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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (5/19/17): MLB DFS Advice

Happy Friday, my fellow Rotoballers. Besides having an awesome slate and the weekend on deck, it's finally feeling like Summer here in the northeast. Three reasons to be excited. Let's add some DFS cash to the mix and make it even better one, shall we?

There are 14 games in the Main contest slate tonight. I'm leaving the Brewers - Cubs game out of the discussion because the available contests in FanDuel aren't really worth your investment in time or money because they payouts are weak. If you can't resist playing the all day, you might as well stack that game because the pitching options are guys - Paolo Espino and Eddie Butler - that really belong in Quad-A at best. There's also the fact that each team has a lot of pop and the wind has been blowing out all week in Wrigley.

Let's see what we can gather from Vegas lines and some crazy line movement that's happened since the release of said lines late last night. The highest projected run totals of the day belong to Tigers (5.2), Nationals (5.1) and the Dodgers (4.9). The Tigers and Nationals numbers have increased .3 and .4, respectively, which are pretty significant jumps. The biggest moneyline favorites of the day - good for identifying safer or cash game friendly pitchers - are the Dodgers (-228) and the Red Sox (-193). The Nationals and Astros are decently sized favorites, but none of the other lines are that significant as of this morning.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 50% off using code SUMMER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel on 5/19/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options, and of course, value plays

 

Offensive Stacks

Colorado Rockies versus Lisalverto Bonilla

This stack is one that I was absolutely in love with last night and still like this morning. But in the sake of being honest about the whole picture - which includes Vegas lines and line movement that I value so much - I have to tell you the Rockies total run projection sat at 4.8 last night and dipped down to 4.3. That said, I still like this option in tournament formats and perhaps it's a stack best left to three players. The Rockies often go a little overlooked playing away from Coors, but this park in Cincinnati can be a great home run producer and their opposing starter, Lisalverto Bonilla really has no business pitching in the bigs - and hadn't prior to this season since a few appearances in 2014. Bonilla has made two starts this season and while the strikeout showing is somewhat impressive, his HR/9 is over two and there are quite a few Rockies at the top of this order with great splits against right-handed pitchers. My favorite Rockies to target are Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado and Mark Reynolds.

 

Detroit Tigers versus Nick Martinez

As I mentioned up top, the Tigers have the highest run projection of the day at 5.2, and they've also seen an increase to their original line since last night. In other words, smart Vegas money has been on the over. J.D. Martinez couldn't have returned at a better time, seeing as Miguel Cabrera will be out a few days with an oblique injury, but even in Cabrera's absence, this team packs a lot of power in the 1-6 spots. The most attractive thing about the Tigers today may be a man wearing a Rangers uniform - Nick Martinez. Martinez has struggled greatly this year - both in finding the plate and keeping the ball in the yard, as he's posted a 1.49 WHIP and has allowed 2.02 HR/9. While the Tigers provide most of their power from the right side, I do like that Nick Martinez is an equal opportunity guy, in that his splits show an allowed slugging percentage north of .480 for both sides and more than 2.0 HR/9 to lefties and right-handed batters. This really boosts the profiles of guys like Tyler Collins and Alex Avila, who is somewhat surprisingly on a little tear of his own. My favorite Tigers tonight are JD, Justin Upton, Nick Castellanos and Tyler Collins.

 

Also Consider: New York Yankees versus Erasmo Ramirez 

 

FanDuel DFS Pitchers

Chris Sale - SP, at OAK ($12,000)

There's no denying Chris Sale is the belle of the Friday night ball. He has been utterly dominant this season and I fully expect that trend to continue tonight in Oakland. Sale's recorded no less than 10 strikeouts in seven starts and he faces an Athletics team tonight that has a high strikeout rate against southpaws and in a great park for pitchers. His season numbers - 1.05 WHIP, 1.08 HR/9 and 10.6 K/9 - are brilliant and fully justify the steep salary. He's the strongest cash game option on the board by far and if you get creative with your stack(s), throw him in a GPP, too.

 

Luis Severino - SP, at TB ($9,200)

Make no mistake, the man mentioned in my "also consider" option below is a fine mid-tier, tournament and even cash game option. That is pretty clear based on his numbers this season and a good matchup to pair. Severino, however, is a guy I find in a pretty opportune spot for tournament formats and with a good number of pitching options in this price tier, I think he may go under-owned. Severino this season is showing flashes in bunches of the pitcher many Yankees fans were expecting last year after his call up. This season, he's showing he's learned how to effectively pitch at this level - which is to say he's found a balance and isn't trying to blow everyone away. He's always had good stuff and tonight matches up with a team that is strikeout heavy. In fact, their projected lineup has gone down via strikeout in 29.8% of their at-bats versus right-handed pitching this season. I live Severino's upside with his 10.2 K/9 mark this season and the Rays fairly low run projection of 3.7.

Also Consider: Alex Wood - SP, vs MIA ($8,900)

 

FanDuel DFS Infielders

Alex Avila - C, vs TEX ($3,000)

We might as well ride this Avila train before it gets too crowded. The backstop is putting up really impressive season numbers thus far - particularly aagainst right-handed pitching with his .380 wOBA and .240 ISO - and has a great matchup against Nick Martinez. Statcast data is also showing love for Avila, as he's owned a 60% hard-hit rate in the past 15 days, which is incredible.

Also Consider: Gary Sanchez - C, at TB ($3,700)

 

Adam Lind - 1B, at ATL ($2,800)

Adam Lind, like Avila mentioned above, has been tearing the cover off the ball. Statcast data from the last 15 days reveals a monstrous 66% hard hit rate and an average batted ball distance of 265 feet. Not to mention, he also owns excellent splits against right-handers this season, owning a .31 wOBA and a .257 ISO power.

Also Consider: Mark Reynolds - at CIN ($3,800)

 

Ryan Schimpf - 2B, vs ARI ($2,700)

The options at second base - save for Daniel Murphy - are really, really underwhelming. With not much I like and so much I want to spend on the awesome pitchers and outfielders we have available today, I'm looking to save some cash and shoot for the moon (see also: upside). Schimpf, even though he's been a tad cold in the past week, represents that value and upside. He has a monstrous .301 ISO split and has a good matchup against Taijuan Walker.

Also Consider: Daniel Murphy - 2B, at ATL ($3,800)

 

Miguel Sano - 3B, vs KC ($3,800)

Third base is quite the opposite of second not in placement on the field but in available options we have across the board tonight. I promise not to make any more awful lines like the one that preceded this. Sano is a beast and I like his chances of getting a grip on a hanging Nathan Karns curveball this evening. His recent stats don't show a lot of output, but he's been unlucky and the 42% hard hit rate paired with a 47% fly ball rate is strong and screams home run potential - maybe even two.

Also Consider: Jake Lamb - 3B, at SD ($4,000)

 

Dansby Swanson - SS, vs WSH ($2,800)

Lieutenant Dans is starting to make his mark on this Atlanta team. Unfortunately for them they have to try and fill Freddie Freeman's shoes now and spoiler alert, that likely can't be done without giving up the farm. As for Dansby and the present, he's in a good spot tonight. Don't be intimidated by Gio Gonzalez - who's not the pitcher he once was and in his past three starts has allowed an opponent wOBA and ISO north of .300 and .200, respectively - and hasn't been sharp either. Swanson is climbing the ladder with pretty impressive season splits against southpaws - .377 wOBA and a .277 ISO, as well.

Also Consider: Pat Valaika - SS, at CIN ($2,600)

 

FanDuel DFS Outfielders

The outfield is absolutely, positively where you want to spend your money tonight. Now that I've said that, I don't have to apologize about not having any write-ups on guys less than $3,700. That's the rules.

Charlie Blackmon - OF, at CIN ($4,200)

Blackmon is my favorite Rockie among the few Rockies stacks I'll be deploying. With his strong splits, good park for offense and locked in spot at the top of the order, I like him as a stand-alone option in tournaments and cash games as well. Those splits I mentioned are quite impressive, take a glance - .419 wOBA and a .300 ISO.

 

Jay Bruce - OF, vs LAA ($3,700)

Jay Bruce, like Avila and Lind, belongs in the "tearing the cover off the ball" category and impressively, Bruce has been doing it longer and more consistently than the aforementioned. He also owns excellent splits against right-handed pitching and hits high in this Mets order. I love the .294 ISO and .560 slugging percentage splits.

 

Aaron Judge - OF, at TB ($4,300)

In tournament play, there aren't many nights when Judge shouldn't be in consideration. Tonight, he gets a really opportune matchup against Erasmo Ramirez and I think Judge and his ISO split north of 300 win the battle a few times.

 

Also Consider: JD Martinez - OF, vs TEX ($4,000) and Jorge Soler - OF, at MIN ($2,800)

 

DFS Premium Tools & Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy baseball.

Sign Up Now!

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Christian Moore

Placed on Injured List With Thumb Sprain
Luis L. Ortiz

the Subject of Gambling Investigation
Jordan Lawlar

to Miss Multiple Weeks With Hamstring Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Receives Encouraging News on his Hand
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dane Belton

Should Have a Role in 2025
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF