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

MLB DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (4/21/24) - Today's Top Lineups

Bobby Witt Jr. - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Free daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings, FanDuel. Use Kevin's MLB DFS expert picks to building winning DFS lineups on April 21, 2024.

Happy Sunday, RotoBallers! I'm excited to be covering another fun DFS slate. The early part of the MLB season has been good to me, so I'm looking to build off that momentum and hit the ground running as we progress into the 2024 campaign. Let's break down my favorite plays from today's slate!

We have some really interesting matchups today. The pitching mix is light on aces and instead offers a selection of midrange starters and back-of-the-rotation punt arms, which will certainly lead to some interesting lineup decisions. I'll point out the standout plays, but with a 10-game slate and so many options on the mound, there will be plenty of opportunity to get creative with your picks today.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/21/2024 and the slate locking at 1:35 p.m. EDT. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is also essential.

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!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Aaron Nola vs. Chicago White Sox ($10.8K DK, $10.3K FD)

The price tag on Aaron Nola feels a little excessive, but it makes sense when you consider the matchup. The Chicago White Sox are the worst team in baseball right now. They own a horrid 3-17 record and are plating just 2.2 runs per game. The struggles include a league-worst 66 wRC+ against right-handed pitching alongside a .299 slugging percentage. Philadelphia Phillies starting pitchers have taken no-hit bids into the seventh inning or later during each of the first two games of this series.

Following a brutal season debut, Aaron Nola has responded nicely over his past three outings, surrendering just three total earned runs over 19 innings pitched. Overall, he sports a strong 3.47 ERA, though he is noticeably lacking in certain areas so far this season. Nola is striking out only 19.8% of batters, well below his 27.1% career strikeout rate. However, he boasts a strong 32.5% chase rate, and the strikeout numbers will more than likely start moving toward his average. He is somewhat overpriced, but rostering Nola offers the most peace of mind on this slate.

Luis Gil vs. Tampa Bay Rays ($7.9K DK, $8K FD)

It may be asking too much, but if Luis Gil could reduce his absurd 23% walk rate, he might emerge as one of the league's premier pitchers. The rest of his pitching profile borders on elite. That includes a 2.45 xERA, .098 xBA, .120 xSLG, 0% barrel rate, and a 26.9% hard-hit rate. The most impressive part is Gil's 32.8% strikeout rate and 33.3% whiff rate. He has struck out at least six batters in each of his first three outings this season. Gil is certainly risky because of the control issues, but he offers an excellent upside for his price.

The Tampa Bay Rays bring a middling offense into this showdown. They are scoring fewer than 4.1 runs per game on the season, including a similarly underwhelming 104 wRC+ and .375 slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers. Interestingly, the Rays carry just a 7.1% walk rate for the season, the second-lowest mark in the majors. That could be critical to Luis Gil's success in this matchup.

Also Consider: Tanner Bibee, Sonny Gray

Want more MLB DFS tools and content? Our MLB Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Discord Chatrooms, where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Win more with expert advice from proven winners!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Bobby Witt Jr. - SS, KC vs. Cole Irvin ($6.4K DK, $3.7K FD)

At this point, Bobby Witt Jr. requires little justification. He's slashing .302/.355/.581 with four home runs, four stolen bases, and a 172 wRC+. If there was any doubt about his on-field results, the advanced metrics are even more incredible. Witt boasts an incredible .470 xwOBA, .746 xSLG, 95.5 MPH average exit velocity, 21% barrel rate, and a 64.5% hard-hit rate.

Cole Irvin can't be expected to succeed in this matchup. Through three starts, he sports a 5.89 xERA. Irvin is getting roasted by opposing hitters to the tune of an 18% barrel rate, 91.9 MPH average exit velocity, 46% hard-hit rate, and a .543 xSLG. The small sample size can't be blamed too heavily on his behalf, considering Irvin surrendered a .492 xSLG last season, part of a .465 career mark.

Nolan Arenado - 3B, STL vs. Colin Rea ($4.7K DK, $3K FD)

We are accustomed to Nolan Arenado being a perennial 30-home run threat, so the lack of power output is somewhat concerning. However, he has still been a consistent producer. Arenado is slashing .298/.330/.398 for the season. He has hit safely in 18 out of his last 19 games, and it is probably only a matter of time until his home run stroke re-emerges.

Colin Rea presents a very advantageous matchup. Across his first three outings, the 33-year-old carries a 6.24 xERA. The struggles include a horrible .340 xBA, 90.8 MPH average exit velocity, and a .511 xSLG.

Salvador Perez - 1B/C, KC vs. Cole Irvin ($3.7K DK, $3.4K FD)

We already covered why Cole Irvin is a pitcher worth targeting today, and Salvador Perez is another way to get in on that action. Following an inexplicable price reduction, Perez feels exceptionally cheap on DraftKings today. He is slashing .342/.390/.605 with six home runs on the season. The success consists of a phenomenal .654 xSLG, 16.9% barrel rate, 49.2% hard-hit rate, and a .413 xwOBA. Given his price and multi-positional eligibility, it should not be hard to prioritize Perez.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Yordan Alvarez - OF, HOU vs. Mitchell Parker ($5.6K DK, $3.9K FD)

If you've got enough salary, you cannot go wrong with rostering Yordan Alvarez today (or any day). He sports an impressive .291/.378/.500 slash line with five home runs and a 149 wRC+. The surface numbers are predictably great, but it's Alvarez's advanced metrics that really underscore his dominance at the plate -- .698 xSLG, 15.7% barrel rate, 93 MPH average exit velocity, and a .335 xBA.

Alvarez's opponent today is somewhat of an enigma. Mitchell Parker's major league career is just one start deep. It was a reasonably successful outing, as the 24-year-old surrendered only two runs over five innings against a terrifying Los Angeles Dodgers lineup. Still, the jury is out on Parker, and his minor league numbers don't suggest he'll be any sort of impact player at this level. Parker posted an uninspiring 4.74 ERA across 124 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023. I'm inclined to forget his debut performance and bet on a loaded Houston Astros lineup taking advantage of an inexperienced hurler.

Chas McCormick - OF, HOU vs. Mitchell Parker ($3.7K DK, $2.8K FD)

Continuing with the Houston Astros tout, Chas McCormick is another bat worth consideration. He's off to a slow start in 2024, but his price has dropped accordingly, and it feels like we have arrived at the point where he is an underrated value. McCormick posted a .842 OPS last season, alongside 22 home runs and a 133 wRC+. Most importantly, he terrorized left-handed pitching, slugging .610 against southpaws, part of a .550 career mark. At only 29 years old, McCormick should still have plenty of juice left in his bat and it's only a matter of time until he catches fire again.

Jesse Winker - OF, WSH vs. Cristian Javier ($3.6K DK, $3K FD)

Jesse Winker has been one of the more surprising successes for far in 2024. After back-to-back disappointing seasons, Winker has bounced back in a big way. The 30-year-old sports a .339/.455/.532 slash line with a 180 wRC+. That consists of a .486 xSLG, 11.1% barrel rate, 37.8% sweet-spot rate, and a .395 xwOBA.

Cristian Javier is not among the worst pitchers on this slate, but he is far from infallible. The 27-year-old carries a 5.37 xFIP, up from a 5.16 xFIP in 2023. Outside of an ugly walk rate, Javier's primary weakness is left-handed hitters. Lefties slugged .470 against Javier last year, and the early returns on this season suggest he has not overcome the problem.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

1. Kansas City Royals vs. Cole Irvin

2. Houston Astros vs. Mitchell Parker 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!






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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Shane Smith

Hits 15-Day Injured List
Samuel Basallo

Dealing With Oblique Injury
Najee Harris

Chargers Haven't Seen Najee Harris Since Fireworks Mishap
Jaylen Wright

Ready to Prove Himself
Tyler Shough

Signs Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Terrance Ferguson

Rams Reach Agreement With Terrance Ferguson on Rookie Deal
Demetrius Knight Jr.

Bengals, Demetrius Knight Jr. Agree to Rookie Deal
Cole Kmet

Buying in to New Bears Offense
Quay Walker

Packers Place Quay Walker on PUP List
Yetur Gross-Matos

Malik Mustapha, Yetur Gross-Matos Land on PUP List
Derik Queen

Undergoes Surgery
Richie James

Announces Retirement
NYI

Jaroslav Halak Officially Announces Retirement
Zebby Matthews

Reinstated, Starting on Saturday
Drew Helleson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Ducks
Gabriel Vilardi

Signs Six-Year, $45 Million Extension
Kyle Stowers

Blasts Walk-Off in Two-Homer Game
Nolan Arenado

Ready for Second Half
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Back in Action to Begin Second Half
Yordan Alvarez

Resumes Swinging -- Return Imminent?
Jake Burger

to Miss an Additional 2-3 Weeks
TreVeyon Henderson

Signs Rookie Contract
Christian Watson

Goes on PUP List
Austin Riley

Hopes to be Activated Next Week
Ketel Marte

Lands on Restricted List After Burglary
Ricky Pearsall

Heads to PUP List
Brandon Aiyuk

Placed on PUP List
Luther Burden III

Signs Rookie Deal
Washington Nationals

Eli Willits Expected to Sign Contract on Saturday
Grayson Rodriguez

Being Shut Down Again - Will We See Him Again This Year?
Ezequiel Tovar

Activated and Back in Lineup on Friday
Max Fried

"Hopeful" to Pitch Next Week - Looks Like He'll Avoid IL Stint
Steven Kwan

Receives Injection in Wrist, Considered Day-to-Day
CJ Abrams

Back to Start Second Half
Alec Bohm

Back From Rib Injury on Friday
Trey Hendrickson

Holdout to Spill into Regular Season?
Jalen McMillan

Bucs Offensive Coordinator Not Forgetting About Jalen McMillan
Levi Onwuzurike

to Miss at Least Four Games
Nick Emmanwori

Seahawks, Nick Emmanwori Reach Agreement on Rookie Deal
Max Holloway

Set For Main Event
Brandon Lowe

Back From 10-Day Injured List
Dustin Poirier

Set For His Final UFC Fight
Roman Kopylov

Set For Co-Main Event
Paulo Costa

Returns At UFC 318
Luis L. Ortiz

to Remain on Leave for Another Month - Will he Pitch Again?
Daniel Rodriguez

Looks For Third Win In A Row
Kevin Holland

Set For His Fourth Fight This Year
Dan Ige

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Patricio Freire Set For His Second UFC Fight
Daniel Zellhuber

Set To Open Up UFC 318 Main Card
Michael Johnson

Looks For Third Consecutive Win
Elijah Arroyo

Signs Rookie Deal
Jaydon Blue

Described as "Borderline Lazy"
T.J. Sanders

Bills Sign T.J. Sanders to Rookie Deal
Yegor Chinakhov

Requests Trade
Dakota Joshua

Maple Leafs Acquire Dakota Joshua
Lukas Dostal

Signs Five-Year Extension with Ducks
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Expected Back Friday
Damian Lillard

Returning to Portland
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Bradley Beal

Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal