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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!

Cyber Week Special! Save 50% on any Premium Pass using discount code CYBER. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice for NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL from proven winners! Dan Palyo leads the team with exclusive picks for DFS picks, Props, betting. Enhance your game with industry-leading tools like our Lineup Optimizers, Team Sync Platform, DFS Cheat Sheets and more. GAIN ACCESS

 

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

 

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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CFB

Charlie Weis Jr. Permitted to Coach Ole Miss Offense in College Football Playoff
Khris Middleton

Will Not Play Tuesday
Kyshawn George

Is Questionable Against the 76ers
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Says he's Fine After Suffering Hip Contusion
Trey Murphy III

Will Return Tuesday Night
Omarion Hampton

Likely to Return in Week 14
Yves Missi

Uncertain to Play Tuesday Against the Timberwolves
Zion Williamson

Questionable Against Minnesota
Neemias Queta

Set to Return on Tuesday
Derrick White

Will Play Tuesday Against New York
Quentin Grimes

Downgraded to Questionable on Tuesday
CFB

Five-Star Quarterback Jared Curtis Flips Commitment From Georgia to Vanderbilt
CFB

Florida Hiring Brad White as Defensive Coordinator
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers "Hopeful" Brandon Aiyuk Will Play in 2025
Brayden Point

Without Timetable for Return
Jake Walman

Still Out Tuesday
Mason Appleton

Misses Tuesday's Contest
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Good to Go Tuesday
Conor Garland

Out on Tuesday
Petr Mrazek

Considered Day-to-Day
Tyson Foerster

Hurt in Monday's Loss
Trey Murphy III

May Skip Another Game Tuesday
Zion Williamson

Back in Pelicans Lineup Tuesday
Draymond Green

Probable for Tuesday Night
Jimmy Butler III

Questionable to Play Tuesday
Derrick White

Likely Available Tuesday
Paul George

Listed as Questionable for Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Won't Play Against Wizards
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Carted Off With Hip Injury on Monday Night
Edwin Díaz

Mets Still Interested in Re-Signing Edwin Diaz
Devin Williams

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Mets
Cole Ragans

Red Sox Targeting Cole Ragans in a Trade?
CFB

Kentucky Hires Oregon Offensive Coordinator Will Stein As Head Coach
Davante Adams

Not Dealing With a Serious Injury
Brandon Miller

Unavailable on Monday
Kyler Murray

Surgery Not on the Table for Kyler Murray
Duncan Robinson

Absent Against Atlanta
Marvin Harrison Jr.

in Danger of Missing Week 14?
Jalen Duren

Back in the Lineup on Monday Evening
Noah Clowney

Cleared to Play Versus Charlotte
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Active On Monday
Danila Yurov

Won't Play on Tuesday
Michael Porter Jr.

Back in Action on Monday
David Pastrnak

to Remain Out Tuesday
Adam Gaudette

Iffy for Monday
CFB

Kalani Sitake the Top Target for Penn State Coaching Job
Logan Cooley

a Game-Time Decision Monday
Josh Norris

Available Monday
Neal Pionk

Remains Out Monday
Jimmy Snuggerud

to Miss Six Weeks After Wrist Surgery
Justin Herbert

Having Hand Surgery on Monday
Kyler Murray

Cardinals Won't Open Kyler Murray's Practice Window This Week
Sauce Gardner

Not a Candidate to Go on Injured Reserve
Jayden Daniels

Not Cleared for Contact, Decision on Week 14 Status Delayed
CFB

Josh Heupel Says He's Not a Candidate for Penn State Head Coach Job
Trey Hendrickson

Doubtful to Return in Week 14
Tee Higgins

Still in the Concussion Protocol
Drake London

"has a Chance" to Play in Week 14
J.J. McCarthy

in Line to Start in Week 14?
Aaron Jones Sr.

Not Dealing With Serious Shoulder Injury, Likely Day-to-Day
Sam Darnold

Dealing With Ankle Injury, "Should be Good" for Week 14
CFB

Will Stein, Brian Hartline the Top Candidates for Kentucky Job?
CFB

Nebraska Fires Defensive Coordinator John Butler After One Season
CFB

UCLA Expected to Hire Bob Chesney as Next Head Coach
Sauce Gardner

Officially Week-to-Week with Strained Calf
CFB

Lane Kiffin to Make $13 Million Salary, Ties Kirby Smart
CFB

Buster Faulkner, Joey Halzle Candidates for Florida Offensive Coordinator Job?
CFB

Kentucky Officially Fires Mark Stoops
Justin Herbert

Has Metacarpal Fracture in Left Hand
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Week 14 Availability Up in the Air
VEG

Carter Hart Expected to Make Golden Knights Debut Tuesday
Pyotr Kochetkov

Remains Without Timeline For Return
Boone Jenner

Close to Returning
Lian Bichsel

Exits With Injury Sunday
Petr Mrazek

Injured in Sunday's Loss
Adam Fox

Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve
Zach Ertz

Leads Washington in Receiving in Overtime Loss
CFB

Lane Kiffin to be Introduced as LSU's Next Head Coach on Monday
CFB

Florida Poised to Land Jon Sumrall as Next Head Coach
CFB

Alex Golesh Taking Over Auburn Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Arkansas Expected to Hire Ryan Silverfield as Next Head Coach
Joel Hofer

Shuts Out Mammoth
Zack Wheeler

Likely to Return in May
Ryan Helsley

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Orioles
Dylan Cease

Agrees With Blue Jays on Seven-Year, $210 Million Deal

RANKINGS

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