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 (8/4/24) - Today's Top Lineups

Paul Skenes - Fantasy Baseball Prospects, Rookies, Call-Ups

Free daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for today's slate on DraftKings, FanDuel. Use Kevin's MLB DFS expert picks to build winning DFS lineups on August 4, 2024.

Happy Sunday, RotoBallers! I'm excited to be covering another loaded MLB DFS slate. We're now beyond the trade deadline and staring down the final two months of the regular season. Let's lock in and take down this enticing nine-game slate!

We have some excellent matchups today. The pitching mix is relatively thin today, featuring few aces alongside uncertain midrange and punt plays, undoubtedly leading to interesting lineup decisions. I'll point out the standout plays, but there will be plenty of opportunities to get creative today.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 8/4/2024 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.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Paul Skenes vs. Arizona Diamondbacks ($10.3K DK, $11.3K FD)

It should surprise nobody that Paul Skenes is the preferred pitching option on this slate. Through 13 starts, the rookie sports an outstanding 2.57 xERA and a 2.59 xFIP. Skenes has been virtually untouchable, limiting opposing hitters to a .200 xBA and a 6.5% barrel rate. His impressive pitching profile is headlined by a tremendous 33.3% strikeout rate alongside a 31.8% chase rate and a 28.5% whiff rate. Skenes has yet to surrender more than three runs in any outing and is averaging nearly eight strikeouts per start. If you can work his steep price tag into your, it will be worthwhile. Skenes is the top floor and ceiling play available.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are far from a dream matchup for Skenes. They lead the majors scoring nearly 5.2 runs per game overall. That said, the Diamondbacks do their best work against left-handed pitching. Against right-handed pitching, they sport a middling 108 wRC+. Further, Arizona is currently without Christian Walker, one of their most dangerous hitters. This matchup offers nothing that should scare us from rostering Skenes.

Nick Pivetta vs. Texas Rangers ($8.5K DK, $9.7K FD)

If you're looking for a discount alternative to Paul Skenes, Nick Pivetta is capable of a similar ceiling, albeit with higher risk. Across 17 starts, Pivetta owns a strong 3.53 xERA and a 3.31 xFIP. The 9.6% barrel rate he's allowed illustrates where things can go wrong, but he generally does a great job at limiting baserunners with a fantastic .296 xwOBA. Most importantly, Pivetta strikes out batters at an elite 30% clip, giving him an upside comparable to that of Skenes.

Unlike Skenes, Pivetta draws a favorable matchup today with the Texas Rangers today. Despite operating one of baseball's most dangerous offenses in 2023, the Rangers are scoring an underwhelming 4.2 runs per game this season. Their struggles are particularly pronounced against right-handed pitching, generating a weak 89 wRC+ alongside a .297 wOBA and a .141 ISO.

Also Consider: Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, Simeon Woods Richardson

 

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

Royce Lewis - 3B, MIN vs. Chris Flexen ($5.3K DK, $4.2K FD)

A healthy Royce Lewis ranks among the most dangerous hitters in baseball. Through 32 games played this season, he boasts a fantastic 1.012 OPS with 12 home runs. Lewis's success in 2024 includes a tremendous .586 xSLG, 16.1% barrel rate, and a .388 xwOBA. He is not cheap to roster, but there is an argument to be made that he is underpriced.

Chris Flexen will be a preferred pitcher to target on this slate. Over 23 appearances this season, he sports a weak 4.82 xERA and a 5.19 xFIP. Flexen has been unable to miss bats, generating just a 16.4% strikeout rate and a 21.6% whiff rate. He has also surrendered a generous .454 xSLG, part of a .451 career mark.

Brandon Lowe - 2B, TB vs. Spencer Arrighetti ($4.2K DK, $3.2K FD)

Brandon Lowe is live for a home run today. The 30-year-old sports a strong .862 OPS on the season with 12 home runs and a 143 wRC+. While his strikeout rate does limit his ability to hit for average, Lowe's results are very worthwhile when he does put the ball in play. His batted-ball profile includes a .510 xSLG, 15.1% barrel rate, and a 43.8% hard-hit rate.

Spencer Arrighetti's advanced stats suggest his horrible 5.58 ERA is somewhat unlucky, but he still profiles as only an average-at-best pitcher. Among Arrighetti's issues during his rookie campaign is surrendering power to left-handed hitters, who are slugging .455 against him.

Coby Mayo - 3B, BAL vs. Gavin Williams ($2.3K DK, $2K FD)

Coby Mayo's price won't stay in this punt-play price range for long. His MLB career is only two games deep, but the 22-year-old ranks as the No. 15 overall prospect in baseball. Mayo produced a 1.003 OPS with 23 home runs across 81 games played in the minor leagues this season, illustrating his prolific upside.

On the surface, Gavin Williams' 3.72 ERA through six starts looks great. However, the advanced stats tell a remarkably different story. Williams sports a mediocre 5.02 xERA, consisting of a .280 xBA, .442 xSLG, 45.8% hard-hit rate, and a 91.1 MPH average exit velocity. We won't be blindsided if Williams gets touched up by this Baltimore Orioles offense today.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Yordan Alvarez - OF, HOU vs. Tyler Alexander ($5.6K DK, $3.8K FD)

Deciding to roster Yordan Alvarez never requires a lot of thought. So far in 2024, he's slashing a predictably outstanding .298/.380/.527 with 20 home runs and a 150 wRC+. His dominance at the plate includes a .586 xSLG, 13.9% barrel rate, 46.9% hard-hit rate, and a 92.8 MPH average exit velocity. There are no bad matchups for Alvarez.

Tyler Alexander is expected to be the bulk reliever for the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. In 13 appearances this season, he has a weak 4.92 xERA and a 4.37 xFIP. The reasoning behind targeting Alexander is simple: he gets hit hard. Alexander has surrendered a .484 xSLG and a 10.7% barrel rate.

Jorge Soler - OF, ATL vs. Edward Cabrera ($4.5K DK, $3.4K FD)

It was a slow start to the season for Jorge Soler, but he has hit his stride lately. The 32-year-old is slashing .306/.452/.490 with a 173 wRC+ in the second half. His power-hitting ability is well-known at this stage of his career and it appears Soler is finally starting to resemble the guy who hit 36 home runs in 2023.

Despite excellent strikeout stuff, Edward Cabrera ranks among the most volatile pitchers on this slate. He carries an awful 6.65 ERA through 10 starts this season. While the advanced metrics suggest Cabrera has been deserving better results, they still make it clear why Cabrera can get lit up. Opposing hitters have generated a .448 xSLG, 11.7% barrel rate, and a generous 47.7% hard-hit rate.

Trevor Larnach - OF, MIN vs. Chris Flexen ($3.7K DK, $2.6K FD)

Trevor Larnach is another great option in the Minnesota Twins stack at an affordable price. He sports a .755 OPS on the season with 11 home runs and a 114 wRC+. While his surface stats aren't spectacular, his underlying metrics paint the picture of a hitter due for positive regression. Larnach's impressive batted-ball metrics include a .498 xSLG, 91.7 MPH average exit velocity, 10.3% barrel rate, and a 43.1% hard-hit rate.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

1. Minnesota Twins vs. Chris Flexen

2. Houston Astros vs. Tyler Alexander



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

Logan Gilbert

Fans 10 In Return Start Monday
Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers, DeShon Elliott Agree to Two-Year Extension
Ryan Pepiot

Strikes Out 11 in Win
Hunter Goodman

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Stephen Curry

"Not Even Close" to Retirement
Jonathan Kuminga

Linked to Bulls, Heat
Kevin Durant

Has "No Desire" to be Traded to Minnesota
Isaac Paredes

Returns as DH on Monday
New York Giants

Mike Kafka Expected to Reclaim Play-Calling Duties
Jon Runyan

Limited During Minicamp
Saquon Barkley

Feels Great Physically
Justin Simmons

Panthers Have Talked With Justin Simmons
Jordan Addison

Trial Date Set for July 15
New York Jets

Jets Sign Kingsley Jonathan, Marquis Hayes
Jarace Walker

Remains Sidelined for Game 5
Justin Verlander

Returning to the Rotation on Wednesday
Tony Finau

Finishes Tied For 38th at U.S. Open
Bud Cauley

Misses The Cut at U.S. Open
Cameron Young

Finishes Tied For Fourth at U.S. Open
J.J. Spaun

Wins U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Finishes Tied For 12th at U.S. Open
Robert MacIntyre

Finishes Second at U.S. Open
Si Woo Kim

Finishes Tied For 42nd at U.S. Open
Vershon Lee

Vikings Ink Undrafted Offensive Lineman Vershon Lee
Luke Clanton

Misses The Cut at RBC Canadian Open
San Francisco 49ers

C.J. West Signs Rookie Deal with San Fran
Jaylen Warren

Training to Handle Larger Workload
Giancarlo Stanton

to Make Season Debut on Monday
Will Campbell

Ends Minicamp as Top Left Tackle
Sam Cosmi

Making Good Progress From Torn ACL
Kamaru Usman

Gets Back In The Win Column
Adonai Mitchell

Impresses at Minicamp
Joaquin Buckley

Winning Streak Comes To An End
Miranda Maverick

Drops Decision At UFC Atlanta
Bradley Chubb

Fully Healed, Looking Disruptive
Jonnu Smith

Contract Talks "Still Fluid"
Rose Namajunas

Wins Decision At UFC Atlanta
Andre Petroski

Suffers Unanimous-Decision Loss
Edmen Shahbazyan

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Raoni Barcelos

Wins Third Fight In A Row
Chase Elliott

Ends Mexico City with A Great Finish of Third
Christopher Bell

has A Strong Runner-Up Performance At Mexico City
Chase Briscoe

Wild Day Ends with A Top-10 Finish
Michael McDowell

Leaves Mexico City with A Top-Five Finish
Cody Garbrandt

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Brundage

Defeated After Accidental Clash Of Heads
Cody Brundage

Mansur Abdul-Malik Defeats Cody Brundage By Technical Decision
Oumar Sy

Suffers His First Loss
Alonzo Menifield

Scores Upset Win
Alex Bowman

Delivers Bravura Performance After Michigan Injury
Tyler Reddick

Inexplicably Mediocre on his Once-Best Track Type
John Hunter Nemechek

Canny Strategy Gives John Hunter Nemechek Best Career Road-Course Finish
Cole Custer

Earns Best Finish Since Cup-Series Comeback at Mexico City
Grant Holmes

Punches Out 15 in Loss
Elly De La Cruz

Goes Yard in Fourth Straight Game
Will Vest

Dealing With Finger Injury
Jackson Merrill

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
J.J. McCarthy

Looking "a Lot Stronger"
Shohei Ohtani

Will Be Dodgers' Starting Pitcher Monday
Roki Sasaki

Shut Down From Throwing
Garrett Wilson

Receives New Contract Offer
Jordan Hicks

Headed to Boston
Kyle Harrison

Traded to Red Sox
Travis Kelce

Slims Down During the Offseason
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Restart Contract Discussions
Brady House

Nationals Promoting Brady House to Major Leagues
Rafael Devers

Traded to San Francisco
Logan Gilbert

to Start on Monday
Jayden Higgins

Impresses During Minicamp
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope

on the Move to Memphis
Cole Anthony

Dealt to the Grizzlies
Seattle Seahawks

DeMarcus Lawrence Making an Impression With his New Team
Tyler Mahle

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Luis Robert Jr.

