RADIO
Troy Klauder highlights the top FanDuel MLB DFS lineup picks for 8/23/19, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.
It's going to be another exciting Friday of baseball, with tonight's main slate covering 13 games and starting at 7:05pm ET. There is also an all-day slate featuring the early Nationals-Cubs matchup.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/23/19. 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 @TroyKlauder
FanDuel DFS Pitchers
Lance Lynn - TEX at CWS - $9,700
There are plenty of high-end options to choose from at starting pitcher, and it's hard to go wrong with any of them. If you're looking to save some payroll and avoid the highest priced starter in Jacob deGrom, Lance Lynn is a cheaper alternative with similar upside. He's been an ace over the last month, throwing 30 innings with a 2.10 ERA and 35 strikeouts. On the season, he's got a 3.05 FIP and a 2.90 Deserved Run Average, so his success has been legit. Lynn gets to face one of the league's weakest lineups in the White Sox, who have just a .292 wOBA versus righties and a 26.3% K-rate - both marks are the third-worst in baseball.
Trent Thornton - TOR at SEA $6,000
As the fifth-cheapest starter available, Thorton is anything but a safe pick. However, with such a low price, there's room for profit here. Thornton has recorded a quality start in three of his last four outings and is facing a rebuilding Mariners lineup with a high 25.5% K-rate. Thornton is away from his hitter-friendly home ballpark and will certainly be at low ownership, so consider him if you want to spend on more expensive bats.
FanDuel DFS Infielders
1B - Howie Kendrick - WAS at CHC (Lester) - $2,600
Kendrick should be in the lineup again as the Nationals face another lefty, as he's smashed southpaws this season with a 130 wRC+. Players who are on the short side of a platoon like Kendrick can't be used much, but they're quite effective and cheap options when the right matchup arises. Kendrick homered in last night's contest and is a tremendous value at first base.
2B - Whit Merrifield- KAN at CLE (Plesac) - $3,400
It's tough to believe in Cleveland starter Zach Plesac's success, as he's greatly outperformed his 5.32 FIP and has just an 18.3% K-rate. Merrifield is a potent option out of the leadoff spot against him, and is a safe target in cash games to score some runs. While he hasn't been a superstar, Merrifield has a useful power/speed profile with double digits in homers and steals.
3B - Jose Ramirez - CLE vs KAN (Junis) - $3,400
It's shocking to see Ramirez at such an affordable price, as he's been one of the hottest hitters in the league over the last two weeks, batting .358 with a 1.254 OPS and six home runs. Opposing starter Jakob Junis has a 4.78 ERA, so Ramirez should keep his hot streak going against him.
SS - Elvis Andrus - TEX @ CWS (Cease) - $3,100
Andrus is in an awesome spot to rack up counting stats batting third for the Rangers, who should have a big night against Dylan Cease. Cease has an abysmal 5.97 ERA, so Andrus can see both runs and RBI on top of his steal potential.
FanDuel DFS Outfielders
Austin Meadows - TAM at BAL (Blach) - $3,400
The Rays are a great lineup to stack in a hitter's environment against the league's worst pitching staff, and Meadows is the centerpiece of the offense. Ty Blach and his 12.06 ERA are certain to be victimized here, so you can consider just about any hitter in Tampa's lineup. Meadows already got some licks in with a home run on Thursday.
Marcell Ozuna - STL vs COL (Lambert) - $3,500
Ozuna is a power upside bat to target in GPP contests, as he's pummeled righties with an .880 OPS and 18 dingers. Even away from Coors Field, Peter Lambert gets crushed, with a 6.39 ERA and a 1.42 HR/9, so expect plenty of RBI opportunities for Ozuna batting cleanup.
