RADIO
Baseball is back, and we couldn't be happier. It's definitely very difficult to predict a player's performance this early in the season (granted it's always difficult) so I have focused heavily on past success.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for Yahoo on 4/4/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on Yahoo.
You can read our FanDuel and DraftKings DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @DemetriRafto.
DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on Yahoo
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Clayton Richard at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Richard is the cheapest pitcher on the card on Tuesday, rightfully so considering his career 4.23 ERA and 53-53 career record. The current Dodgers lineup has also had much success against Richard, and are batting .376 with two home runs and 15 runs batted in 93 career at-bats combined.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on Yahoo
Kenta Maeda vs SD ($42)
Kenta Maeda is one of the lesser expensive options taking the mound on Tuesday, and heads into one of the most favorable matchups out of any pitcher. The Padres posted the second most strikeouts in the league last season and have not done anything to help that cause considering their lineup consists of a lot of rookies who continuously chase pitches out of the zone. The Los Angeles Dodgers should also have no problem getting to opposing pitcher Clayton Richard, ensuring Maeda will get plenty of run support. Richard also posted a 8.10 ERA in six spring training starts.
Matt Shoemaker @ OAK ($40)
Matt Shoemaker has the second best matchup rating on the card Tuesday, and is even cheaper than Maeda. Of course it's important to get a win from both of your pitchers, but why not try and save some money in the process? The current Oakland Athletics lineup has taken Shoemaker deep five times, but are only batting .219 over 96 at bats, including only three extra base hits against him.
DFS Infielders to Consider on Yahoo
Catcher (C)
Buster Posey @ ARI ($16)
I'm avoiding Gary Sanchez at the catcher position for now because of his spot in the New York Yankees batting order. As long as Sanchez is hitting second, his RBI opportunities will be decreased. Once he's moved back into the three hole, where Joe Girardi should be batting him, then I'll be drafting him consistently. Until that happens, Buster Posey is one of the surest option. It's too early in the season to gamble on value options at the catcher position. Posey also has the best matchup playing in the hitter-friendly Chase Field.
First Base (1B)
Adrian Gonzalez vs SD ($11)
Adrian Gonzalez is batting .588 in 17 at-bats against Clayton Richard in his career, including five runs batted in. Gonzalez's price is certainly part of his appeal, and will free up plenty of cap space for the other big names on this list.
Second Base (2B)
Jose Altuve vs SEA ($17)
Jose Altuve has certainly faced Seattle starter Hisashi Iwakuma the most out of any Astros player, and has made the most of the bulk of his experience. Altuve is batting .421 over 38 at bats (16 hits) against Iwakuma, including one homer, seven ribbies, and six two-baggers. Altuve, despite batting from the right side, has consistently hit righties better as well, and posted an impressive .348 average against them last season.
Shortstop (SS)
Ronald Torreyes @ TB ($7)
I'm not crazy about his spot in the lineup, but Torreyes will certainly get his at bats as the team's starting shortstop. Also, the bottom of New York's lineup was more successful in their less than stellar season opener against the Tampa Bay Rays. In limited time last season, Torreyes bat .286 in 112 at bats against righties.
Third Base (3B)
Evan Longoria - vs NYY ($16)
Evan Longoria has always been successful against the Bronx Bombers in his career. His average is nothing to write home about, but Longoria has taken the Yankees deep seven times over the last three seasons. He's still relatively affordable and looks primed for a solid campaign. Even better, Longoria is batting .403 in 72 career at bats against CC Sabathia, including seven home runs, 16 ribbies, 13 walks, and nine doubles.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on Yahoo
Mike Trout at OAK ($23)
Mike Trout is Mike Trout. There isn't much else we need to say about him when it comes to daily fantasy and seasonal leagues. Trout has already gone yard this season and has taken the second year starter, Sean Manaea, deep once in his career. Trout is batting .750 over four plate appearances versus Manaea. The young phenom is the most expensive position player on the slate, but is certainly well worth it.
Franklin Gutierrez vs SD ($8)
Franklin Gutierrez is certainly a punt, but a solid, affordable piece of the Los Angeles stack. Gutierrez will likely get the start against the southpaw. Last season, the journeyman outfielder batted a solid .280 against lefties and saw triple the amount of at bats against them then he did against righties. He also took lefties deep 12 times in 2016, compared to only twice against righties.
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