Scratched with Thumb Soreness
Desmond Bane

Traded to Orlando
Byron Buxton

Scratched from Sunday's Lineup
Brendan Donovan

Returns to the Lineup
Steven Adams

Rockets Agree to Three-Year Contract Extension
Ty Dillon

Is a Respectable Cap Flexiblity-Focused DFS Option For Mexico City
Corey Perry

Produces 10th Postseason Goal
Connor McDavid

Scores First Finals Goal
John Hunter Nemechek

Is John Hunter Nemechek Worth Rostering In Mexico City DFS Lineups?
Sam Bennett

Nets Another Road Goal in Game 5 Win
Eetu Luostarinen

Earns Two Points Saturday
Brad Marchand

Pots Two Goals in Game 5 Victory
Sergei Bobrovsky

Ties NHL Record with 10th Road Win
Ross Chastain

Trackhouse Racing's Mexico Focus Makes Ross Chastain a Leading Contender for the Win
Kyle Busch

One of Two Past Mexico City Winners in the Field
Ryan Preece

Earns Surprising Front-Row Start
Austin Cindric

Not as Strong of a Road Racer as People Think
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Stronger on Infield Road Courses Than Purpose-Built Ones
Joey Logano

Seemingly Alternating Between Good and Mediocre Races
Brad Keselowski

One of the Few Drivers with Mexico City Experience
Denny Hamlin

Ryan Truex Makes First Cup Series Start Since 2014
Erik Jones

Mexico City Will Likely be a Struggle for Erik Jones
Noah Gragson

Front Row Motorsports' Speed May Make Noah Gragson a Decent DFS Option
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Road Courses Are Ricky Stenhouse Jr.'s Worst Track Type
Evander Kane

Drops to Fourth Line Saturday
Kasperi Kapanen

Won't Play on Saturday
Calvin Pickard

Starts Game 5 for Oilers
Tyrese Haliburton

Struggles in Friday's Loss to OKC
Chet Holmgren

Dominates the Glass in Game 4
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Leads the Way in Game 4
Jalen Williams

Has a Quality Showing on Friday Night
Russell Westbrook

to Decline Player Option
Kevin Durant

Trade Could Happen in the "Next Few Days"
Joaquin Buckley

Set For Main Event
Kamaru Usman

An Underdog At UFC Atlanta
Miranda Maverick

Set For Co-Main Event
Rose Namajunas

Looks To Bounce Back
Andre Petroski

Looks To Extend His Win Streak To Four
Edmen Shahbazyan

A Favorite At UFC Atlanta
Raoni Barcelos

Set To Take On Former Champion
Cody Garbrandt

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Mansur Abdul-Malik

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Connor Hellebuyck

Wins Vezina And Hart Trophies
Aleksander Barkov

Records Two Power-Play Assists Thursday
Sam Reinhart

Collects Three Points in Thursday's Loss
Matthew Tkachuk

Notches Three Points in Losing Effort
Calvin Pickard

Joins Exclusive List with Thursday's Win
Mattias Ekholm

Logs Two Assists in Comeback Victory
Leon Draisaitl

Delivers Victory in Overtime Thursday
Myles Turner

Playing Through Illness
Reed Sheppard

Will Play in the NBA Summer League
Kevin Durant

Deal Could Come Sooner Rather Than Later
Dorian Finney-Smith

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Anze Kopitar

Wins Third Lady Byng Trophy
Sergei Bobrovsky

Heading Out for Win No. 15
John Klingberg

Won't Play in Game 4 Against Panthers
Viktor Arvidsson

Sits Out Game 4 Against Panthers
Stuart Skinner

Remains in Oilers Crease Thursday
Jalen Williams

Leads Thunder in Scoring Wednesday
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Settles for 24 Points in Game 3 Loss
Pascal Siakam

Does Everything for Pacers Wednesday Night
Matt McCarty

Comes Off Season-Best Showing at RBC Canadian Open
Justin Thomas

Desperate to Continue Good 2025 Season
Jon Rahm

Seeks Revenge at U.S. Open
Tom Kim

Aiming for Improvement in U.S. Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Expects Solid Performance at Oakmont
Brian Harman

Aims to Rebound From the Memorial
Tony Finau

has Been Up and Down at U.S. Open
Patrick Cantlay

Hoping This is the Year at Oakmont
Akshay Bhatia

Improving in Time for U.S. Open
Xander Schauffele

Primed for Another Major Championship Run
Cameron Young

May Struggle at U.S. Open
Collin Morikawa

Eyeing Third Major Championship Title
Matt Fitzpatrick

Seeks to Avenge Oakmont Collapse