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FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (4/14/17): MLB DFS Advice

Happy Friday to us, my fellow Rotoballers. Let's kick this weekend off right, and by "right," I mean above the cash-line. On deck for today we have a 15 game slate. There is an Early Only contest with two games, starting at 2:20 Eastern, as well as the All Day contests starting then as well. The Main contest begins at 7:05 EDT, with 26 teams taking the field then or shortly thereafter.

Before we get into the players and their respective matchups, let's see if there are any insights we can gather from the early lines Vegas has posted. The teams with the highest projected run totals - which can be a big help when looking at which teams to stack or which pitchers to fade - are the Reds (5.2), the Nationals (4.8), the Twins (4.8), the Red Sox (4.7) the Royals (4.7) and finally the Blue Jays (4.7). As for the biggest favorites, which can be helpful when looking for cash game pitchers (or the reverse, as it can help you find which pitchers to load up against) are the Dodgers (-253), the Nationals (-202) and the Cubs (-170). After that, there isn't that much that is noteworthy. One interesting fact I did read, however, was that this is the first time Zack Greinke (who faces the Dodgers) has been a +250 or higher underdog since 2008, back when he was with the Royals.

Now that we got that out of the way, shall we dance?

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Offensive Stacks

Minnesota Twins versus Dylan Covey

The Twins are definitely an intriguing stack this evening. As Vegas lines tend to do, things have shifted a bit since run totals, over/unders, moneylines were first released, and of the teams in the top 5 for projected run totals today, only the Twins have trended upward, currently sitting at an implied total of 4.9 runs. After a somewhat slow start, this lineup has picked it up of late, and they'll look to continue the trend today in what is a pretty opportune matchup. They'll face off with White Sox rookie right-hander Dylan Covey. Covey has never pitched above the AA level, and while his numbers are nothing to laugh at, his strikeout numbers per nine are respectable (7.9),  but he's proven to be wild around the plate as well. In 2016, he owned an ugly 5.22 BB/9 and that's something that can get him into trouble early today. The Twins I have my eyes on are Brian Dozier, Miguel Sano, Max Kepler, and Joe Mauer would be my fourth. Sano, Kepler and Dozier all own ISO splits against right-handers that are above .200 over the course of the past year.

Also Consider: Boston Red Sox versus Chris Archer (GPP only)

FanDuel DFS Pitchers

Noah Syndegaard - SP, at MIA ($11,200)

Admittedly, this was not an easy call by any stretch of the imagination. Anytime you have complete studs like Thor, Clayton Kershaw and Stephen Strasburg pitching on the same day - and none of which are facing each other - you're left with a tough choice to make. I landed on Syndegaard for a few reasons, which I'll get into in a second, but this is certainly not meant to steer anyone away from using Kershaw - especially for those who have confidence in him. He'll likely be the chalk, and perhaps for good reason. In addition to the lower price, I just prefer Syndegaard's matchup. To start, Syndegaard faces a projected lineup with a higher K% and a lower team wOBA split than the one Kershaw is expected to face. Noah also takes the mound at the more favorable pitcher's park tonight, which is an upgrade than his home park in Queens. He also has the edge in HR/9 and K/9 this season. Yes, those samples are small, but in them we also find that Syndegaard has a considerable edge in batted ball distance allowed this season, ground balls induced, and a much lower hard hit rate. Roll with Thor this evening and use the extra cash you've pocketed to bulk up your lineup.

Julio Teheran - SP, vs SDP ($8,500)

For my tournament readers, let's roll the dice a bit. Teheran can be a bit of a wild card with his high variance scoring outcomes, but honestly, that's all part of the game in tournaments. You have to take on some risk, save some cash (more often than not, but not always), and find a pitcher that has the opportunity to punch out 7-10 guys via the strikeout. It's not an easy thing to do and it can be hard to convince yourself to take on some risk. I'll admit today's matchup doesn't look as risky on the surface, but you never know what you'll end up with when rostering Teheran and his elevated fly-ball rate. I like today's opportunity mainly because we've seen Teheran be effective this year, his strikeout rate per nine innings is above eight, he faces a paltry Padres lineup that has struck out in nearly 28% of at-bats versus right-handed pitching this year, and he faces them in what is one of the most favorable pitching parks of the day. He may not fly under the radar as much as we'd ideally like a GPP pitcher to, but he offers enough salary relief where you can load up your lineup with home run threats.

Also Consider: Clayton Kershaw - SP, vs ARI ($12,600) - Cash; Stephen Strasburg - SP, vs PHI ($9,900) - GPP option/salary relief

 

FanDuel DFS Infielders

Manny Pina - C, at CIN ($2,200)

Stop me if you've heard this before, but the catcher cupboard is quite bare today. A few of my often-deemed "top matchups," guys who can save you some cash and hit the long ball, like James McCann and Wellington Castillo, don't have good splits tonight. As such, I moved down the list to look for a catcher that can save me some cash but also provide upside in the form of potential home runs or extra base hits. Pina has quietly gotten off to a solid start this year, provides a ton of salary relief, and gets a nice ballpark upgrade today. He also happens to play for one of the teams with the highest projected run total, which is quite favorable, and he also owns an ISO split against right-handed pitchers that is 148 points higher than his southpaw splits. If there was a time to take on the risk of rostering a bottom-third-of-the-order catcher, that time is today.

Also Consider: Victor Martinez - C, at CLE ($2,600)

Miguel Cabrera - 1B, at CLE ($3,600)

Miggy hasn't had the hottest start to his 2017 campaign to say they least, but he finally broke out yesterday, crushing a home run and piling up 24.9 FanDuel points in the process. The nice thing about that is that his salary has crawled downward and we get him at a more ideal price - a figure that he can and should surpass value at. Over the past year, Cabrera owns very impressive splits against right-handers, posting a .397 wOBA and a .255 ISO.

Also Consider: Eric Thames - 1B, at CIN ($2,500) - GPP option

Brian Dozier - 2B, vs CWS ($3,700)

There's very little not to love about Mr. Dozier. He's a power-hitting second baseman that can hit for average, too, and is slotted in the leadoff spot, which is quite literally the most opportune spot we can consider for DFS roster construction. On top of that, he is an opposite splits guy, meaning he has better splits over the last year when facing right-handed pitching (despite him being a right-handed hitter himself) and could go a little overlooked tonight on this big slate. Those splits I mentioned are quite impressive. Have a look for yourself: .368 wOBA, .263 ISO and a .536 slugging percentage. That'll play.

Also Consider: Jonathan Villar - 2B, at CIN ($3,500) - GPP option

Mike Moustakas - 3B, vs LAA ($3,000)

The steadily-improving Moustakas has picked up where he left off in the power department of his 2016 campaign and entered 2017 with a bang. The lefty slugger has always had a knack for hitting right-handed pitching hard, and he'll have the opportunity to do so tonight at a very cheap price. Moose is currently projected to hit as high as second in the order tonight, and his .395 wOBA and .329 ISO splits create both an incredibly high floor and high ceiling.

Also Consider: Nick Castellanos - 3B, at CLE ($3,000) - GPP only

Aledmys Diaz - SS, at NYY ($3,600)

Diaz has somewhat quietly produced big time split numbers against right-handed pitching in the last year, posting a .385 wOBA and .245 ISO. Seeing as he has positive reverse splits, he could go under the radar this evening, and he does get a slight park upgrade moving from St. Louis to the Bronx in this matchup. Additionally, his direct competition - Masahiro Tanaka - has been struggling in a number of areas. Most notably, he's been dealing with elbow issues, a decrease in velocity, and right-handed hitters have posted over a .400 wOBA in his last few starts.

Also Consider: Francisco Lindor - SS, vs DET ($4,100)

 

FanDuel DFS Outfielders

Michael Conforto - OF, at MIA ($2,800)

I find it quite amusing that Conforto is listed at such a discount price. Yes. we're very early into a long season, but he's been mashing the ball and hitting near the top of the order. There isn't a lot more you can ask for from an outfielder priced under $3,000. But wait, there is more. Over the last season, Conforto owns splits against right-handed pitching that are quite beautiful, posting a .357 wOBA and .251 ISO.

Adam Duvall - OF, vs MIL ($3,600)

Duvall wasn't one of the outfielders that immediately looked enticing, but a dig into his peripheral stats revealed he could be a stellar option this evening, particularly in tournament formats. The slugger that burst onto the scene in 2016 has an opportune matchup tonight in one of the best parks for power hitters at Great American. Over the last year, Duvall has posted a .265 ISO split and maintained a hard-hit rate at or above 35%. His opposition, Tommy Milone, has allowed over a .360 wOBA and .500 slugging percentage split to right-handed hitters, which bodes well for Duvall and a few of his teammates.

