👉 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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
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 30% on any Premium Pass using discount code NEW. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Pass, get expert tools and advice from proven winners! 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

 

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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Paul Skenes

Pirates Officially Name Paul Skenes Their Opening Day Starter
Justin Herbert

Will Justin Herbert Have Higher Fantasy Ceiling in New Offense?
Tank Bigsby

to be Valuable Handcuff Going into First Full Year in Philly
Dameon Pierce

Eagles Agree on One-Year Deal With Dameon Pierce
Jurickson Profar

Officially Suspended for Entire 2026 Season
Matthew Golden

Trending Up Despite Frustrating Rookie Season
Tee Higgins

Solidified as a Weekly Fantasy Contributor with QB Healthy
Evan Engram

Faces a New Challenge in 2026
Ladd McConkey

Has Terrific Opportunity to Bounce Back
Jaydon Blue

Destined for More Volume in Second Season?
Carson Williams

"Likely" to Be Rays Opening Day Starting Shortstop
Trey Yesavage

Will Open 2026 on the Injured List Due to Shoulder Impingement
Oronde Gadsden

Mike McDaniel to Maximize Oronde Gadsden's Skill Set?
Keaton Mitchell

Could "Thrive" in New Offensive Scheme in L.A.
Jake Elliott

Eagles Rework Jake Elliott's Contract
Carson Wentz

Vikings Re-Sign Carson Wentz to One-Year Deal
Cade Cunningham

to Miss "Extended Period of Time" Due to Collapsed Lung
Jabari Walker

Available Thursday
Devin Vassell

Good to Go Against Suns
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Questionable for Meeting with Lakers
Anthony Black

Remains on Shelf Thursday
Bilal Coulibaly

Questionable Thursday
Ivica Zubac

Exits Early Due to Head Injury
Tylan Wallace

Browns Agree to Terms With Tylan Wallace
Jack Hughes

Posts Another Three-Point Performance in Victory
Jackson Blake

Collects Three Points on Wednesday
WAS

Cole Hutson Scores in NHL Debut on Wednesday
Royce O'Neale

Could Miss First Game of the Season Thursday
TreVeyon Henderson

Establishing Himself as a Fantasy RB1?
Grayson Allen

May Sit Out Another Game Thursday
Malik Monk

in Danger of Missing Fifth Straight Contest
Nique Clifford

Questionable for Thursday Night
Kyle Kuzma

Expected to Play Through Elbow Injury Thursday
Caleb Williams

Looking to Build Off Second-Year Breakout
Andrew Wiggins

Out Thursday Against Lakers
Elijah Arroyo

Stuck in Depth Role for the Foreseeable Future
Kevin Porter Jr.

Uncertain for Thursday
Myles Turner

Questionable Versus Jazz
Joel Embiid

Listed as Doubtful for Thursday
Tre Tucker

Still a Fantasy Option Despite New Competition?
Trae Young

to Miss Second Straight Game
Max Fried

to Start on Opening Day for Yankees
Bam Adebayo

Likely to Return Thursday
Rayan Rupert

Jahmai Mashack, Rayan Rupert Won't Play Wednesday
Jack Bech

Still Trending Up Despite Increased Competition?
Noah Clowney

Exits Early Wednesday Due to Wrist Injury
Alexandre Sarr

Could Miss Third Straight Game
Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Not Naming a Closer to Begin the Season
Jalen Hurts

has Room for Improvement Amid Offensive Changes
Isaiah Bond

Should Have Bigger Role, But Will QB Issues Hold him Back?
Terry McLaurin

Can Terry McLaurin Bounce Back as Top Target-Earner in 2026?
Adrian Kempe

Could Return Thursday
Mason McTavish

Sits Out Second Consecutive Game
Ross Johnston

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jonathan Drouin

Back in Action Wednesday
Eric Robinson

Rejoins Hurricanes Lineup
Shayne Gostisbehere

Sits Out Another Game Wednesday
Sidney Crosby

Returns to Action Wednesday
Matthew Liberatore

Named Cardinals Opening Day Starter
Roki Sasaki

to be in Opening Day Starting Rotation
Akshay Bhatia

Withdraws From Valspar Championship
José Berríos

Jose Berrios has Stress Fracture, Won't be Ready for Opening Day
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Drawing Positive Reviews at Georgia Tech
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Impressing in Nebraska's Spring Practices
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Bags a Shutout in Vegas
J.J. Spaun

Offers Upside Despite Poor Course History at Innisbrook
Brock Boeser

Logs Three Assists Tuesday
Jeremy Peña

Opening Day "Not Ruled Out" for Jeremy Pena
Brock Faber

Registers Three Assists in Overtime Win
Aaron Rai

Looks to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Charlie Coyle

Matches Career High with Four Points Tuesday
Johnny Keefer

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Valspar Championship
Nikita Kucherov

