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 Lineup Picks - Early Slate (5/13/21): DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball

ronald acuna fantasy baseball rankings MLB Injury news DFS lineup picks

Thunder Dan Palyo highlights the top FanDuel and DraftKings MLB DFS lineup picks for the "Early Only" slate on 5/13/21, and a couple of sleepers to consider while building daily rosters.

Hello there, MLB DFS grinders! It's Thursday, and that means we have yet another split slate of MLB games today with five games in the afternoon and six games on the evening slate.

While most of our MLB DFS coverage here at RotoBaller is geared towards the main slate, I wanted to give you some of my favorite pitchers and bats for these early games. I'll highlight my favorite pitching options here first and then give you some hitters at each price tier to consider as well as my favorite teams to stack up AND some sample lineups for both sites!

I'll be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for the FanDuel and DraftKings early-only slates that lock at 12:20 PM on 5/13/2021. Be sure to also check out all the MLB player news, including late scratches, and the projected and confirmed daily MLB lineups for each DFS slate. You can also check out today's MLB DFS lineup picks for the main slate here, and read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports too. Let's get to it!

 

MLB DFS Pitchers

Corbin Burnes vs. STL ($10,800 FD, $10,600 DK)

Burnes is ready to return to the hill today and was looking like a Cy Young candidate through his first four starts before finally showing he is a mere human against Miami with four earned runs allowed in five innings (but mind you, he still struck out 9). He had COVID and missed one turn through the rotation, but apparently was asymptomatic so we can probably still fire him up here in a good spot against the Cardinals. Brewers' pitchers have dominated the Cards so far this series with Freddy Peralta and Brandon Woodruff pitching gems in each of the first two games, and Burnes is arguably the best of the three when he has his best stuff. I think it makes sense to pay up for one of the two arms from this game which leads to our pivot play, Jack Flaherty.

Jack Flaherty vs. MIL – ($10,500 FD, $9,400 DK)   

Flaherty comes into this game in excellent form and has won six straight starts, allowing three runs or fewer in each of those wins. His 25% K rate isn't anywhere near Burnes' 45% K rate, but his matchup here against Milwaukee hitters is better (28,4% K rate compared to the Cardinals' 24% K rate to RHP). Flaherty isn't much cheaper on Fanduel, but on DraftKings, he's a full 1200 less, and going with him is going to allow you to upgrade several bats. I am not opposed to playing them both together in tournaments, either, and hoping for a 1-0 game.

Others to consider: Zach Eflin ($9,500 FD, $8,200 DK) is my preferred SP2 on DraftKings to pair with Burnes or Flaherty.

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 Slack Chatrooms where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Check out this recent big win from RotoBaller's RealTalkRaph on DraftKings - join in on the winning!

 

MLB DFS "Bats Worth Paying For"

Rhys Hoskins – 1B, PHI ($3,100 FD, $4,000 DK)

Hoskins has an excellent matchup today with lefty Patrick Corbin, who is giving up over three HR/9 this season and getting barreled up at a 12% rate. Hoskins is a lefty-masher who has a .437 wOBA and .315 ISO against LHP over the last two seasons and already has eight homers this year. He crushes sinkers and Corbin has had his primary pitch (a sinker, or two-seamer) teed off on so far this season. He's cheaper than I expected him to be and is a prime cash play or the first click into your Phillies stacks today.

Ronald Acuna Jr. – OF, ATL ($4,400 FD, $5,800 DK)

Acuna is having just an awesome start to 2021 with 11 homers and 32 runs scored through the first month and a half of the season. He's swiped six bags, too, and is always a threat to steal a base on a nightly basis giving him a high floor. I love the Braves today and I want to pick on Stripling with right-handers especially. Acuna's batted ball profile matches up well with Stripling's pitch mix and I think we see him make a lot of great contact today, hopefully resulting in some extra-base hits and a bunch of fantasy points.

