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Joel Bartilotta highlights the top FanDuel MLB DFS lineup picks for 7/20/19, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.
There are games beginning at 1ET and they run all day. We're going to try to focus on the main slate while mixing in a couple of day games to please you early birds!
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 7/20/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays.
Be sure to also check out all the Vegas Odds for today's slate. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @Bartilottajoel
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FanDuel DFS Pitchers
Adam Plutko, CLE vs. KC ($6,200)
Plutko’s 5.40 ERA will scare off some people but there’s a lot to like about him here. The best part about using Plutko is this matchup, with the Royals ranking 22nd in runs scored, 24th in xwOBA and 27th in xSLG. That’s really scary considering they’ll be without their most dangerous player (Adalberto Mondesi) for the next week. That’s why the Indians enter this matchup as a –185 favorite, as they're one of the hottest teams in the league. Some of the peripherals are really encouraging for Plutko too, with the Cleveland righty collecting a .331 xwOBA and 1.20 WHIP. Those numbers tell us that this 5.40 ERA is due for some positive regression, as it very well could start against a bad offense like this.
FanDuel DFS Infielders
Joc Pederson: 1B, LAD vs. MIA ($2,900)
This price simply makes no sense. FanDuel continues to price Pederson below $3,000 and DFS users continue to use him. The reason he’s such a good value below $3,000 is because he leads off against right-handers. In these circumstances, Pederson has a .551 SLG and .896 OPS, hitting all 21 of his homers against righties. That becomes very attractive atop this potent lineup, with the Dodgers projected for more than five runs in this game. The reason for that is because Sandy Alcantara’s 3.94 ERA is way off of his 5.33 xFIP and he’s seriously due for some negative regression.
Max Muncy: 2B, LAD vs. MIA ($3,800)
Let’s keep the Dodgers rolling with one of the best power hitters in the game. Since joining the Dodgers last season, Muncy has a wOBA approaching .400 and an ISO in the .300 range. That’s backed up by his .562 SLG and .943 OPS in and it’s clear that he’s one of the most dangerous bats in the game. He’s scorching-hot right now too, hitting eight homers over his last 17 games. Not to mention, facing a regression candidate like Alcantara also gives Muncy the platoon advantage in his favor.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr: 3B. TOR at DET ($2,900)
This stud prospect hasn’t given us much reason to use him yet this season but there’s so much upside at this sort of price. If you watched the Home Run Derby, you know the sort of pop this kid has. For his minor league career, Guerrero generated a .331 AVG and .945 OPS. That’s why many experts have him pegged as a perennial All-Star with 30-homer, 100-RBI potential and it’s just a matter of time before he reaches that. Getting to face Daniel Norris is a good way to start, with Guerrero posting an OPS north of 1.000 against southpaws for his minor league career. Norris’ 5.14 ERA and 1.44 WHIP definitely makes him a guy we want to exploit too and Guerrero's three hits and three runs scored on Friday is hopefully a sign of things to come.
Brandon Crawford: SS, SF vs. NYM ($3,200)
Don’t look now but the Giants are rolling. A major reason why is because of Crawford, as he’s truly found his bat since the All-Star break. Over his last 13 games, Crawford has collected five doubles, four homers, 13 runs scored and 14 RBI en route to a .362 AVG and 1.157 OPS. That alone makes this price hard to understand, specifically in such a tasty matchup. San Francisco faces Walker Lockett in this game, who’s pitching to an 11.74 ERA and 1.70 WHIP in limited time this season. His 2018 numbers weren't much better, posting a 9.60 ERA and 2.13 WHIP.
FanDuel DFS Outfielders
Yordan Alvarez, HOU vs. TEX ($4,200)
While we’re looking at a small sample size, it’s hard to argue with Alvarez' absurd numbers. A .330 AVG, .680 SLG and 1.085 OPS speaks loudly at this level but he was even better at Triple-A this season. In fact, Alvarez posted a .742 SLG and 1.185 OPS at the minors before his call-up. That simply means he’s one of the best hitters in the world right now and he should continue this raving success against Ariel Jurado. The Texas righty is pitching to a 6.99 ERA and 1.66 WHIP over his last six appearances and gives the platoon advantage to Alvarez.
Alex Dickerson, SF vs. NYM ($3,200)
Those aforementioned Lockett numbers definitely put all of the Giants in play, especially their best hitter. Yes, Dickerson is their best hitter right now even though most people don’t know who he is. The lefty slugger currently has a ridiculous .356 BA to match his 1.066 OPS. Why more people aren't talking about this guy is beyond me but let’s just continue riding him for DFS. What really adds to his value here is that he gets to face a righty, with Dickerson providing a .377 AVG, .688 SLG and 1.124 OPS with the platoon advantage in his favor.
Mallex Smith, SEA vs. LAA ($3,300)
Smith has been too good to be priced this cheaply. What’s really altered his value is a move to the leadoff spot. Over his last 44 games, Smith is hitting .283 while collecting 20 extra-base hits, 28 runs scored and 19 steals in that span. That’s a fantasy owner’s dream and it’s clear he loves batting leadoff with these sorts of statistics in his back pocket. Griffin Canning is really struggling right now too, pitching to a 6.35 ERA and 1.41 WHIP over his last seven games.
