👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
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 30% Now
Import Your Leagues
Top-Rated Accuracy
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kirill Kaprizov

Bags Sixth Career Hat Trick Sunday
Stuart Skinner

Nursing Upper-Body Injury
Charlie Lindgren

Gets the Nod Sunday
Pavel Buchnevich

Ready to Play Sunday Night
Jordan Staal

Jordan Martinook Unavailable Sunday
Frederik Andersen

Takes on Senators Sunday
Linus Ullmark

Faces Hurricanes Sunday
Trevor Lawrence

Can a Dynamic Surrounding Cast Lead Trevor Lawrence to Another Career Year?
Malik Willis

Dolphins Want to Build Around Malik Willis
Courtland Sutton

Has Courtland Sutton's Dropping Dynasty Value Made Him a Buy-Low?
Ryan Rollins

Available Against Grizzlies
David Njoku

One of the Top Remaining Free Agents
Leonard Miller

Matas Buzelis Out Sunday, Leonard Miller Joins Starting Lineup
Tyler Warren

Has Room to Grow in Year Two
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Back in Action Sunday
Josh Giddey

Won't Play Against Suns
Trey Murphy III

Out Sunday
Dejounte Murray

Misses Second Straight Game
Anthony Edwards

Won't Play Sunday
Pete Fairbanks

Serving as Opener Before Going on Paternity List
George Klassen

Called Up to Start on Sunday
Stephon Gilmore

Announces his Retirement
Hunter Brown

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Right-Shoulder Strain
Matthew Stafford

Rams to Put Matthew Stafford on Pitch Count Ahead of 2026 Season?
Isaiah Likely

John Harbaugh "Certain" Isaiah Likely Will Break Out
New York Jets

Jets "Leaning Toward" Arvell Reese at No. 2 Overall
Cleveland Browns

Browns Targeting Carnell Tate at No. 6 Overall?
Tennessee Titans

Titans "Love" Their Running Back Room
Jauan Jennings

Asking for Too Much Money?
Brandon Aiyuk

Nothing Imminent With Brandon Aiyuk
Luther Burden III

Bears Want to Continue to Get the Ball to Luther Burden III
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo Dominates Rockies on Saturday
Byron Buxton

Back in Sunday's Lineup
Mookie Betts

Heading to the Injured List With Oblique Strain
A.J. Brown

to be Traded to Patriots on June 2?
Cade Horton

Cubs Place Cade Horton on 15-Day Injured List With Forearm Strain
Isaiah Collier

Out Again Sunday
Immanuel Quickley

Still Sidelined Sunday
Nicolas Claxton

Won't Play Sunday
Evan Mobley

Sidelined Sunday
Jarrett Allen

Won't Play Against Indiana
Pascal Siakam

Ruled Out Sunday
Clayton Keller

Collects Four Points Against Canucks
Andrew Nembhard

Ruled Out Vs. Cleveland
Jack Eichel

Records Three Assists in Saturday's Win
Gabe Perreault

Nets First Career Hat Trick
Nicolas Hague

Exits Early Against Sharks
MacKenzie Weegar

Listed as Day-to-Day
Jack McBain

Considered Week-to-Week
Justin Faulk

Questionable Sunday
MarShawn Lloyd

a Dynasty Trade Target with Long-Term Upside?
Emanuel Wilson

a Low-Risk Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?
Jalen Nailor

Seems Likely to Face Competition
Adrian Kempe

Delivers a Four-Point Performance
Dylan Sampson

a Candidate for Standalone Value in 2026?
Jaylin Noel

Still the Texans' WR4 for 2026?
Evgeni Malkin

Collects Four Points on Saturday
Keenan Allen

Remains a Free Agent in Early April
Mookie Betts

Considered Day-to-Day, Heading for an MRI on Saturday
Juan Soto

Day-to-Day With Minor Groin Strain, No Decision on IL Yet
Anthony Edwards

Questionable for Sunday
Andre Drummond

Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond Join Starting Lineup Saturday
Marcus Sasser

Upgraded to Available
Tobias Harris

Cleared to Play Saturday
Jalen Duren

Available Saturday
Paul George

Ready to Rock Saturday
Bruce Brown

Suffers Leg Injury Saturday
Nick Lardis

Available Against Kraken
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Won't Play Saturday
MLB

Cubs-Guardians Game Postponed on Saturday
Mookie Betts

Leaves Early With Back Injury
Tyler Kleven

Out Week-to-Week
Mason Marchment

Expected to Return Saturday
Aliaksei Protas

Returns on Saturday
Alejandro Kirk

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Thumb Fracture
Juan Soto

Mets Concerned About Juan Soto's Calf Injury
Juan Soto

Removed with Calf Tightness
Byron Buxton

is Day-to-Day with Forearm Contusion
Byron Buxton

Leaves on Friday After Being Hit by a Pitch
Cade Horton

Headed for Injured List Stint
Isaac Paredes

Placed on Bereavement List
Jordan Lawlar

Suffers Fractured Wrist, Set to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Alejandro Kirk

Having X-Rays on his Thumb
Cade Horton

Exits Friday's Start with Forearm Tightness
Chris Duncan

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Main Event
Renato Moicano

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 115
Tabatha Ricci

Set For UFC Vegas 115 Co-Main Event
Virna Jandiroba

Looks To Bounce Back
Brendson Ribeiro

In Desperate Need Of Win
Abdul-Rakhman Yakhyaev

Looks To Remain Unbeaten
Ethyn Ewing

Set For His Second UFC Bout
Rafael Estevam

Looks To Remain Undefeated
CFB

Gunner Stockton Looking "Great" After Offseason Injury
CFB

Sam Leavitt Showing "Encouraging Signs" at LSU Practice
J.J. Spaun

Needs the Putter to Cooperate in San Antonio
Thorbjorn Olesen

Trending Up in San Antonio
Denny McCarthy

Carrying Momentum into San Antonio
Chris Kirk

Has Course History on His Side in San Antonio
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Option at the Valero Texas Open
Joe Highsmith

Still Searching for Form in San Antonio
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Looks to Find Form at the Valero Texas Open
Jordan Spieth

a Horse for Course History at TPC San Antonio
Robert MacIntyre

Has One Flaw to Overcome at Valero Texas Open to be a Must-Play
Maverick McNealy

In Exceptional Form This Season
Michael Thorbjornsen

Playing Well But Still Searching For A Win
Hideki Matsuyama

Playing Well Heading to the Valero Texas Open
Si Woo Kim

Heads to Valero Texas Open For Final Tune-Up Before Masters
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Valero Texas Open
PGA

Stephan Jaegar Still Looking For Consistency at Valero Texas Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

is Red-Hot Coming to TPC San Antonio
Tony Finau

a Risky Proposition at Valero Texas Open
Ludvig Aberg

Looks to Shake Off Collapse at Valero Texas Open
Patrick Rodgers

Needs to Make More Birdies in San Antonio
Sepp Straka

Seeks Opportunity in San Antonio This Weekend
Nick Taylor

Could Again Struggle at the Valero Texas Open
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF