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It's a typical Monday small slate with just 10 games on the schedule. Despite the low number, some of the biggest stars in the game will be in action. Unfortunately, guys like Mike Trout and Bryce Harper are banged up, so keep that in mind when forming a lineup.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/8/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.
You can read our FanDuel and Yahoo DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter @barryleonardjr.
DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings
New York Yankees vs. Rookie Davis (RHP)
Cincinnati's Rookie Davis -- ironically in his rookie season -- enters Monday with an 1-1 record and an ERA of 7.36. He did look good in his last outing, allowing no runs in five innings, but was rocked in the start prior to that when he gave up seven earned runs and 11 hits in less than three innings of work. The Yankees bats have been alive all season, and they are currently one of the top hitting teams in the league. Target the likes of Aaron Judge, Starlin Castro, Chase Headley, and lefty Brett Gardner.
Washington Nationals vs. Kevin Gausman (RHP)
Kevin Gausman has been rocked this year to the tune of a 7.55 ERA. He has allowed a total of 19 runs in his last four starts. His last time on the mound he gave up one run in an inning of work to the Red Sox before being ejected for hitting Xander Bogaerts. Lefties and righties have both raked against Gausman this season, so several Nationals are worth a stack Monday, including guys like Ryan Zimmerman, Daniel Murphy, and Anthony Rendon.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings
Masahiro Tanaka - NYY at CIN , $9,100
Masahiro Tanaka has had a bit of a rough season this year, as evident by his 4.46 ERA. However, thanks to the backing of a strong offense, he's been able to post a record of 4-1. He allowed four earned runs on eight hits in six and one-third innings his last time out against Toronto, but still walked away with a win. With a limited slate of games Monday, Tanaka has one of the best shots for a win, especially considering that his offense makes for a great stack.
Gio Gonzalez - WAS at. BAL, $8,700
Gio Gonzalez has continued to roll this year and hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in any of his starts. He currently sits with a 3-0 record and a 1.64 ERA. Aside from putting up strong numbers, Gonzalez has the luxury of getting run support from one of the top offenses in baseball. He has a matchup with the Orioles Monday, a team he's done well against in the past. Current Baltimore hitters area combined 25-for-109 with just one home run lifetime against Gonzalez.
DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Matt Wieters- WAS at BAL, $3,600
After spending his first eight Major League seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Matt Wieters returns to Camden Yards Monday as a member of the Nationals. Wieters has enjoyed his first season in the nation's capital, slashing .274/.365/.476. He is walking more this year than ever and has been a very productive catcher from a fantasy standpoint. His average of 7.5 points a game on DraftKings is very solid considering his price tag is under $4,000. He'll have a favorable matchup Monday hitting from the left side of the plate against Kevin Gausman
First Base (1B)
Mark Reynolds - COL vs. CHC, $4,200
Mark Reynolds had a red-hot weekend series and enters Monday with a home run in three-straight games. He has clearly benefited from the move to Colorado and Coors Field. Reynolds, already known for his ability to hit the long ball, is even more dangerous when playing at home like he is Monday. He'll face a tough matchup with Jake Arrieta, but Reynolds has crushed righties this season.
Second Base (2B)
Dee Gordon - MIA vs. STL, $4,000
Dee Gordon often gets overlooked in daily lineups, but he's been rather productive this season. Not only can he rack up fantasy points by getting hits, but once he's on the base paths he's a threat to swipe a bag. Gordon has struggled against lefties this year, but has been very strong against righties. He enters Monday 9-for-17 lifetime against opposing starter Carlos Martinez.
Shortstop (SS)
Didi Gregorius - NYY at CIN , $3,800
Despite missing most of the first month of the season due to injury, New York's Didi Gregorius doesn't appear to be suffering form any ill-effects. He's been a boost to an already strong Yankee lineup and has quickly evolved into a reliable shortstop option for daily lineups. He's hitting well over .300 and has had no problem getting on base. The left-handed hitter gets a good match Monday with righty Rookie Davis.
Third Base (3B)
Kris Bryant - CHC at COL, $5,500
Taking value players at other positions will allow you to draft Kris Bryant. Already the top third baseman on the board with an average of over 10 fantasy points a game, Bryant gets a boost by playing at Coors Field Monday. He hit .400 with a home run and five RBI in Colorado last year. The Chicago slugger is an expensive, but very safe option for fantasy lineups.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings
Aaron Judge - NYY at CIN, $4,600
Aaron Judge has taken the league by storm this year and has certainly lived up to the hype at this point. The power is not a surprise, but what's been a bit surprising is the fact that he's been able to keep his average above .300. Judge looks like the real deal, and is typically a popular pick in daily leagues, especially on nights like Monday with not a lot of games. However, a matchup with a struggling rookie pitcher in a hitter-friendly ballpark makes him a must-start.
Ezequiel Carrera - TOR vs. CLE, $2,700
Ezequiel Carrera is a sleeper selection Monday, but he's been able to put up some solid numbers this year. He's hitting over .300 and has hits in 17 of the last 20 games he's appeared in. The lefty gets a very favorable matchup with struggling right-hander Trevor Bauer. Left-handed hitters have hit .280 with four home runs against Bauer this season. Carrera isn't an everyday player, so just confirm that he's in the Toronto lineup before deploying him.
Cody Bellinger - LAD vs PIT, $3,600
Much like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger is taking the league by storm. He's as good as advertised and deserves a spot in daily fantasy lineups, especially while his price tag remains low. Bellinger hits for both average and power, something that's a great commodity for daily lineups. Currently he's batting .357 with five home runs in just 11 games. He has crushed right-handed pitchers so far, so Monday's matchup with righty Trevor Williams is very favorable.
DFS Hitters to Avoid on DraftKings
Trevor Story - COL vs. CHC, $4,600
There's a bit of temptation to take Trevor Story Monday for the fact that he's playing at Coors Field and is coming off a multi-hit game Sunday. However, he's still hitting just .173 for the year, yet is priced among the most expensive shortstops available. He has an average of .117 against righties, so a matchup with Jake Arrieta likely won't bode well for him Monday. Until Story either heats up for good, or his price comes way down, stay away.
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