Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Ideal Lineup Picks for April 16 – Bleacher Report Several series across the MLB come to a close on Thursday, meaning rubber games will decide winners and losers in daily fantasy. Just six games will take place, leaving little room for error on DraftKings lineups. Leading up to the first pitch on Thursday, here’s a look at players to target in daily fantasy for an optimal lineup. Pitcher: Chris Archer, Tampa Bay Rays ($7,000) Slowly but surely, Chris Archer is proving to be one of the best young pitchers in the MLB. The Tampa Bay Rays right-hander has started the season with two great starts, including seven shutout innings on Saturday against the Miami Marlins. Following that outing, Archer spoke about how he wants to be viewed and his presence on the mound, via Erin Brown of Fox Sports Florida: I hope that people start putting me in the conversation of Matt Harvey and Jose Fernandez, honestly. I am capable of that. I haven’t done it on a consistent basis as they have, but I am fully capable. The stuff is comparable. Hopefully, my name is mentioned with those guys soon. … Every time I go out, I am trying to throw a no-hitter. I’m trying to execute every single pitch I throw to the point to where they don’t get a hit. Facing a lethal Toronto Blue Jays lineup, daily owners might not trust Archer. Taking into account the fact that Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion have a combined six hits in 42 at-bats, Archer knows how to neutralize the power in Toronto. Look for that to translate to another win against the Jays. First Baseman: Lucas Duda, New York Mets ($4,300) Few players in the MLB have been as scorching hot as Lucas Duda. After his outstanding pace through the first eight games, Duda blasted his first homer on Wednesday night. That came after having seven hits in the previous four games. What the numbers don’t show is just how important Duda has also been to the Mets as a whole. His clutch hitting will continue to be massive moving forward with David Wright now put on the disabled list with a hamstring strain, per Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Still having bats like Curtis Granderson and Michael Cuddyer around him, Duda should see good pitches at No. 3 in the lineup. Facing a right-handed pitcher in Jarred Cosart, expect this lefty to continue his power streak. Second Baseman: Dee Gordon, Miami Marlins ($4,700) Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports Between his steady hitting and speed on the basepaths when he gets there, Dee Gordon has been on a tear this season. Batting over .350 thus far and collecting six stolen bases, he’s a perfect addition to any lineup. Not only does Gordon offer production at the plate, but he’s also feared when he gets on. Sitting at the top of the lineup with young stars like Christian Yelich and Giancarlo Stanton behind him, Gordon will continue to thrive against the New York Mets on Thursday. Third Baseman: Matt Carpenter, St. Louis Cardinals ($4,200) Jeff Roberson/Associated Press In 2013, Matt Carpenter was a model of consistency with the St. Louis Cardinals, as he posted career highs in every statistical category. His numbers then took a dramatic dip in 2014, but he’s gotten off to a hot start this year. Carpenter is never going to be a huge home run hitter, but his consistency makes him a great addition to any lineup. With 10 or more fantasy points in three of his last five games, slot Carpenter into your lineup and expect him to outplay his value. Outfielder: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals ($4,000) Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports MLB.com It’s been tough to get a true read on Bryce Harper this season, but the young outfielder has played well in the last four games. After a huge performance on Wednesday and a homer over the weekend, Harper should be due for another strong outing against the Philadelphia Phillies. But wait, he’s facing Hamels. That’s not a good matchup for Harper, right? Wrong. During his career, Harper has typically played well against the Phillies’ ace. Though he’s never hit a home run off him, look for some consistency at a reasonable salary with Harper at his lowest price of the year on DraftKings. Daily fantasy baseball is going strong at DraftKings! Get FREE entry into a $10,000 MLB contest today. Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more MLB DraftKings advice.
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27
8
.387
.720
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