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The top daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on May 21, 2018. Adam Meyer's MLB DFS analysis and sleepers for building optimal DFS rosters.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/21/18. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for sites like FanDuel, and other sports too. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @CharlieSideHstl.
DraftKings Starting Pitchers
Walker Buehler, LAD (vs. COL) - $9,300
The MLB team with the lowest runs scored in 2018 was able to produce four earned runs against Buehler in his last start (@ MIA). While that news is somewhat alarming, Buehler still managed to strike out seven batters, continuing his streak of at least five Ks per appearance this season. The Rockies are next for Buehler. Colorado has struck out the seventh-most times this season (426). The Rockies are also 27th in team wOBA against right-handed pitchers (.294). From a Vegas point-of-view, the COL/LAD matchup has the lowest over/under on the slate (seven total runs) and the Dodgers are one of the strongest favorites of the ticket (-180). Both odds are in favor of Buehler.
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It’s a mixed bag when it comes to Berrios and his stat lines. He’s been known to strike out 11 batters in a game, or strikeout none. He’s produced three shutouts in 2018, and allowed five earned runs in three starts this year. However, on a slate this small, without strong pitching prospects, I’d roll the dice on Berrios. His opponent, the Tigers, are 26th in team wOBA against righties (.295) and Vegas has given Minnesota the strongest odds to win on Monday (-200).
DraftKings Infielders
C - Gary Sanchez, NYY (@ TEX) - $4,800
After an amazing 4-for-5 performance where Sanchez smacked two home runs in Kansas City, he was given the day off. Now, he’ll look to return to action and continue his hot streak. In the past week, Sanchez is 5-for-11 (.455) with two doubles and two home runs. Sanchez is also third on the team in ISO against right-handed pitchers (.262).
1B - Trey Mancini, BAL (@ CWS) - $3,800
I wanted to wait and see who got the nod for some lineups before I locked in my post for Monday. First base can always be a crucial spot to build, when adding power-hitters to your DFS lineup. I tend to lean towards home running hitting options in this position. Mancini is only 2-for-11 (.111) in the past week, but he's homered three times in the last 10 games. Also, his Orioles are projected to score 4.9 runs (fourth-most) against the White Sox.
2B - Brian Dozier, MIN (vs. DET) - $3,900
Here’s another cold bat that you may not be thrilled with, at first. Dozier is 1-for-21 (.048) in the past week, but his proficiency against lefties is still profitable to the DFS community. He leads the team with a .280 ISO against left-handed pitchers (since 2017). When you get a combination of high ISO, with a leadoff hitter (high in the order), and a reasonable price tag you add them to your DK roster.
3B - Anthony Rendon, WSH (vs. SD) - $3,800
Sure, if you add Rendon with the past two selections you get 3-for-44 (.068) in the last seven days. Rendon is 1-for-12 (.083) in the past week. However, all three are solid selections against southpaws. Rendon leads the Nationals with a .320 ISO against left-handed pitchers.
SS - Didi Gregorius, NYY (@ TEX) - $3,900
I swear these are my suggestions for Monday and not an All-Star team of struggling batters. Gregorius is oh-fer in the past week (0-for-7), but again, the ISO doesn't lie. Even with his recent slump, Gregorius still owns a solid ISO against right-handed pitchers since 2017 (.246). Hopefully, this minor rest (hasn't played since Friday) is enough to wake up his bat and return him to his April numbers (.330 AVG, 10 HR, and 30 RBI).
DraftKings Outfielders
Tommy Pham, STL (vs. KC) - $4,600
The Cardinals have the third-highest implied run total for the Monday slate (5.1 runs). Compared to the previously mentioned bats, Pham is phenomenal. He's batting .280 (7-for-25) with one home run and one double in the past week. He's also tallied at least two hits in three of the past five games. Pham has also produced a .306 AVG against right-handed pitchers this season. His .207 ISO against righties also adds to his case.
Aaron Hicks, NYY (@ TEX) - $3,800
Sometimes you need to be creative when adding players from lineups with high implied run totals. While some DFS players will flock to Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, we need to pivot to cheaper options, like Hicks. His .205 ISO against righties is only seventh-best on New York, but it's in the range we like to use (.200 or better). Hicks is hitting .467 (7-for-15) with one triple and one home run in the past week.
Marcell Ozuna, STL (vs. KC) - $3,300