Jose Abreu - 1B, CWS ($4,200 FD, $4,400 DK)

The White Sox are red hot right now on offense their star first basemen might be the hottest of the bunch. He's 6-12 over his last three games with a homer and eight RBI. I don't mind picking on Michael Pineda today with some CWS bats as he is home-run prone and I think Abreu's ability to elevate the fastball means he has a great chance of taking one out of the yard. He's really cheap on DK compared to his FD tag and I love the idea of playing Abreu and Hoskins in some two-1B lineups on FD.

 

MLB DFS Values

Robbie Grossman – OF, DET ($3,000 FD, $3,500 DK)

I don't love the idea of using Detroit bats today as they've been horrible against LHP, but the young rookie Daniel Lynch has looked really overmatched so far in his first two big-league starts and this Detroit offense provides us some really nice value to use with our expensive pitchers and bats. Grossman leads off and is a great contact hitter. He also takes walks and can steal bases. I like him as a cash game play or as part of a sneaky Detroit stack here.

Jonathan Schoop  – 2B, DET ($2,200 FD, $2,700 DK)

Schoop has five hits over his last two games and is a guy with solid career splits against LHP. He should hit somewhere in the top half of the order here and is really, really cheap at a position that I want to pay down at usually - the middle infield. Give him a hard look if you need a punt or if you are willing to make a full Detroit stack against Lynch.

Andrew Vaughn – OF, CWS  ($2,300 FD, $2,200 DK)

The young slugger finally got his first homer last night and our very own Bubba Dentrek called it on his podcast and in our premium values article. He's still dirt cheap here and facing a hittable pitcher in Pineda. He's making better contact lately and definitely a threat for another homer, or at least some extra-base hits.

 

MLB DFS Hitter Stacks

Atlanta Braves vs. Ross Stripling

This is a great chance to hop back on the Braves' bats. They have struggled this series against two good left-handers in Ray and Ryu and have been miserable against LHP this season. But against RHP, they are a top-5 offense and they happen to be facing a reverse-splits pitcher in Stripling who is also a fly-ball pitcher. Atlanta has the highest implied team total on the early slate with 4.7 runs and I have to agree with Vegas that they are the offense in the best position to score well today. We can target their entire lineup here, but my main focus would be on the top half of the order with Acuna, Freeman, Albies, Ozuna being the big four power bats.

Philadelphia Phillies vs. Patrick Corbin

Another day that Corbin is pitching = another day for me to stack against him! I have been beating the "Corbin is declining" drum since last season and so far his results this season prove that to be true. He's a fly ball pitcher who has seen a sharp decrease in his strikeout rate which is never a good thing. Opposing hitters are making great contact against him (37% hard contact, 12% barrel rate) and he's already been shelled a few times this year. Give me some RHH from this Philly lineup today with the aforementioned Hoskins being the most important piece. Andrew McCutchen is hitting well right now and we can add in Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto (if he starts) for a nice top-of-the-order stack. You can always include Bryce Harper in an L/L matchup, too, but I am not sure I will have the salary left to fit him in there.

Other stacks: Detroit Tigers vs. Daniel Lynch

 

Good luck, RotoBallers, in your DFS contests, and make sure you keep coming back for all your MLB DFS content this year!



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!




MLB DFS News and Injury Alerts


More DFS Lineup Picks and Analysis




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

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Matthew Knies

Ready for Bigger Role With Maple Leafs
Jack Eichel

Unbothered by Lack of Extension
Sidney Crosby

Not Thinking About Leaving Pittsburgh
SJ

Michael Misa Signs Entry-Level Contract With Sharks
Rutger McGroarty

Nursing an Injury
Brock Purdy

"a Long Shot" to Play on Sunday
Aaron Rodgers

Dealing With Back Tightness
Dallas Goedert

Questionable for Week 2 at Chiefs
Anthony Rizzo

Retires
Cameron Champ

the Ultimate Wild Card at Procore
Cameron Young

Looks to Extend Momentum in Napa
Davis Thompson

Searching for a Spark at Procore
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Reignite Form at Procore
Mackenzie Hughes

