Aug 12, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) pitches against the New York Yankees during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 17

There are five afternoon games today. Three of the ten pitchers are priced above $9,000. How many of them should you buy? Are there bargains that you can use to stack the Coors hitters? Let’s check the past stats to find out!

NOTE: these picks are based solely on statistics. Some players have never faced their opponents, or have very little experience against them. I am not saying that none of those are good picks. The highest scorer of the day could be someone with no experience against his opponent. This is based on statistical analysis only. If you have a gut feeling, then by all means, follow that. This is not an exact science. The best lineups usually have a mix of proven stats and hot players. Check out this post from Matt McGarvey for great tips about whether to use a hot player in DFS or not.

Chris Archer has never faced the Padres. Archer’s inconsistency is maddening for full season owners, but the beauty of DFS is that you can use him in good matchups, and this looks like a very good one.

Carlos Martinez has never faced the Astros. The elevated strikeout potential is definitely enticing, but Martinez has given up ten runs in two August starts. He is going cold, and the Astros have a lot of power. This is a risky play.

Christian Friedrich has never faced the Rays, but his 4.84 ERA paints a cautionary picture. Lefties hit him almost as hard as righties, which is a bad thing against this lineup. Brad Miller is on fire. Stay away from this one.

Coors Field is starting to catch up to Jon Gray. His ERA in August is nearly 10, and his home ERA now sits at 4.84. He is cold, and the Nationals are not. I like Gray, but even I am avoiding him here.

For you first time players, if you would like $25 worth of free entry tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then continue reading for tips on how to turn that $25 into more!