Today is a packed day with FanDuel running separate tournaments for early and late games. I changed my format around a little to reflect my picks based on the FanDuel groupings of early/late games. Below are my DFS picks for the day, utilizing FanDuel budgets and scoring systems. I don’t think I have to tell you that my picks are quite unconventional. As always, remember to check your players to make sure they are in their MLB starting lineups before lineups lock, and make sure you are doing your own research too for optimal performance! The most successful daily leaguers are grinders who are constantly tweaking their lineups as the day goes on and fantasy news gets released. Good luck today, RotoBallers!
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Weather the Storm
There should be zero weather problems for the early games. You could even catch some help from left handed bats in Chicago, as the wind may be blowing out to right field by first pitch. The night games in New York, Philadelphia and St. Louis may see some rain delays, but no game appears to be in danger of being suspended.
DFS Pitchers to Avoid for 8/6
- Odrisamer Despaigne has a really hard name to pronounce and a really long shot to actually pitch into the seventh inning of any start.
- Atlanta can be dominated by RHPs, but Chris Young has the amazing ability to turn Braves’ strikeouts into walks.
- If your only option in the early games is to start Nick Tepesch, you might as well place your money in a paper bag and ignite it.
- Houston and Philadelphia aren’t offensive powerhouses. Then again they could very well tee off against David Buchannan and Brad Peacock in slap-happy Citizens Bank Park.
- If there were ever two different pitchers that shared the same body, it’s Drew Hutchison. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hutch is effective on the road but is absolutely atrocious at home. The Orioles potent lineup is in town.
- The Tigers are unforgiving to LHPs, and they’ll be facing a rather hittable Chris Capuano.
- Jake Arrieta has been a star this season, but has looked vulnerable in his last three starts. Jordan Lyles is returning from the DL. Something tells me it could get ugly-- or fun to watch-- in Colorado.
- Dan Haren will give up two or three home runs. You
heardread it here first.
The Main Course – DFS Lineup Picks for 8/6
I don’t want to tell you how to run your lineup, but it’s probably a good idea to check the lineup card before the first pitch to make sure your guy is starting.
Starting Pitcher DFS Lineup Picks
Justin Verlander, DET ($7,500): The Yankees are on life support and it looks like Verlander is beginning to catch steam for his annual end-of-season run. I like him to get good strikeout numbers and a win, and I'm crossing my fingers for another Kate Upton sighting.
Yordano Ventura, KC (7,000): Ventura is due one more good start before he regresses for a game or two. He’s been that kind of streaky. Today’s start is against a reeling Diamondbacks team that prides itself on hitting players with 95 MPH fastballs more than actually hitting 95 MPH fastballs.
Catcher DFS Lineup Picks
Russell Martin, PIT ($3,300): Martin may not hit a home run, but he’s getting on base quite frequently and has even shown some wheels by swiping a base here and there. He’s a solid option to get his owners some points.
First Base DFS Lineup Picks
Freddie Freeman, ATL ($3,500): As the cheaper option to Jose Abreu, I expect Freeman to hit one out in Seattle this afternoon.
Justin Morneau, COL ($3,200): You could honestly take Morneau or Anthony Rizzo, but Morneau is the cheaper option. I hope the scoreboard operator does some pre-game stretching because he'll remain busy in Denver today so expect a few more players to show up from this game.
Second Base DFS Lineup Picks
Emilio Bonifacio, ATL ($3,000): Bonifacio has been hitting well from the left side of the plate and he’s always an option to swipe a bag or two. Expect him to get on early and often.
Ian Kinsler, DET ($3,500): The Tigers should put up some numbers in New York, and Kinsler is the catalyst for the lineup.
Third Base DFS Lineup Picks
Yangervis Solarte, SD ($3,200): Because Kevin Correia is really, really ridiculously awful at home.
Luis Valbuena, CHC ($3,400): The young left-handed batter has been really hot over the last week, and there’s no reason he can’t continue his production in a hitter-friendly park.
Shortstop DFS Lineup Picks
Jed Lowrie, OAK ($2,900): Much like Bonifacio, Lowrie has been fairly hot from the left side of the plate and is finding ways to get on base. His price is also appealing.
Ian Desmond, WAS ($3,500): He hasn’t had much success against Jon Niese and he’s been 0-for-his-last-11, but Desmond does hit lefties well and he’s overdue to go deep and have a nice game. Expect a break-out tonight.
Outfielder DFS Lineup Picks
Oswaldo Arcia, MIN (3,400): What can I say? Dude loves to hit in the day time.
Chris Carter, HOU ($3,700): Carter can’t possibly go to Philadelphia and leave without going yard in that stadium and against that pitching staff.
Nick Markakis, BAL ($3,100): This is more about the matchup against a pitcher who is awful at home.
Drew Stubbs, COL ($3,600): Mr. Stubbs has been on a tear over the last 12 days. It’s best to ride that streak.
