👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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

FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (4/21/2017): MLB DFS Advice

Happy Friday, my dear friends and fellow daily fantasy sports aficionados. We have a completely full slate of action set to begin tonight at 7:05 EDT. All 30 teams will be in play and for one of the first times this season, they'll all be participating in the Main contest in FanDuel. That means more player options, less worry about ownership percentages (i said less, not none at all) and more time to decipher which stacks to deploy.

These lines may change a bit before opening pitch tonight, but I think it's important to get an idea of Vegas lines, where the money is going, and where you might want to stack (or fade) based on the insights we can gather. So before we get into the player breakdown, let's see who Vegas believes to have the best chances of scoring a lot of runs tonight. Three teams have run projections of more than five runs, which all put them in play for cash game stacks. The Giants (5.4) at Coors Field lead the pack, followed by the Dodgers (5.2) and Cubs (5). In terms of the heaviest favorites, which can be beneficial to source when deciding on cash game pitchers or which pitchers to avoid, we see the Cubs have the most action on them, sitting at -184 on the moneyline. After that, there aren't many "big" favorites, but following the Cubs are the Indians and Rangers, at -160 and -152, respectively.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel on 4/21/17. Enjoy the read and good luck out there today. Let's get it rolling!

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

 

Offensive Stacks

Chicago Cubs versus Tim Adleman 

As I mentioned above, the Cubs are in a beautiful position to score 5+ runs this evening. They have one of, if not the most, potent offense in baseball and they'll be playing today in an ideal park for power hitters. Perhaps even more ideal is that this matchup is against Tim Adleman. Adleman has a horrible 1.7 HR/9 mark over the past year, and he's ineffectively wild with a 1.2 WHIP and a low strikeout rate of just 6.3 per nine innings. This Cubs offense owns a .310 wOBA against right-handed pitching this year, and that mark is the fourth highest of all 30 teams in competition today. My favorite Cubs hitters in this game are Kyle Schwarber, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Miguel Montero.

Also Consider: San Francisco Giants versus Tyler Chatwood

 

FanDuel DFS Pitchers

Jon Lester - SP, at CIN ($10,600)

For my cash game contests tonight, I'm rolling with Mr. Lester. Save for park factors, I think he's in a pretty excellent spot tonight. In three starts this year, Lester has been masterful, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 17. For the season, his WHIP and K rates, 1.05 and 8.9, respectively, are two of the best figures we'll see on the board tonight. As for the opponent, the Cincinnati Reds, their offense leaves quite a bit to be desired, and Lester's left-side delivery helps to neutralize the Reds' best offensive threat in Joey Votto. The Reds have a run projection tonight of just 3.4, putting them in the bottom five of said projections this evening, and Vegas is pretty heavy on the Cubs. I like Jon's chances of getting run support and going deep enough for the Quality Start and the win. What helps to raise his upside today is the fact that this Reds team has struck out in nearly 26% of their at-bats against lefties in 2016-17.

Justin Verlander - SP, at MIN ($9,400)

He's a bit more expensive than I like to spend on my tournament pitchers, but I'm rolling with Verlander tonight for a few reasons. For starters - and most importantly for tournament formats - no one quite offers the strikeout upside that Verlander possesses tonight. His velocity is back and he seems to have picked up where he left off after a promising second half to his 2016 campaign. In three starts this season, he's averaging a 10.2 K/9 and has been excellent in limiting base-runners, posting a 1.007 WHIP. In addition to that, Verlander is pitching in a very favorable pitchers' park this evening and faces a Twins team that is no stranger to the strikeout. Since the beginning of 2016, the Twins have struck out in 27.8% of their at-bats versus right-handed pitching - the highest mark of today's games.

Also Consider: Corey Kluber - SP, at CWS ($9,900) - GPP only

 

FanDuel DFS Infielders

Miguel Montero - C, at CIN ($2,600)

Montero hasn't seen a ton of action yet in 2017, but when he's been in the lineup he has certainly made the most of it. In addition to heating up, Montero fits the profile of what I look for in a catcher - someone priced below 3K that also possesses home run upside. Montero has solid splits with a .313 wOBA, a .164 ISO and the platoon advantage. The ISO isn't all that impressive as a standalone statistic, but keep in mind it's more than 100 points higher than his split against lefties. In other words, if he's going to hit the long ball, it's against a right-hander. Montero also has good park factors working in his favor tonight and hits behind the meat of the Cubs order, one that is projected for the most runs of the day.

Also Consider: Evan Gattis - C, at TB ($3,000)

 

Matt Carpenter - 1B, at MIL ($2,900)

Carpenter is an excellent, high value play tonight. His bat has finally started to come alive and his price has lagged behind, making it the perfect opportunity for him to hit two to three times his value. Carpenter hits in a very favorable spot in this order, gets a park upgrade with this game taking place in Milwaukee, and he faces an inferior pitcher Wily Peralta. Over the last year, Carpenter's splits against right-handers are very strong, as he's posted a .384 wOBA and .252 ISO.

Also Consider: Anthony Rizzo - 1B, at CIN ($4,200)

 

Rougned Odor - 2B, vs KC ($3,100)

Nathan Karns is just what the doctor ordered to get Rougy out of this little slump he's in. The talented little lefty-bat has excellent splits over the past year and holds the platoon advantage in this matchup. Those splits I'm referring to are a 3.40 wOBA, .252 ISO and a .523 slugging percentage. Those numbers would play at nearly any position, but they're extra valuable in this slot. Adding to Odor's allure tonight is that he's playing in one of the best parks for hitters.

Also Consider: Ian Kinsler - 2B, at MIN ($3,200)

 

Justin Turner - 3B, at ARI ($3,700)

Keep an eye on this one as we get closer to lock, as he's currently listed as Questionable for tonight's game. Even with that as the case, I can't resist touting him. Turner has excellent splits against right-handed pitching - marked by his .390 wOBA and .256 ISO - and he gets a park factor boost tonight with this game being played in Arizona. In addition to that, he's priced much cheaper than other third baseman with very similar splits and similar upside.

Also Consider: Jefry Marte - 3B, vs TOR ($2,400)

 

Corey Seager - SS, at ARI ($3,500)

Seager and teammate Justin Turner could make for a nice pairing (or mini-stack, if you prefer to refer to it as that). They're both in prime position tonight, thanks to a lower-than-usual cost, park upgrade, and the excellent splits they sport. Seager owns a .412 wOBA and .234 ISO split since the beginning of 2016, putting him in elite company. That wOBA and his spot high in the Dodgers' order help to give him a high, cash-game floor.

Also Consider: Aledmys Diaz - SS, at MIL ($2,800)

 

FanDuel DFS Outfielders

Charlie Blackmon - OF, vs SFG ($4,300)

Despite the fact that he faces a pretty strong pitcher, nothing will keep me from rostering Blackmon in this situation. He offers incredibly high upside as he holds the platoon advantage in this matchup, hits in the leadoff spot for a team projected to score more than five runs, and gives us really quality Coors Field exposure. That platoon advantage? How about a .409 wOBA and .283 ISO. That will play!

Nelson Cruz - OF, at OAK ($3,900)

I wouldn't consider Cruz to be cash-game safe tonight, but I'm all aboard in tournament formats. While the park - a favorable one for pitchers - may scare some away, Cruz is in a pretty opportune spot this evening. He possesses excellent splits, particularly in the power department (.366 ISO, .667 slugging percentage) and faces a pitcher who has had a real difficult time keeping the ball in the yard last season.

Also Consider: Josh Reddick - OF, at TB ($2,900)

 

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

Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Merrill

Heads to Locker Room in Game 1
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Anthony Edwards

Iffy for Game 2
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Ayo Dosunmu

Listed as Questionable Wednesday
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out for Series Opener
Carter Bryant

Questionable for Game 2
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Expected to Play Wednesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Radko Gudas

to Remain Sidelined Wednesday
Sam Carrick

Upgraded to Day-to-Day
Noah Cates

Considered Day-to-Day
Alexander Nikishin

Cleared to Play in Game 3 Against Flyers
Josh Manson

Expected to Remain Out Tuesday
Filip Gustavsson

Starting Game 2 Against Avalanche
Victor Hedman

Reveals Reason for Absence
Travis Kelce

Dynasty Value Fading Entering 2026
DJ Moore

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Trade
Derrick Henry

Dynasty Value Holding Steady Following NFL Draft
Ladd McConkey

Can Ladd McConkey Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Ryan Flournoy

Is Ryan Flournoy a Dynasty Stash Candidate Due to Long-Term Upside in Dallas?
Dante Fowler Jr.

