Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Ideal Lineup Picks for May 25 – Bleacher Report
Memorial Day is always an important mark in the MLB season for teams to reflect on where they stand. Of course, those playing daily fantasy baseball should only care about what will happen today rather than the past two months.
This means even those who have struggled at times can still provide your team with value. Here is a look at some who fit that description and the best overall options for May 25.
Pitchers
Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays ($8,000)
Todd Kirkland/Associated Press
None of the top options for Monday qualify as true strikeout pitchers, which means you have to just find players you can trust to get outs. While Tim Lincecum has a nice matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers, you can get more value for Jake Odorizzi.
The Tampa Bay Rays starter has been incredibly consistent with eight quality starts in nine appearances and will have a favorable matchup against a struggling Seattle Mariners offense. If he can add a few strikeouts, this could be a very nice play.
Drew Hutchison, Toronto Blue Jays ($7,200)
The 6.06 ERA is scary, but Drew Hutchison’s almost twice as good at home this year (4.07 ERA) than on the road (8.03 ERA). He also has looked much better in the past three starts.
More importantly, he matches up against a Chicago White Sox team that hasn’t scored more than three runs in the past seven games. Hutchison should keep the bats cold on Monday.
Joe Kelly, Boston Red Sox ($6,000)
Washington Nationals starter Tanner Roark seems like the most enticing sleeper option on the board as a talented pitcher going against a lineup that can’t stop striking out. The problem is the starter-turned-reliever will be limited to 70 pitches against the Chicago Cubs.
As a result, you want someone who can go deeper into the game, like Joe Kelly. The 26-year-old pitcher is coming off his best start of the season (two earned runs in seven innings) and once again resembles the player who had a 2.69 ERA in 2013. If he keeps the walks down, he could have another quality start.
Hitters
Jason Kipnis, 2B, Cleveland Indians ($5,100)
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
It might be difficult to stack the Indians lineup due to the high prices, but you want to try to get as many in there as possible as the team rides a six-game hitting streak.
Jason Kipnis has been one of the top contributors during this run and is hitting an incredible .465 in May. He is also currently hitting .417 against right-handers, which isn’t good for opposing pitcher Phil Klein, who is making his second career start.
You can really give yourself a leg up on the competition with some big-time production from the second base spot.
Justin Upton, OF, San Diego Padres ($4,400)
Those who had Justin Upton in their lineup Sunday were certainly happy:
Impressive: Justin Upton has 6 RBI, including a grand slam. More impressive: It’s only the 2nd inning!
— Baseball Tonight (@BBTN) May 24, 2015
This performance wasn’t a fluke, either, as the outfielder now sits among the major league leaders in both home runs and RBI. Despite his outstanding numbers, he still costs a lot less than many of his peers.
Instead of questioning the reason for the price, just put Upton in your lineup and say thank you.
Maikel Franco, 3B, Philadelphia Phillies ($3,900)
Although he has played just 10 games in the majors this season, Maikel Franco continues to look like he belongs with a .256 batting average, two home runs, seven runs and seven RBI in this stretch.
With New York Mets starter Bartolo Colon really struggling lately (17 earned runs allowed in his last three starts), Franco can continue to improve and provide fantasy owners with a lot of value.
Team to Stack
Colorado Rockies
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
Although you usually don’t want to bet on Rockies hitters outside of Coors Field, the switch to the hitter-friendly Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati won’t be too much of a downgrade. Even without the thin air, there should still be plenty of chances to hit home runs.
Considering Jason Marquis has an 8.68 ERA in the month of May, Charlie Blackmon, Carlos Gonzalez, Troy Tulowitzki, Nolan Arenado and other hitters should be ready for a big day.
Note: All prices courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com.
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