Daily Fantasy MLB Picks For Draft Kings 4/28/16 (UPDATED) – SportsBlog.com (blog)
Christian Yelich has been a beast when it comes to getting on base, but he has a tough match-up against Kenta Maeda on Thursday
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Note: There are only 8 games on Thursday, which means the match-ups are very limited. There is also a very good chance of rain for the following games, so pay attention to the forecast: Phillies vs. Nationals, Pirates vs. Rockies, Athletics vs. Tigers.
P- Jon Lester (vs. Milwaukee Brewers): Through 4 starts in 2016, Lester has been absolutely dominant. In 27.1 innings pitched, he has a 1.98 ERA, 23 strikeouts, 5 walks, and a 2-1 record. The Brewers’ offense has struggled this season. They are currently ranked as the 25th ranked offense in Major League Baseball. Lester will be throwing off of his home mound on Thursday as well. All of these factors should work in Lester’s favor. NOTE: The Chicago Cubs game was postponed tonight, so Jake Arrieta may take Lester’s spot on Thursday, and if that is the case, Arrieta is a must add.
UPDATED NOTE: Lester is not starting. I will be starting Arrieta for $13,600, which changes this lineup quite a bit. I’m going to keep the analysis on everyone just because it could be useful for other picks. If you don’t want to pay the steep price of Arrieta, then Chris Bassitt is a decent, cheap option. The pitcher match-ups are pretty brutal for Thursday in my opinion.
P- Tanner Roark (vs. Philadelphia Phillies): Roark has been a pleasant surprise for the Washington Nationals this season. In his first 4 starts, he has thrown 24 innings, with a 2.63 ERA, 24 strikeouts, 11 walks, and a 2-2 record. In his most recent start, he threw 7 innings against the Minnesota Twins, giving up 0 runs, striking out 15, and walking 3. He has a favorable matchup against the Phillies on Thursday, so he is a great start in daily fantasy baseball.
C- Welington Castillo (vs. Michael Wacha): $3,200. In his last 7 games, he is hitting .379 with 5 home runs, 11 RBI’s, and 8 runs. He is on fire, he is cheap, and this is a no brainer. He is facing a pretty good opposing pitcher, but that has also driven his price down. Based on his most recent success, I’m not sure any pitcher can slow him down.
1B- Anthony Rizzo (vs. Zach Davies): $4,900. Rizzo has finally found his swing in the past week. He has struggled to hit for a high average this year, but he is still getting on base, which is great for daily fantasy. Throughout the first 20 games, Rizzo is hitting .205 with 8 home runs, 22 RBIs, 14 runs, and a .356 OBP. His ability to take a walk and hit for elite power is a huge plus in daily fantasy. In his past 7 games, he is hitting .259 with 5 home runs, and 11 RBIs.
NOTE: With the change of Arrieta, Victor Martinez is starting ($3,500)
2B- Jean Segura (vs. Michael Wacha): $3,800. Segura has had a monster year in 2016. Not only has he had a great year, but he has also been stellar over the past week. During that timespan, he is hitting .361 with 1 home run, and 7 RBIs. Throughout the entire season, he is hitting .347 with 4 home runs, 15 RBIs, and 3 stolen bases. Unfortunately, due to the limited matchups and cash restrictions on this lineup, I’m forced to start another batter against Wacha, but I don’t think it will be a problem.
3B- Travis Shaw (vs. Jhoulys Chacin): $3,700. Since taking over the hot corner in Boston, Shaw has done nothing but impress. Through 79 plate appearances, he is hitting .324 with 2 home runs, 14 RBIs, 9 runs, and a .392 OBP. In the past week, he is hitting .333 with 1 home run, 7 RBIs, and 1 stolen base. His ability to get on base and provide run production opportunities should allow for a 5-plus point game.
SS- Aledmys Diaz (vs. Rubby De La Rosa): $3,600. Diaz has come out of no where. Since becoming the Cardinals starting shortstop, he is hitting .466 with 3 home runs, 11 RBI’s, 15 runs, and a .492 OBP in 60 plate appearances. In his last 7 games, he is hitting .565, with 1 home run, 4 runs, and 3 RBIs. Clearly he is on a hot streak, and at only $3,600, he is a steal.
OF- Kris Bryant (vs. Taylor Jungmann): $4,700. Kris Bryant has a great matchup on Thursday. He will be facing a very mediocre pitcher and Bryant has been on fire. In his past 7 games, he is hitting .333, with 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs. Throughout the entire season, he is hitting .280, with 4 home runs, and 15 RBIs. Bryant is coming off a postponed game, so I’m sure he is going to be hungry to step into the batters box on Thursday.
NOTE: With Arrieta starting, David Peralta is taking Bryant’s spot ($3,600)
OF- Yasmany Tomas (vs. Michael Wacha): $3,400. Tomas has been on fire over his last 7 games. In that timespan, he is hitting .313 with 3 home runs, 4 RBI’s, 9 runs, and a .333 OBP. He has really broken out this year and looks as if he could be the real deal after struggling in his rookie season in 2015. Once again, I’m starting another guy against Wacha, which I’m not pumped about, but Tomas’ price is great value considering his successful season and recent results.
OF- Christian Yelich (vs. Kenta Maeda): $3,700. Yelich has been a machine when it comes to getting on base. He is hitting .388 with 1 home run, 8 RBI’s, 13 runs, and a .500 OBP. Typically I wouldn’t suggest starting a batter against the red-hot Kenta Maeda, but Yelich’s price is too good to pass up. This should be a great battle at the plate, but Yelich’s eye and quick hands should be able to take care of Maeda.
Available Cash: $0