Signing with Seahawks
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
Micah Parsons

Packers Expect Micah Parsons to be Ready "Early in the Season"
Tucker Kraft

Expected Back "Early in the Season"
Calvin Ridley

Brian Daboll Says it's "Good to Have" Calvin Ridley on Roster
Isaac Guerendo

Buried on Depth Chart, Looking for New Team?
Jalen Nailor

Raiders Expect Jalen Nailor to Take "Big Leap" in "Featured Role"
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
Raisel Iglesias

Braves Officially Reinstate Raisel Iglesias From Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
Cedric Tillman

on the Trade Block?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
Emmett Johnson

Andy Reid Compares Emmett Johnson to LeSean McCoy
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
Ty Simpson

a Great Fit With the Rams?
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Alvin Kamara

"Excited" to Share the Backfield With New RB Addition
Carson Beck

Could Carson Beck Sit on the Bench for his Entire Rookie Season?
Devaughn Vele

Upside Takes a Hit After the NFL Draft
Brenen Thompson

Compared to Tyreek Hill
Jonathan Taylor

Could Jonathan Taylor Finish as the RB1 if he Stays Healthy?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Firmly Entrenched in Top Tier of Dynasty Receivers
Drew Allar

Wasn't Always Set Up to Succeed in College
Tyrese Maxey

Limited to 13 Points in Second-Round Opener
Joel Embiid

Stays Quiet in Game 1 Against Knicks
Jalen Brunson

Torches 76ers With 35 Points Monday
Dylan Harper

Leads Spurs With 18 Points Monday
Julius Randle

Collects First Double-Double of Postseason
Anthony Edwards

Tallies 18 Points in Comeback Game
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Unique Triple-Double
Jackson LaCombe

Sets New Record With Another Assist
Mikael Granlund

Continues Postseason Success With Third Goal
Mitchell Marner

Notches Two Points in Series-Opening Win
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Taylor Hall

Makes History With Overtime Winner
Rickie Fowler

Faces a Challenge at Quail Hollow
Nikolaj Ehlers

Collects Two Points in Comeback Win
Cale Makar

Good to Go for Game 2 Against Wild
Gary Woodland

on a Nice Wave Approaching Truist Championship
Ridly Greig

Suspended for Two Games
Sepp Straka

Hoping for More Success at Truist Championship
J.J. Spaun

Approaching Charlotte With Optimism
Alex Smalley

Carries Momentum into Truist Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Roller Coaster Heads to Charlotte
Keegan Bradley

Desperate to Bounce Back from Doral Encounter
Dallas Mavericks

Masai Ujiri Hired as Mavericks Team President
Anthony Edwards

to Come Off Bench Monday
Chicago Bulls

Bryson Graham Hired as Bulls Lead Executive
Jalen Williams

Sidelined Tuesday vs Lakers
Carter Bryant

Unavailable for Game 1 Against Minnesota
Anthony Edwards

Set to Return Monday with Restrictions
Joel Embiid

is Cleared for Monday's Game 1
Kevin Huerter

is Questionable for Tuesday's Contest
Roman Anthony

Pulled Early on Monday After Tweaking his Wrist
Jhoan Duran

to Come Off the Injured List on Tuesday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Monday
Roope Hintz

Recovering From Hamstring Injury
Tyler Seguin

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
Sam Carrick

Could Practice Tuesday
Alexander Nikishin

Won't Play Monday
Jeremy Lauzon

Expected to Miss Round 2
William Karlsson

Rejoins Golden Knights Lineup Monday
Jackson Chourio

Brewers Reinstate Jackson Chourio From the Injured List
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Elbow Surgery
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Raisel Iglesias

to be Activated on Tuesday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote No. 1-Ranked Prospect Bryce Eldridge to MLB Roster
Anthony Volpe

Reinstated From Injured List, Optioned to Triple-A
Ranger Suarez

Exits Sunday's Start With Hamstring Tightness
Agustín Ramírez

Marlins Demote Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A
Ben Rice

Exits Sunday's Contest With Left-Hand Contusion
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
Cal Raleigh

Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Joe Ryan

Exits Early From Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
Cal Raleigh

Scratched From Lineup, No Reason Given
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF