We’ve got another early main slate on both DraftKings and FanDuel with plenty of day baseball on tap. Let’s get to building some lineups!
Top SP: Lance Lynn, CWS ($8,700 DK, $8,900 FD) vs KC
Lynn has been among the most reliable pitchers in the league since 2019, with a 3.41 FIP and a 27.5% K-rate in 297 innings. He should put together a strong outing against a relatively weak Royals lineup that posted a .307 wOBA against right-handed pitchers last year. Lynn is cheaper than the other top options and may come in at a lower rostership, making him an interesting GPP tournament target.
Honorable Mention: Jose Berrios, MIN ($9,800 DK, $9,600 FD) vs SEA.
Value SP: Taijuan Walker, NYM ($7,700 DK, $7,700 FD) vs MIA
Walker is a strong value play in cash games for his matchup with the Marlins. Miami was one of the worst lineups in the league against right handers in 2020, posting a .298 wOBA. While Walker does not have the strikeout upside to put him in consideration for GPPs, his high floor at an affordable cost will allow you to load up on expensive hitters in cash games.
Eduardo Rodriguez is worth a look in tournaments, but is a major risk in his first start returning from an injury. Play him at your own risk, but there is upside to be had.
Honorable Mention: Eduardo Rodriguez, BOS ($7,900 DK, $8,200 FD) at BAL.
3B Rafael Devers, BOS ($5,400 DK, $2,900 FD) at BAL
Devers and the Red Sox are in an awesome spot, going to a hitter’s park in Baltimore to face Matt Harvey. (Yes, that Matt Harvey.) As the owner of a 7.58 ERA since 2019, it’s safe to say that Harvey is the worst pitcher on the slate. Pair Devers with some Red Sox teammates to cash in on some run and RBI correlation, and consider fellow lefties who will have the handedness advantage against the right-handed Harvey.
Honorable Mentions: Javier Baez, SS ($5,200 DK, $3,300 FD) at PIT.
OF Christian Yelich, MIL ($5,200 DK, $3,800 FD) at STL
Yelich appears to be sliding off the radar with a slow start to this season and a poor 2020 showing. He broke through yesterday with a 3-for-4 performance, so it may be a short window to buy low on the former MVP. Opposing starter Adam Wainwright outperformed his 4.11 FIP and 4.39 SIERA last year, and the 39-year-old imploded in his first start of the season. This is a high upside smash spot for Yelich.
Honorable Mention: Nelson Cruz, OF ($5,400 DK, $4,200 FD) vs SEA.
Value Batter: OF Brandon Nimmo, NYM ($3,400 DK, $2,800 FD) vs MIA
Nimmo is a strong value play batting leadoff for the Mets, as his fantastic .404 OBP last year shows that he can get on base and score runs. The additional plate appearances from a leadoff hitter are also nice, as one extra trip to the plate could be the difference between cashing or missing out. The Mets should do some damage against Nick Neidert of the Marlins, who is making a desperation start after Miami’s rotation suffered multiple injuries.
Honorable Mention: Bryan Reynolds, OF ($3,200 DK, $2,600 FD) vs CHC.
Top Stack: Diamondbacks at COL (RHP Jon Gray)
We’ve got one last hurrah at Coors Field before the Rockies finish their homestand. Colorado is home to the most hitter-friendly environment in baseball, so both the Diamondbacks and Rockies are top stack options. Of course, they will likely be rostered in many lineups and will cost you lots of salary to roster them. Leadoff hitter Josh Rojas and switch hitter Ketel Marte headline the DBacks lineup, but anybody starting is in play. Just remember to look for lower rostered plays elsewhere in your lineup to differentiate yourself from any other lineups with this game stacked.
Honorable Mention: COL vs ARI (Kelly); BOS at BAL (Harvey).
Design by J.R. Caines (@JRCainesDesign on Twitter and @caines_design on Instagram)