Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks: Lineup advice, strategy for August 3
Welcome back, daily fantasy baseball friends! Surprise! @DFSBenj is on his way to Vegas, so it’s back-to-back days you're stuck with me filling in.
We made some money last night with Luke Weaver and Cody Bellinger anchoring our rosters. That was a tough slate, so I’m glad I managed to find some plays that were able to help you out. Tonight feels a little more clear, so plug these guys in, and let’s get another victory!
RotoQL's fantasy baseball packages laid the groundwork for the picks you'll find below. Not only will you find the stats you need in a user-friendly platform, but you'll also find fantastic DFS tools -- namely, our RotoQL MLB Lineup Optimizer. It's a must when putting together lineups.
I'm also there for you on Twitter if you're looking for more last-minute advice (@MLoveDFS).
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Daily Fantasy Baseball Advice: Thursday, August 3
Pitchers
Corey Kluber, Indians vs. Yankees - DraftKings: $11,000 FanDuel: $11,100
I can’t quit on Kluber. With 12,14, and 12 strikeouts his last three starts, this guy is on fire. Some people may not want to pay this price tag against a powerful Yankees lineup, but New York offers some strikeout upside, and Kluber has pitched too well for me to be afraid of the matchup. The Yankees best slugger Aaron Judge has cooled off and is striking out at a higher rate recently, which was a major issue for him in 2016. As a team, the Yankees strike out 9th most in baseball, but it’s really Kluber’s elite 12.64 K/9 (second best in MLB) that makes him a lock to roster. Kluber is both a cash and GPP option. He’s the type of player who can absolutely dominate a slate. Even if you think he’ll be the chalk, I think you want some exposure because Kluber can always go out and have a huge night.
Other Options: Alex Wood, Collin McHugh
High-Value Bat
Mike Trout, OF Los Angeles Angels - DraftKings: $5,500 FanDuel: $4,800
Mike Trout is back in prime fantasy form, and we’re getting to the point where if you can find the salary, he’s worth paying up for every single night. This is the most talented player in baseball, and while he plays in a weak Angels lineup, he still finds a way to perform day in and day out. Since returning from injury, he has put up at least eight DraftKings points in 13 of his 15 games. He is the model of consistency. It’s really that simple. If you can afford it, roster the best player in the majors.
Other Options: Mookie Betts, Jose Altuve
Mid-Value Bat
Manny Machado, 3B Baltimore Orioles - DraftKings: $4,600 FanDuel: $3,800
Machado feels too cheap on both sites and is coming up as one of the top values in this price range. The Orioles face lefty Matthew Boyd in a matchup against Detroit tonight, opening with the second highest total of the night with 5.6 implied runs. Boyd has been up and down this year, with two decent starts his last times out, so it feels like a blowup game is due for him. At the same time, the Orioles are one of those teams who are always difficulty to predict, so it wouldn’t surprise me to see them come in under their Vegas total. Regardless, we know Machado is an elite talent, who can very easily take advantage of this matchup. Machado is starting to turn things around recently, which is expected when you realize he has been the victim of a .268 BABIP, even though he’s been hitting the ball harder than any season before. I expect Machado continues the positive regression he is due for, and he’ll make some of my lineups tonight.
Other Options: Cody Bellinger, Eric Hosmer
Value Bat
Andrew Benintendi, OF, Boston Red Sox - DraftKings: $3,500 FanDuel: $3,100
Benintendi has not played his best baseball as of late, and I’m not sure you will need to find the salary relief in the outfield, but I do think he is one of the higher upside value plays on the board. Expected to bat second in Fenway tonight against righty Miguel Gonzalez, Benintendi has all the factors working in his favor. Boston opened with the highest projected run total on the night at 6.2, which doesn’t surprise me considering Gonzalez is awful, and the White Sox bullpen has been depleted by trades. Boston is coming off of a big win, one that feels like the ignition of a upcoming run of good performances. I’m buying the Red Sox offense right now, and I like the cheap exposure and overall talent the rookie Benintendi gives you tonight.
Other Options: Starling Marte, Hanley Ramirez, Austin Barnes
Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (Optimal lineup example for FanDuel contests)
NOTE: The above lineup was created at 12 p.m. ET and is an example of how to plug a core into the RotoQL Optimizer and build around it. Do NOT ever play a lineup without checking injury/lineup/weather news before lock.