Aims for Another Strong Showing at Procore
Luke Clanton

Brings Ball-Striking Upside to Napa
Seamus Power

Looking to Overcome Poor Course History at Procore
Joe Highsmith

Hoping to Find Form in Napa
Jadeveon Clowney

Visiting With the Cowboys on Wednesday
Masyn Winn

Will Require Offseason Knee Surgery
Kristaps Porzingis

Reportedly Still Not Completely Healthy
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Reportedly on the Trade Block
Andre Drummond

Future in Philadelphia in Doubt
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Helps Greece Reach Semis at EuroBasket
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Posts Historic Triple-Double
Joel Dahmen

Finishes Tied For 15 at Wyndham Championship
Bud Cauley

Finishes Tied for 33rd at BMW Championship
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied for Seventh at Tour Championship
J.J. Spaun

Finishes Tied for 25th at Tour Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied for 19th at Tour Championship
Keith Mitchell

Misses Cut at Wyndham Championship
Ben Griffin

Finishes Tied for 10th at Tour Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Finishes Tied for Second at Tour Championship
Gary Woodland

Could Hang Around at Procore Championship
Ranger Suárez

Ranger Suarez Strikes Out 12, Earns 12th Win on Tuesday
Karl Vilips

Ready for Napa Valley This Weekend
Taylor Montgomery

Heating Up at the Right Time
Jackson Koivun

May Be a Little Rusty at Procore Championship
Doug Ghim

Looking to Rise Up at Napa Valley
Christian Watson

Agrees to One-Year Contract Extension
Josh Giddey

Re-Signs With Bulls for Four Years
Shakir Mukhamadullin

Joins Informal Skate
William Eklund

Skates With Sharks
Owen Power

Back at 100 Percent
Tyler Seguin

Cleared for Action
Mathew Barzal

Good to Go for Season Opener
Will Smith

Returns to Dodgers Lineup on Tuesday
Dustin Wolf

Signs Seven-Year Extension
Kyle Stowers

Dealing With Strained Side
Kyle Tucker

Placed on Injured List With Calf Strain
Jauan Jennings

Considered Day-to-Day, has a Chance to Play in Week 2
Jalen Carter

Receives One-Game Suspension, Will be Eligible for Week 2
Bo Bichette

Goes on Injured List With Knee Sprain
George Kittle

Placed on Injured Reserve
Tyreek Hill

Accused of Domestic Violence
Jauan Jennings

Avoids Serious Shoulder Injury
Garrett Crochet

Shuts Out the Athletics
Royce Lewis

Launches Two Homers Monday Night
NBA

Mason Jones Takes His Talents to Australia
NBA

Talen Horton-Tucker Joins Reigning EuroLeague Champions
New York Knicks

Malcolm Brogdon on Knicks' Radar
Andrew Wiggins

Attracting Interest From Lakers
Miami Heat

Heat Interested in Reunion With Precious Achiuwa
Tyler Glasnow

Fans 11 in Seven No-Hit Innings Monday
Slade Cecconi

Takes No-Hitter Into Eighth Inning Monday
Max Muncy

Batting Cleanup in Return to Dodgers
New York Knicks

Ben Simmons Reportedly Declined Knicks' Contract Offer
Younghoe Koo

Falcons Auditioning Kickers, Could Replace Younghoe Koo
Denver Broncos

Sean Payton Says Broncos Need to be Better With Run-Pass Balance
Tank Bigsby

Eagles Acquiring Tank Bigsby From Jaguars on Monday
George Kittle

Likely Out 3-5 Weeks, Could Land on Injured Reserve
Chase Burns

to be Activated on Friday
Brock Purdy

Dealing With Multiple Injuries, Could Miss Week 2
Tyler Glasnow

Cleared to Start on Monday
Logan O'Hoppe

Placed on Concussion Injured List
Christian Yelich

Returning on Monday
Elias Pettersson

Feeling "Good" Ahead of Season
NHL

Alex Formenton Rejoins Swiss Team
NHL

Grigori Denisenko Heads Back Home
CAR

Kevin Labanc Joins Hurricanes for Tryout
Ross Colton

Healthy for Start of Season
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Place Daniel Palencia on Injured List With Shoulder Strain
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Returning on Monday
Sean Murphy

Done for the Year With Hip Labral Tear
Alec Bohm

Lands on Injured List With Cyst in his Shoulder
Trea Turner

Going on Injured List, Phillies Hope to Have him Back for Playoffs
Brock Bowers

Considered Day-to-Day With Knee Injury
Jonathan Taylor

is "Good" After Taking a Hit to his Neck in Week 1
Caio Borralho

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Nassourdine Imavov

Extends Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy

Gets Submitted
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Taps Out Mauricio Ruffy
Russell Wilson

Remains the Giants Starter
Paul Craig

Retires After UFC Paris Loss
Denny Hamlin

Earns his First Cup Victory at Gateway
Kyle Larson

Damage Ruins Kyle Larson's Chance At a Top Finish at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Scores his Third Top-10 Finish at Gateway
Joey Logano

Maintains his Perfect Top-Five Streak at Gateway
Ryan Blaney

Struggles and Recovers for a Top-Five Finish at Gateway
Modestas Bukauskas

Scores First-Round Knockout
Bolaji Oki

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
Xavier Worthy

Week-to-Week with Dislocated Shoulder
Mason Jones

Scores Comeback Win
Rhys McKee

Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss
Axel Sola

Successful In His UFC Debut
Robert Ruchała

Robert Ruchala Unsuccessful In His UFC Debut
William Gomis

Bounces Back In The Win Column
Derrick Henry

Scores Twice but has Costly Fumble on Sunday
Lamar Jackson

Shines With Three Total Touchdowns in Loss to Bills
Chase Elliott

Gets Lucky but Still Has Best Run at Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wins Stage 2, but Was Let Down by Strategy
Tyler Reddick

Despite Bad Luck, Tyler Reddick Does What he Needed to Do
Chase Briscoe

Recovers from Incident with Daniel Suarez to Finish Second
William Byron

Late Caution Foils William Byron's Shot at Gateway Victory
Jayson Tatum

"Moving Around Way Better"
Ryan Blaney

Should Contend at Gateway
Denny Hamlin

Fastest in Qualifying, the Favorite to Win at Gateway
Christopher Bell

Looking for Redemption at Gateway
Joey Logano

Has Been Elite at Gateway
Austin Cindric

Should Be On Your Radar at Gateway
AJ Allmendinger

Could Be a Sleeper Again at Gateway
Tyler Reddick

Southern 500 Near-Miss Makes Tyler Reddick a Stronger Option for Gateway
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace a Likely Gateway Contender
Alex Bowman

a Long Shot to Advance in Playoffs
Austin Dillon

Richard Childress Racing Looks Slower at Gateway, Which Will Hurt Austin Dillon
Shane Van Gisbergen

Starts 18th in Gateway Debut
Jeremy Swayman

Ready to Get Back on Track
Connor McDavid

Aiming for More Goals
NJ

Luke Glendening Signs Tryout Deal With Devils
Dylan Harper

Hoping to be Ready for the Opener Versus Dallas
EDM

Derek Ryan Retires From Hockey
Connor Zary

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Flames
Caio Borralho

Set For A Title Eliminator Bout
Nassourdine Imavov

Looks To Earn A Title Shot
Mauricio Ruffy

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Set For UFC Paris Co-Main Event
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Paul Craig

In Dire Need Of Victory
Mason Jones

Set for Main-Card Bout
Bolaji Oki

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Rhys McKee

Set To Open Up UFC Paris Main Card