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There is just one day game scheduled for Friday and it’s a good one with Paul Skenes taking the mound for the Pirates against the Cubs. After that, we have a packed evening slate to play on DraftKings and FanDuel.
This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 5/17/2024, with the slate starting at 7:05 p.m. EDT. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is also essential.
Good luck, RotoBallers!
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DraftKings, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Cole Ragans vs. OAK ($8,800 DraftKings; $9,600 FanDuel)
Ragans was roughed up in his last start, giving up seven runs over 6.1 innings against the Angels. It marked the second time this season that he gave up seven runs in a start. However, he has allowed two or fewer runs in six of his other seven starts. Look for him to get back on track against the Athletics, who only have a .669 OPS versus left-handed pitchers.
Christian Scott at MIA ($9,800 DraftKings; $9,100 FanDuel)
The Marlins are a team to attack in DFS since they have scored the fourth-fewest runs in baseball. Things aren’t likely to get any better for them after they traded away Luis Arraez. Looking to exploit their weakness will be Scott, who has logged at least six innings and recorded at least six strikeouts in both of his starts since being called up from the minors. In his last outing, he limited the powerful Braves lineup to just three runs over six innings.
“I know my stuff is going to play at this level."
Top @Mets pitching prospect Christian Scott retired 12 straight and struck out 6 in his MLB debut: https://t.co/lreprjZjPW pic.twitter.com/pIJX8SeZzn
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 5, 2024
Nestor Cortes Jr. vs. CWS ($8,000 DraftKings; $9,500 FanDuel)
Cortes hasn’t pitched since May 11, so he is certainly well-rested for this outing. His 4.02 ERA isn’t anything to write home about, but he does have a 3.58 FIP and a 1.08 WHIP. He has the potential to improve his ERA in a matchup against a White Sox team that has scored the fewest runs in baseball.
Also consider: Kyle Harrison vs. COL, Freddy Peralta at HOU
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DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Mookie Betts – SS, LAD vs. Frankie Montas ($5,500 DK; $4,400 FD)
Betts is cooking at home, where he has a .280 ISO and a .450 wOBA this year. That comes on the heels of his .328 ISO and .455 wOBA at home last season. Montas has given up at least five runs in three of his last five starts and has a 1.37 WHIP this year, so don’t expect him to be the one who slows Betts down.
Anthony Rizzo – 1B, NYY vs. Mike Clevinger ($4,300 DK; $3,200 FD)
Rizzo has noteworthy home and road splits. He had a .354 wOBA at home last year, compared to a .262 wOBA on the road. This season, he has a .366 wOBA at home and a .296 wOBA on the road. Not only could Clevinger be on a pitch limit after throwing just 73 pitches in his last outing, but the White Sox have a 1.40 team bullpen WHIP. Rizzo is an appealing option at his reasonable salaries.
Ezequiel Duran – 1B/3B/SS/OF, TEX vs. Tyler Anderson ($4,200 DK; $2,300 FD)
While Duran wasn’t an everyday starter at the beginning of the season, injuries have forced him back into the lineup. He held his own over 122 games last season, producing a .167 ISO and a .330 wOBA. Since moving back into the lineup on a regular basis, he is 11-for-24 (.423) with three walks over his last eight games. Combine that with his career 121 wRC+ versus left-handed pitchers and he could provide value against Anderson.
Also consider: Matt Olson, Marcus Semien, Anthony Volpe
DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks
Shohei Ohtani – OF, LAD vs. Frankie Montas ($6,000 DK; $4,800 FD)
It’s not difficult to make a case for deploying Ohtani in DFS whenever the Dodgers are in action. Pick a stat for him and it’s excellent. He has a .309 ISO and a .468 wOBA. His 19.4 percent strikeout rate is the lowest mark of his career. His hard-hit rate is a staggering 59.7 percent. With how underwhelming Montas has been, Ohtani could produce a monster stat line.
A huge blast from Shohei Ohtani! pic.twitter.com/7GH3hTc8fO
— MLB (@MLB) May 15, 2024
Marcell Ozuna - OF, ATL vs. Matt Waldron ($5,400 DK; $4,000 FD)
Waldron has struggled out of the gate, recording a 5.49 ERA and a 4.46 WHIP. He hasn’t missed many bats, generating a 19.9 percent strikeout rate. Pitching to contact has also left him with a 1.45 WHIP. He’ll have his hands full with Ozuna, who has a .293 ISO and a .439 wOBA.
Josh Lowe – OF, TB vs. Chris Bassitt ($4,200 DK; $2,900 FD)
It has been a down season for Bassitt, who has a 5.06 ERA and a 4.62 FIP. He has limited right-handed hitters to a .274 wOBA, but lefties have a .431 wOBA against him. While he wasn’t as bad against them last year, he did give up a .357 wOBA to left-handed hitters. This is a great matchup to take a chance on Lowe, who is 10-for-34 (.294) with two home runs and four doubles since coming off the injured list.
Also consider: Aaron Judge, Michael Harris II, Alex Verdugo
DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks
1. Dodgers vs. Frankie Montas
- Favorite Plays: Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman
2. Braves vs. Matt Waldron
- Favorite Plays: Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Michael Harris II
3. Yankees vs. Mike Clevinger
- Favorite Plays: Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Anthony Rizzo
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