Also Consider: Mike Trout - OF, at KC ($5,100) and Curtis Granderson - OF, at MIA ($2,900)

 

MLB News & Injury Alerts

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Mike Conley

Unavailable Friday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Downgraded to Out Thursday
Anthony Edwards

Iffy to Face Warriors
Davante Adams

Remains Absent From Practice Thursday
Kris Murray

Makes Third Start of the Campaign Thursday
Gary Trent Jr.

Replaces Jericho Sims in Starting Unit Thursday
Jarrett Allen

to Remain Sidelined Friday
AJ Green

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Jordan Poole

Cleared for Action Thursday
Ja Morant

Listed as Questionable for Friday's Tilt
Mike Evans

Officially Active on Thursday Night
Miles McBride

to be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Robert Williams III

Yang Hansen Out Thursday
Lauri Markkanen

Available Friday Night
LaMelo Ball

Sidelined for Friday
Tyrese Maxey

Dealing With Illness But Expected to Play Friday
Nique Clifford

to Start Thursday
Kristaps Porzingis

Out of Action Versus Pistons Friday
Joel Embiid

Probable Ahead of Friday's Matchup With Pacers
Ryan Leonard

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Mats Zuccarello

Lands on Injured Reserve
Timo Meier

Takes Leave of Absence
Draymond Green

Ruled Out for Friday Versus Timberwolves
Thatcher Demko

Back in Canucks Crease Thursday
Josh Norris

Out on Thursday
Boone Jenner

Rejoins Blue Jackets Lineup Thursday
Stephen Curry

Off Injury Report for Friday's Matchup With Minnesota
Victor Hedman

Placed on Injured Reserve
Charlie McAvoy

Set to Return Thursday
Philip Rivers

Colts Prepping Philip Rivers to Start in Week 15?
John Konchar

Will Undergo Thumb Surgery
Zach Edey

Out at Least Four Weeks
CFB

Bryce Underwood Could Leave Michigan Without Buyout
Mike Evans

Expected to Play Thursday, But Only on Key Downs?
Fernando Tatis Jr.

Padres Not Considering Trading Fernando Tatis Jr.
Tarik Skubal

Tigers Engaged in "Serious Talks" Around Trading Tarik Skubal at the Winter Meetings
Josh Jacobs

Calling Himself Day-to-Day
CFB

Chris Brazzell II Declaring for NFL Draft
CeeDee Lamb

on Track to Play on Sunday Night
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Fernando Mendoza Named AP College Football Player of the Year
Raisel Iglesias

to Remain the Braves Closer
Robert Suarez

Agrees on Three-Year Deal With Braves
T.J. Watt

Could Miss Monday's Game With a Lung Issue
Trey Hendrickson

Moved to Injured Reserve
Josh Jacobs

Likely to Miss a Second Straight Practice
De'Von Achane

to Start the Week as Limited in Practice
CFB

Sherrone Moore Remains in Police Custody
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Joe Klanderman Joining Baylor Coaching Staff
Alex DeBrincat

Extends Scoring Streak With Three-Point Effort
Dylan Guenther

Lights the Lamp Twice Wednesday
CFB

Kentucky Hiring Jay Bateman as Next Defensive Coordinator
Sam Bennett

Tallies Three Points Against Mammoth
Vince Dunn

Caps Off Three-Point Performance With Overtime Winner
Spencer Knight

Stops Rangers From Scoring Wednesday
Simon Edvinsson

Makes Early Exit Wednesday
Jared McCann

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Si Woo Kim

Closes 2025 With Strong Finish Among Putting Woes
Akshay Bhatia

Looks to Rebound in 2026 After Down Year Off the Tee
Brian Harman

2025 Season a Step Back Despite Spring Win
Sam Burns

' Elite Putting Headlines a Solid 2025 Season
Sepp Straka

Ends Stellar 2025 Campaign on a High Note
Robert MacIntyre

Closes Out a Steady 2025 Campaign
CFB

Chip Kelly Interviews for Georgia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
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Louisville Receiver Chris Bell has a Torn ACL
Davante Adams

in Good Spot for Week 15 Despite Hamstring Soreness
Dakota Mermis

to Miss a Month
Jake Evans

to Miss Thursday's Matchup
Elias Pettersson

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Min Woo Lee

Breaks Through to Win in Texas This Year
Nick Bjugstad

to Miss at Least Three Games
PGA

Alex Noren Wins Twice on European Tour This Year
Connor Hellebuyck

Returns to Practice
John Carlson

Could Return Thursday
Wyndham Clark

has Up-and-Down 2025 Golf Season
CFB

Michigan Fires Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Corey Conners

Comes Close to Winning Again in Very Good 2025
Justin Rose

Turns Back the Clock in 2025
Mike Evans

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night Game
Geno Smith

Unlikely to Play in Week 15
CFB

Jim Knowles Expected to be Hired as Tennessee's Defensive Coordinator
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

"Good to Go" for Week 15
Harris English

Enjoys Solid Finish at Hero World Challenge
CeeDee Lamb

has "One or Two" Things Left to the Clear Concussion Protocol
Jayden Daniels

Commanders Not Shutting Down Jayden Daniels for the Year
CFB

Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles Not Being Retained at Penn State
CFB

Indiana's Stephen Daley Done for Season After Post-Game Injury
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Carries Momentum and a Questionable Tag into TNF
Drake London

Won't Play on Thursday Night
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Practicing Coming Out of the Bye Week
Garrett Wilson

Practice Window Still Hasn't Opened
Pete Alonso

Orioles Finalizing Five-Year Deal
Kyle Finnegan

Tigers, Kyle Finnegan Agree on Two-Year Deal
Bo Bichette

Red Sox Out on Bo Bichette For Now
Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies Extend Manager Rob Thomson Through 2027 Season
Michael King

the Mets' Top Rotation Target?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Could Move Back to Leadoff Spot
CFB

Florida, Wisconsin Among Suitors for QB Transfer Kenny Minchey
CFB

Bryan Harsin, Justin Wilcox Candidates for Washington State Head Coach Job?
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Agrees to Deal With the Dodgers
Kyle Schwarber

Returning to Phillies on Five-Year Deal
CFB

Ole Miss Hiring John David Baker as Offensive Coordinator
CFB

Ty Howle the Top Target for Virginia Tech Offensive Coordinator Job
Shohei Ohtani

to be Used More as Traditional Starting Pitcher Next Year
Yordan Alvarez

to Become Full-Time DH in 2026?
Mason Miller

Padres Plan to Keep Mason Miller in the Bullpen
Ranger Suárez

Orioles Interested in Signing Ranger Suarez
Anthony Volpe

Yankees Don't Expect Anthony Volpe to be Ready in April
Gerrit Cole

Targeting a Return in May/June
CFB

Heisman Trophy Finalists Announced on Monday
CFB

Anthony Hill Jr. Declaring for 2026 NFL Draft
CFB

Ryan Walters a Candidate for Tennessee Defensive Coordinator Job?
Rory McIlroy

Ends 2025 as the Year's Most Unburdened Player
Aaron Rai

Needs to Figure Out Putting Woes This Offseason
Jordan Spieth

Plays Better on Paper in 2025 Than Results Show
PGA

Chris Gotterup Needs to Find Better Touch and Consistency This Offseason
Hideki Matsuyama

Ends 2025 Season With a Bookend Victory
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Tennessee Fires Defensive Coordinator Tim Banks
Scottie Scheffler

Comes Up Just Shy of Hero World Challenge Victory
Merab Dvalishvili

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Petr Yan

Reclaims Bantamweight Title
Alexandre Pantoja

Era Ends With Gruesome Injury
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Becomes Second-Youngest UFC Champion
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Suffers His First TKO Loss
Brandon Moreno

Tatsuro Taira Becomes First Fighter To Finish Brandon Moreno
Henry Cejudo

Payton Talbott Retires Henry Cejudo
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Jan Blachowicz

Bogdan Guskov Vs. Jan Blachowicz Ends In A Majority Draw
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And Bogdan Guskov Fight To Majority Draw
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Texas RB CJ Baxter Entering Transfer Portal
San Francisco Giants

Jeff Kent Elected to Baseball Hall of Fame
Ketel Marte

Red Sox Interested in Trading for Ketel Marte
Kyle Schwarber

Pirates Make Four-Year Offer to Kyle Schwarber

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP