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DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (4/1/18): MLB DFS Lineups

The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on April 1, 2018. Elliott Baas' MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.

Today is an odd Sunday schedule, since only eight games are on the main slate at DraftKings. Normally, all teams will be in play on Sunday, but due to travel days we're working with a truncated slate. That means we need to get a little creative, as there is no obvious stack today.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 04/01/2018. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me on Twitter @ElliottBaasBB

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DraftKings DFS Pitchers

Jose Quintana - vs. MIA, $11,700

Don’t let Quintana’s 4.15 ERA last season fool you, he was the same rock solid pitcher last year that he’s always been. His 3.68 FIP and 71.4% strand rate suggest that his ERA was a little inflated in 2017. He also posted a career high 26.2% strikeout rate, a big jump from his career 20.9% mark. Quintana faces a depleted Marlins lineup who’s most fearsome hitter, Justin Bour, has a career .292 wOBA against lefties. Matchups don’t get much easier than this. Another plus for Quintana is his ability to go deep into games. With all the quick hooks we’ve seen early in the season Quintana has the longevity we need in DFS. Plus the Cubs’ bullpen has been used heavily over the first couple days of the season because of Jon Lester’s short start and a 17 inning game on Friday, so they'll need some innings from Quintana.

Michael Fulmer - vs. PIT, $7,800

Fulmer compliments Quintana nicely as a number two against Pittsburgh. In 2017, the Pirates posted a .303 wOBA and 85 wRC+ against right handed pitching as a team. That was third worst in the majors ahead of just the Giants and the Padres, and they no longer have Andrew McCutchen. Fulmer doesn’t have big strikeout upside, with just a career 6.84 K/9, but he does keep the ball in the yard with a career 0.81 HR/9 and limit walks with a career 2.28 BB/9. Fulmer is also a good bet to notch a quality start, he delivered 18 of them in 25 starts last season. With the Tigers scheduled for a double header Sunday they’d love Fulmer to give them innings.

 

DraftKings DFS Infielders

Wilson Ramos – C, vs BOS, $2,700

Ramos didn’t miss a beat last season coming off a torn ACL and switching leagues. His .188 ISO in 2017 was nearly identical to his .189 ISO during his breakout 2016 before the injury. He also slugged 11 home runs in 224 plate appearances in Tampa. He’ll be going against Hector Velazquez, who posted a suspiciously low 2.92 ERA last season in 24.2 innings despite several red flags. Velazquez had a 4.58 FIP, .258 BABIP, 1.46 HR/9, and 89.3% strand rate behind that ERA. Velazquez is a vulnerable pitcher and Ramos’ price is too good to pass up.

Justin Smoak – 1B vs NYY, $3,500

Smoak will be facing Yankees righty Sonny Gray on Sunday. Despite a 2017 bounce back from a disastrous 2016, Gray was susceptible to the long ball after going from Oakland to the Bronx. In pinstripes Gray surrendered 11 of his 19 home runs allowed in just two months, good for 1.5 HR/9. Gray also post an ugly 4.87 FIP as a Yankee, and his performance was aided by a .246 BABIP. On the flipside the switch-hitting Smoak clobbered 31 of his 38 homers against righties in 2017 with a .266 ISO and .359 wOBA. Gray’s performance and reputation push Smoak’s price down, but this is a power bat against a homer prone pitcher.

Whit Merrifield – 2B vs CWS, $4,100

In his short career Merrifield has displayed a set of skills that allow him to contribute in multiple ways. His speed and 16.5% strikeout rate make him a good bet to get hits, his .172 ISO last year shows he’s got a little pop, and his 34 steals last year lead the American League. He’s facing 24-year-old Reynaldo Lopez on Sunday, and while Lopez could become a good pitcher someday hasn’t shown any signs of his ability at the major league level. In 47.2 innings last season Lopez had a 4.72 ERA, 4.75 FIP, and 1.32 HR/9. He also had a measly 5.66 K/9 in 2017. Putting a good contact hitter like Merrifield against a pitcher that can’t get strikeouts like Lopez is a recipe for hits.

Kris Bryant – 3B vs MIA, $5,400

Bryant is worth paying up for against Marlins lefty Dillon Peters. Bryant demolishes lefties, with a career .405 wOBa and .263 ISO against southpaws. Peters struggled in his first taste of the big leagues, with a 5.17 ERA, 4.69 FIP, and horrendous 5.46 BB/9. Bryant is the pricey bat to make room for today, we just need to hope that Peters can get it over the plate.

Paul DeJong – SS vs NYM, $3,400

Opposing pitcher Steven Matz is priced surprisingly high at $8,200 given his poor 2017. Last year he had a 6.08 ERA, 5.05 FIP, and 1.62 HR/9 in 66.2 innings. Of course some of his bad performance was injury related, as Matz has shown better performance in the past, but his high price makes Cardinals hitters affordable against the disabled list regular. Paul DeJong raked against lefties in his breakout 2017, with a .313 ISO, .952 OPS, and .392 wOBA against left-handed pitching last year. Even if Steven Matz is fully healthy, those numbers put DeJong in play against any lefty at this price.

 

DraftKings DFS Outfielders

Marcell Ozuna – OF vs NYM, $3,700

This is another Cardinal bat that’s underpriced against Matz. It’s not that Matz is a bad pitcher that needs to be targeted, but Cardinals hitters are priced very favorably against him. Ozuna has been excellent against lefties throughout his career, with a .356 wOBA and .835 OPS against them. He displayed a legitimate power breakout last season with a .237 ISO and 37 home runs, and is more than reasonable at $3,700.

J.D. Martinez – OF vs TB, $4,400

Martinez doesn’t get enough credit for how good his 2017 season was. Last season his .387 ISO was higher than both Aaron Judge (.343) and Giancarlo Stanton (.350). He also hit 45 home runs in 489 plate appearances, giving him a better HR/PA than Judge and Stanton too. Martinez has as much power as anyone, which makes him a great deal at this price. Opposing starter Jacob Faria had a nice 2017 with a 3.43 ERA, but his 4.12 FIP and 1.14 HR/9 make him susceptible enough for Martinez to take advantage.

Kevin Kiermaier – OF vs TB, $3,300

We need to target Hector Velazquez one more time, and Kiermaier makes for a good play. His overall numbers get dragged down because he never sits against lefties, but Kiermaier takes advantage of righties. Over his career Kiermaier has a .337 wOBA and .188 ISO against right-handed pitching. Kiermaier bats high in the order and has the ability to contribute with his bat and his legs. At $3,300 he makes for a great play against Velazquez.

 

MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF