RADIO
After getting a little taste of the new Major League Baseball season on Sunday, things really kicked off on Monday with 12 games. DraftKings will have several slates to participate in since many of the games are in the afternoon. There are obviously no current stats to look at when evaluating fantasy targets for Monday, but there are plenty of stats from last season and spring training performances to analyze.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 4/3/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on FanDuel.
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
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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Kevin Gausman (RHP)
The Blue Jays pounded Gausman last year to the tune of 21 hits and 14 runs in just 15.1 innings. Current Toronto hitters have fared well in their careers against the right-hander, posting a combined lifetime average of .326 with five homers. Righties hit .288 against Gausman last year, so guys like Josh Donaldson, Kevin Pillar, and Troy Tulowitzki -- who have all had lifetime success against him -- should be in play Monday.
Boston Red Sox vs. Gerrit Cole (RHP)
The Red Sox enter the 2017 season with one of the most potent lineups in all of baseball. Just like last year, they will be a popular lineup stack on most nights. Monday presents a good opportunity to get of on the right foot for the Boston offense. Opposing pitcher Gerrit Cole struggled on the road last year and was hit hard by left-handers. It won't be cheap, but fit as many Red Sox in the lineup as possible, especially the lefties.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings
Noah Syndergaard, ATL vs. NYM - $11,600
This one will cost you, but on a day where several aces are in action, you can't fade all of them. Thor has perhaps the best matchup of the group. The Atlanta Braves finished 2016 as one of the worst offenses in the league. Don't be scared by the fact that Syndergaard was shelled by the Braves in his one start against them last year. He seems poised for a big year in 2017, and Monday could be the start of that.
Ervin Santana, MIN vs. KC- $7,100
There's a lot of high-priced pitchers available Monday so you're going to have to find value somewhere. Don't overlook Ervin Santana. Not only does he come on the cheap, but he'll likely carry a low ownership number. Santana struggled both at Target Field and against Kansas City last season, but he's looked good throughout the spring. Current Kansas City hitters have a lifetime average of .245 against him, so Santana makes for a decent sleeper target Monday.
DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Matt Wieters, WSH vs. MIA - $3,200
Catcher is a position on Monday where you can find some great value to offset some of the more expensive players elsewhere. Matt Wieters will take the field for the first time with his new team. He's yet to meet the high expectations that followed him to the majors, but the potential is still there. Winters is 2-for-6 with two doubles lifetime against opposing starter Edison Volquez. The switch-hitter was better against righties last season, with 14 of his 17 home runs coming while hitting from the left side of the plate.
First Base (1B)
Adrian Gonzalez, LAD vs. SD - $3,800
Gonzalez may not put up eye-popping numbers, but he's a very consistent hitter who can still provide some great value in daily fantasy formats. He's hit .333 lifetime against Mondays starter, Jhoulys Chacin, with a home run and four RBI. With several options, Gonzalez may be easily overlooked -- making him even more valuable for tournament play.
Second Base (2B)
Ian Kinsler, DET vs. CHW - $4,200
Ian Kinsler has been one of the most reliable hitters over the last few years. He can contribute in several fantasy categories and is usually a smart pick for daily lineups. He will be one of the most expensive second basemen available for Monday's slate, but he's well worth the price. In 46 lifetime at-bats against opposing starter Jose Quintana he's posted an average of .304.
Shortstop (SS)
Trea Turner, WAS vs. MIA - $4,900
Washington's Trea Turner possesses a rare combination of both power and speed. Aside from racking up fantasy points at the plate, Turner is a threat to steal a base each time he gets on. He's an expensive option at shortstop, but his ability and potential make him well worth the price. Big things are expected of Turner in 2017, so grab him for you lineup Monday and watch the points role in. Turner is even more valuable in daily lineups when you consider the fact that he can slot in at either shortstop or as an outfielder.
Third Base (3B)
Justin Turner, LAD vs. SD - $3,500
Turner put up some career numbers last season and has followed that up with a strong showing over the spring. He carries a lot more value than many of the players priced above him after averaging eight fantasy points a game in 2016. He has two hits in seven lifetime at-bats against opposing starter Jhoulys Chacin and makes for an excellent sleeper choice at third base Monday.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings
Andrew Benintendi, BOS vs. PIT - $3,700
The talented youngster could be a popular pick Monday, but you'll want to take advantage of him while his price tag is still relatively low. Hitting in a top-three spot in a very potent Boston lineup will only add to his value. He's got the ability to rack up points in several categories on a daily basis and averaged 6.6 points on DraftKings a year ago. He'll start the season with a very good matchup against righty Gerrit Cole. In 77 at-bats against right-handers a year ago Benintendi hit .338 with two homers and 12 RBI. Teammate Jackie Bradley Jr. is also a good option in the outfield Monday, but Benintendi presents more value due to his lower price tag.
Keon Broxton, MIL vs. COL- $3,900
After being one of the top hitters in the Cactus League this spring, Keon Broxton will look to keep it rolling in the regular season. He's an attractive target in daily formats Monday, as he averaged six points a game last year and sports a sub-$4,000 price tag. Broxton is hitless in three at-batas against opposing starter Jon Gray, but don't let that scare you away. He could be a popular pick after his strong spring, but it'll be tough to beat the value.
Justin Upton, DET vs. CHW - $4,000
Justin Upton showed his power with the Detroit Tigers last season by blasting 31 home runs. His power is very valuable in daily formats, though he doesn't hit for average, so there will be some risks of getting shut out on certain days. However, don't overlook him Monday. He's hit .357 lifetime off of Jose Quintana with a homer and five RBI. He fared well at U.S. Cellular Field last year, hitting .282 with three home runs.
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