Klauder's DraftKings analysis and advice. The top MLB DFS lineup picks on for 5/21/17, as well as a couple of sleepers for daily fantasy baseball rosters.

This Sunday has a full slate of games, so it's time to build some lineups. With several different contests being offered on DraftKings, you'll have lots of different lineup options. For our purposes, the following picks have been made for contests running all day. 

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/21/17. 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 hit me up on Twitter @TroyKlauder.

Happy New Year! Save 50% on any Premium Pass using discount code NEW. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! GAIN ACCESS

 

DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Matt Cain (RHP)

Going against Giants starer Matt Cain, the Cardinals are an excellent lineup to stack on Sunday. The 32-year-old is struggling to stay afloat in the Giants rotation with a poor 17.3% K% and an even worse 10.8% BB%. Cain's 6.42 DRA displays just how bad he really is, and the Cards are looking to have a field day against him. Jedd Gyorko, who bats cleanup and has a .977 OPS, is an outstanding play at just $4,000. Matt Carpenter and Aledmys Diaz should also get in on the action, while the hot-hitting Tommy Pham is a bargain opportunity at $3,500. Any Cardinals hitter who is in the lineup on Sunday against Cain is worth your time to consider in your lineup.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Kyle Freeland (LHP)

The Reds have quietly had an explosive offense so far this season, with a .331 team wOBA on the year. Some fantasy owners may think that Rockies starter Kyle Freeland should only be targeted when he's pitching at Coors Field, but Great American Ballpark is an outstanding offensive environment as well. Freeland has been pretty awful if you dive into his peripherals, as he's got a 14.7% K% and an 11.2% BB%. Leading off for the Reds, Billy Hamilton has a shot at a terrific day, as well as Adam Duvall and Zack Cozart. As usual, Joey Votto makes for a top elite play, and Devin Mesoraco at $3,000 is a great catcher option. Since he's got a 3.13 ERA and is on the road, many fantasy players will avoid targeting Freeland, making him a superb contrarian target.


DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Aaron Nola, PHI @ PIT - $8,300

Aaron Nola is making his return from the disabled list on Sunday to face the Pirates, and he comes at a great value on DraftKings. Nola's 4.50 ERA through his three starts isn't great, but his 21.7% K% shows the potential he has. Nola's 3.10 FIP is far more indicative of his true talent level, as Nola is a fantastic pitcher when he's healthy. It's always risky to start a guy in his first time out coming off of the disabled list, but after a successful rehab start, he should be able to make it through a full workload. He gets one of the best matchups you can ask for in the Pirates, who are 28th in wOBA against right-handers with their .291 wOBA, and are without Gregory Polanco. The start is also at PNC Park, a great spot for pitchers. For this low of a price, you can't miss out on Nola.

Zack Godley, ARI @ SD - $7,800

Diamondbacks starter Zack Godley has come out of nowhere to pitch quite well this season, putting up a 1.93 ERA in his three starts with an impressive 26.4% K%. His success should continue against the Padres, a team with a .295 wOBA versus righties, putting them at 26th in the league. After three home starts in one of the toughest parks in the league on pitchers, Godley finally gets to enjoy a road trip to Petco Park, where pitchers flourish. As it's only been three starts, DraftKings has yet to catch up on Godley's price, keeping him at just $7,800, which is incredible value for how he's pitched this year and who he will be facing on Sunday. Take advantage!

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

J.T. Realmuto, MIA @ LAD - $3,400

He's not a very exciting play, but Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is a nice option at catcher on Sunday against Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy has gotten bombed in his last two starts, giving up 10 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings. Realmuto has an above-average 110 wRC+, which is especially impressive for a catcher. He's got one of the highest floors you can ask for out of a catcher and comes in at a cheap price, so consider him in your lineups.

First Base (1B)

Eric Hosmer, KC @ MIN - $3,800

Eric Hosmer enters Sunday scorching hot, with a 1.005 OPS in his last 15 games. He's made some real improvements this year, cutting his K% down to 13.8% and upping his OBP to a strong .362. Hosmer gets a cakewalk of a matchup on Sunday against Phil Hughes, who has a 5.23 ERA. Even with these factors, Hosmer's still coming in at an inexpensive $3,800.

Second Base (2B)

Jose Ramirez, CLE @ HOU - $3,800

In contrast to Hosmer, Jose Ramirez is coming into Sunday's game mired in a deep slump. However, even with his poor performance in the last few weeks, Ramirez still has remarkably good numbers on the season, with a 129 wRC+ that's actually an improvement over his 2016 season. Ramirez's bat falling ice cold might actually be a good thing for fantasy owners, as his depressed price makes him a wonderful player to target. He gets to face Joe Musgrove of the Astros, who has struggled mightily with his 4.57 ERA. Buy low on Ramirez and enjoy the benefits when he turns it back on.

Shortstop (SS)

Elvis Andrus, TEX @ DET - $3,700

While it's been a pretty normal season for Elvis Andrus from a "real-life" standpoint, the Rangers shortstop is having a standout fantasy season with five homers and seven steals. Andrus has hit lefties much better than righties throughout his career, and he gets his guy in Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd, a lefty with a 5.18 ERA this season. Andrus normally bats third against left-handers and should have a productive day on Sunday.

Third Base (3B)

Eduardo Nunez, SF @ STL - $3,700

Eduardo Nunez has been running wild in the last week with four steals, and going berserk at the plate with a 1.105 OPS. He faces off against the washed-up Adam Wainwright on Sunday, a 35-year-old with a 5.31 ERA. Since his price has yet to adjust on DraftKings, Nunez is a great play at $3,700.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Keon Broxton, MIL @ CHC - $3,500

Keon Broxton has been lit over the past two weeks, posting an .865 OPS with two homers and four steals. Sure, Jake Arrieta is a bit of a scary matchup, but that's just going to scare off other fantasy players. Arrieta has a 5.44 ERA and it wouldn't be surprising to see his struggles continue against a tough Brewers lineup. Grab Neon Keon for some power/speed upside in your lineups.

Steven Souza Jr., TB vs. NYY - $3,600

If any hitter needs to break out of a slump, facing CC Sabathia is always a great remedy. Souza still has good numbers on the year, with a 122 wRC+, and he has more than doubled his walk rate to 13.3%. Sabathia, his opposition, has a 4.93 ERA, and shouldn't be much trouble for Souza. Earlier in the year, it would have been hard to imagine Souza being this cheap, so cash in while you can.

Melky Cabrera, CHW @ SEA - $3,800

Batting out of the White Sox two-hole, Melky Cabrera is a quality play on Sunday against Mariners starter Chase De Jong. De Jong has been absolute garbage in his 24 1/3 major league innings, posting a 7.40 ERA with as many walks as he has strikeouts. Melk-man will get lots of run and RBI opportunities out of the second spot in the Chicago lineup.

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Alex Bregman

Cubs Sign Alex Bregman to Five-Year, $175 Millon Contract
Chet Holmgren

Available Sunday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Suspended for Three Games for Attempting to Strike Another Player
Kristaps Porzingis

May Return Sunday
Zaccharie Risacher

to Miss Second Consecutive Game Sunday
Kevin Porter Jr.

Considered Probable for Sunday
Aaron Gordon

Likely to Play Sunday
Christian Braun

Considered Probable for Sunday
Spencer Jones

May Miss Another Game Sunday
Jamal Murray

Iffy for Sunday's Action
Josh Hart

Tagged as Questionable for Sunday
Ja Morant

Out Sunday
Michael Porter Jr.

Resting on Sunday
RJ Barrett

Unavailable Sunday
Brandon Ingram

Could Remain Out Sunday
Scottie Barnes

Uncertain for Sunday
Joel Embiid

Questionable to Play Sunday
Tidjane Salaün

Tidjane Salaun Available Versus Jazz
Grant Williams

Ready for Season Debut
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

off the Injury Report for Sunday
Kevin Huerter

Active on Saturday Night
Jalen Smith

Back for Bulls Saturday
Chandler Stephenson

Jaden Schwartz Replaces Chandler Stephenson in Kraken Lineup
Brandon Saad

Won't Play This Weekend
Shea Theodore

Returns to Golden Knights Lineup Saturday
Jaccob Slavin

Returns Against Kraken
Travis Konecny

Ruled Out Saturday
Brad Marchand

Misses Saturday's Game
Corey Perry

Available Saturday
William Nylander

Returns From Six-Game Absence
Mark Scheifele

Scores Twice as Jets End Skid
John Carlson

Records Two Assists Friday
Karel Vejmelka

Picks Up Win No. 20
Clayton Keller

Dishes Out Three Assists Friday
Jamie Benn

to Remain Out Saturday
Ilya Mikheyev

Expected to Play Saturday
Alexander Kerfoot

Sustains Upper-Body Injury Friday
John Klingberg

Could Return Sunday
Noah Laba

Could Return Saturday
Travis Konecny

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Kevin Stenlund

Available Friday
Anze Kopitar

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Aliaksei Protas

Back in Action Friday
Max Kepler

Receives 80-Game PED Suspension
CFB

Cam Coleman Visiting Alabama on Friday
Omarion Hampton

Expects to Play Sunday Night
CFB

Eric Singleton Jr. Enters Transfer Portal, Trending to Land at Florida
CFB

NCAA Denies Trinidad Chambliss a Sixth Year of Eligibility
Omarion Hampton

Questionable for Wild-Card Weekend
Kyle Tucker

Mets Remain in Mix for Kyle Tucker
Ketel Marte

Will Remain With Diamondbacks
Rashee Rice

to be Reviewed Under League's Conduct Policy
Daniel Jones

Colts Plan to Re-Sign Daniel Jones
Davante Adams

Off the Injury Report, Will Play Against Carolina
Bo Bichette

Phillies to Meet With Bo Bichette
Rome Odunze

Will Return for Wild-Card Game on Saturday
CFB

DJ Lagway Commits to Baylor
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Fire Head Coach Mike McDaniel
Sam LaPorta

Plans to be Back for Training Camp
Owen Caissie

Shipped to Miami as Centerpiece of Trade
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Officially Acquire Edward Cabrera From Marlins
Rome Odunze

Plans to Play on Saturday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Finalizing Deal to Acquire Edward Cabrera From Marlins
New York Giants

Giants "All-In" on Hiring John Harbaugh
CFB

Jackson Arnold Signs with UNLV
CFB

Sam Leavitt Scheduled to Visit Tennessee
New York Giants

John Harbaugh Expected to be Favorite to Become New Giants Head Coach
Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh Won't Return as Ravens Head Coach
Bo Bichette

Unlikely to Return to Toronto?
Jordan Love

Ready to Start in Wild-Card Game Against Bears
CFB

Jadan Baugh Staying with Florida for Junior Season
Washington Commanders

Commanders "Mutually" Parting Ways With OC Kliff Kingsbury
CFB

Byrum Brown Officially Commits to Auburn
CFB

Austin Simmons Signing with Missouri
CFB

Ty Simpson Undecided on 2026 Plans
CFB

Quarterback AJ Hill Following Ryan Silverfield to Arkansas
Atlanta Falcons

Falcons Have Requested an Interview With Klint Kubiak
Deshaun Watson

Browns Expect Deshaun Watson to be on the Team Next Year
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dealing With Fractured Ribs
Cam Skattebo

Hopes to be Back by Training Camp
Cameron Ward

Won't Need Surgery on his Shoulder
Davante Adams

Rams Expect Davante Adams to Return in Wild-Card Round
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Fire Head Coach Jonathan Gannon
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Will Return to Ole Miss If Granted Sixth Year of Eligibility

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