Amasses Five Points in Road Win
Blake Lizotte

Penguins Plan to Re-Evaluate Blake Lizotte in Four Weeks
Billy Horschel

a Volatile Play at Valspar Championship
Nick Jensen

to Miss Six Weeks Due to Knee Surgery
Ben Griffin

Looks to Rebound at the Valspar Championship
Corey Conners

Brings Elite Ball-Striking to Valspar Championship
Cole Ragans

Named Royals Opening Day Starter
Cole Caufield

Nets Game-Winning Goal
Pavel Zacha

Scores Twice Versus Montreal on Tuesday
Xander Schauffele

Trending In The Right Direction For Valspar Championship
Sahith Theegala

Has Shot to Challenge at Valspar Championship
Mackenzie Hughes

Looking to Bounce Back at Valspar Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Finding Rhythm For Valspar Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Continues Hot Start to 2026 Heading to Valspar Championship
Pierceson Coody

Heads to Valspar Championship Following Two Missed Cuts
Shohei Ohtani

to Pitch in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Seiya Suzuki

has Sprained Knee, Opening Day Availability Unclear
Alex Tuch

a Game-Time Decision on Tuesday
Eeli Tolvanen

Iffy for Tuesday
Seiya Suzuki

Diagnosed With Strained PCL
Zach Neto

Making his Return on Tuesday
Kyle Freeland

to Start for Rockies on Opening Day
José Soriano

Angels Name Jose Soriano the Opening Day Starter
Wyndham Clark

Searching for Momentum at Valspar Championship
Justin Thomas

Is Justin Thomas Back Ahead of This Week's Valspar Championship?
Jordan Spieth

to Bounce Back at Favored Valspar Championship?
Brooks Koepka

is Starting to Find His Groove Again Ahead of Valspar Championship
Viktor Hovland

is One of The Best DFS Plays at Innesbrook
Rasmus Hojgaard

to Get Back on Track at Valspar Championship
Konnor Griffin

Avoids Next Round of Roster Cuts
Gerrit Cole

to Throw an Inning on Wednesday
Tony Finau

is Again a Scary Option at Valspar Championship
Blades Brown

Continues PGA Tour Run at Valspar Championship
Johan Rojas

Suspended 80 Games for PED Violation
José Ramírez

No Plans for Jose Ramirez to Undergo Imaging on Injured Shoulder
Josh Emmett

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Kevin Vallejos

Scores First-Round TKO
Amanda Lemos

Drops Back-To-Back Fights
Gillian Robertson

Extends Her Win Streak
Andre Fili

Drops Decision on Saturday
Denny Hamlin

Dominates and Gets His Third Career Las Vegas Win
Chase Elliott

Earns Runner-Up Finish at Las Vegas
William Byron

Wins A Stage and Finishes Third at Las Vegas
Christopher Bell

Finishes Fourth at Las Vegas After Strong Run
Kyle Larson

Fades to Seventh Despite Leading Laps Early at Las Vegas
Andre Fili

Jose Delgado Edges Andre Fili in Split-Decision Win
Oumar Sy

Suffers First-Round Submission Loss
Ion Cutelaba

Returns To The Win Column
CFB

CJ Carr Enters Sophomore Season as Heisman Favorite
CFB

Aaron Philo Not a Lock to be Florida's Starting QB?
CFB

George MacIntyre the Favorite to Win Tennessee Quarterback Battle?
CFB

Keelon Russell, Austin Mack Battling for Alabama QB1 Duties
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption, Wins Pole at Las Vegas
Denny Hamlin

Should Contend for Another Vegas Win
Chase Briscoe

Qualifies 18th Despite Toyota Dominating at Las Vegas
Chase Elliott

May Fly Under the Radar at Las Vegas
NASCAR

Ross Chastian Has Been As Solid As They Come at Las Vegas
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Finally Break Through With a Win at Las Vegas?
Brad Keselowski

a Solid DFS Pick at Las Vegas
Kyle Larson

Should Kyle Larson be Considered A Favorite for Las Vegas?
William Byron

Could Compete for a Top-Five Finish at Las Vegas
Ryan Blaney

Is Ryan Blaney Worth Rostering in Tournament DFS Lineups for Las Vegas?
Tyler Reddick

Could Continue his Top-10 Streak at Las Vegas
Joey Logano

Should DFS Managers Underestimate Joey Logano for Las Vegas?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Las Vegas DFS Lineups?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Risky DFS Option Who Could Pay Off at Las Vegas
Josh Berry

Has Plenty of Upside for Las Vegas DFS Lineups
Ryan Preece

Scores his First Las Vegas Top-10 Starting Spot in Qualifying
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF