X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Daily Fantasy Baseball Lineup Picks (7/18/17): MLB DFS Advice for FanDuel and DraftKings

Tonight we have a full 15-game slate on deck and pitching options in all tiers that are enormous upgrades from what we had to work with last night. Lineup lock is at 7:05 with every team playing under the lights. As a result of every team participating in the Main contest, there are some monster GPP pools to dip into. Monster GPP pools are what makes Tuesdays half tolerable.

Now, I have to preface this by saying the lines are sure to move before first pitch, but I'd be remiss and totally out of character if I didn't call out a few of these that look interesting as of Monday night. The biggest favorites of the night are the Dodgers at -295, which is none too surprising when you see Clayton Kershaw listed as the starting pitcher. After a steep drop off, we then have the Astros (-195), the Pirates (-155), and the Rockies (-142) to round out the large and/or notable favorites. For run total projections - especially helpful when deciding which stacks to deploy in cash games and tournaments - the Rockies rule the roost at 6.3, followed by the Yankees (5.6), Astros (5.6), Dodgers (5.5), Orioles (5.5), Diamondbacks (5.4), Royals (5.4) and the Padres (5.3). Those are some pretty high totals, but the rest of the teams aren't too far behind. Keep an eye on the late movement on these figures.

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 7/18/17. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Let's get to it, shall we?

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider

Clayton Kershaw - P, @ CWS (DK - $14,000, FD - $12,700)

He's the greatest pitcher on the board almost every night but the gap between he and the next best pitcher tonight is quite large. In other words, you need to be prepared to pay up for him as your cash game pitcher. The matchup tonight isn't perfect but it does have upside as well. Kershaw is taking the bump in Chicago which is a downgrade for a pitcher but he does a good job of keeping the ball in the yard (1.1 HR/9) and an excellent job of limiting hard contact, with a 27% mark this season (a number that is just 21% over the past 15 days). The upside I mentioned? It's in the form of strikeouts, of course. Kershaw has a 10.5 K/9 mark over the past 12 months and the White Sox are no opponent to striking out - their projected lineup for tonight owns a collective 25.6% K rate. On top of all that, the Dodgers are the biggest favorites tonight and the White Sox have the lowest run projection of the night by nearly a run at 3.1. I think he's got a great start for a Quality Start in addition to enough run support for the win to go with his 7+ strikeouts.

Brad Peacock - P, vs SEA (DK - $10,300, FD - $9,200)

Peacock's consistent brilliance finally caught the attention of DraftKings and FanDuel because we're seeing five digit price tags for the first time. He's not the value he once was due to that, but he's still a much cheaper option than Kershaw (and a relative value today) and the price increase is a little easier to stomach in guys like Peacock thanks to his strikeout artistry. Speaking of that, he owns an excellent mark in that respect this season with his 11.2 K/9 and he's paired that with a 0.7 HR/9, which has helped him to be so effective. His StatCast data is favorable as well, as it showcases the fact that he's been able to limit hard hit balls (27% hard hit rate allowed, 87 mph exit velocity). He takes on a Seattle opponent tonight that isn't the ideal matchup but it's not one to avoid in tournament formats and if the Vegas data is something you trust, at -195 favorites, he might be viable as a SP2 in cash games as well.

Also Consider: Blake Snell - P, at OAK (DK $6,600, FD - $6,400)

 

DFS Infielders to Consider

Catcher (C)

Evan Gattis (DK - $4,200, FD - $2,700)

There is a lot to love about this matchup, starting with the Astros entirely. They're currently pegged with the second highest run projection, and I think Gattis and his teammates will benefit from plenty of RBI/run scoring opportunities. Gattis is facing Sam Giviglio, who has turned in a few respectable performances this season but it's been quite some time since that happened. Lately, he's been getting shelled and his wOBA and ISO allowed over his last three starts are both over .400. And of course there are Gattis' marks, starting with his splits over the last year that are quite attractive - .381 wOBA and a .267 ISO.

First Base (1B)

Cody Bellinger (DK - $4,900, FD - $3,800)

Good news, guys - the Home Run Derby didn't ruin Bellinger's swing. Since the return from the break, Cody has already left the yard a few times and collected a handful of doubles. In this inter-league matchup, he's getting a park upgrade and the matchup itself is one that is very favorable for left-handed hitters - something the Dodgers have in large quantities. Miguel Gonzalez has allowed a slugging percentage to lefties this season over .500 and Bellinger and his .421 wOBA and .400 ISO splits are sure to take advantage.

Second Base (2B)

Matt Carpenter (DK - $4,000, FD - $3,900)

Carpenter is really heating up and he's always someone I'd suggest riding until that wave crashes. He enters this game with a very impressive 50% hard hit rate over the past two weeks and pairs that with a 41% fly ball rate which gives him a bit more home run upside. He's going into Citi Field which is a pitcher's park but the heat and humidity in New York in July is certainly helping the ball carry. His opponent, Rafael Montero, is one of the reasons that the ball has been carrying so well in Queens. He's been lit up over his past three starts, allowing a .483 wOBA and .333 ISO in that stretch. As for Carpenter, he can do damage against right-handed pitching which is showcased in his .357 wOBA and .224 ISO split.

Shortstop (SS)

Stephen Drew (DK - $3,600, FD - $2,200)

On a night where getting Kershaw in your roster is essential, it's important to find upside in cheap places. Drew is one of my favorite options that fit that description for tonight. He's been doing a fine job getting run as an every day guy and owns a 40% hard hit rate on the year. His splits against right-handed pitching are favorable (.348 wOBA) - especially for this price tier - and he generally finds himself in a favorable position near the top or middle of this Washington order. His opponent, Jesse Chavez, has been pretty kind to opposing hitters lately as well, allowing a wOBA and ISO split over .340 and .220, respectively.

Third Base (3B)

Freddie Freeman (DK - $5,000, FD - $3,800)

It still feels odd writing him in under third base but I suppose I'll get used to it at some point. Anyway, Freddie has been on a tear and I think we can safely say he's now matchup proof. Whether or not you believe that he's reached that status yet is no matter today, as the matchup is a favorable one with John Lackey opposing him. Lackey's struggles are well documented this season and I like Freeman and his .488 wOBA and .389 ISO to take advantage. Freeman's StatCast data gives me more confidence in the selection as well, seeing as he's posted a 41 % hard hit rate with a 237 foot average batted ball distance over the past two weeks.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider

Charlie Blackmon - OF, vs SDP (DK - $5,600, FD - $4,900)

Yes, the price is steep, but consider the whole situation. We have one of the games premiere hitters in the most ideal hitters park, leading off against a pitcher that has allowed the highest wOBA and ISO (over his last three starts) of any pitcher taking the mound tonight. That's the description of a player you just have to get a few shares of. In addition to the fact that Dinelson Lamet should be picked on, there's also the convincing angle of Blackmon's splits, which, at a .406 wOBA and .300 ISO, are truly elite figures.

Clint Frazier - OF, at MIN (DK - $4,000, FD - $2,500)

I think the guys at DraftKing's have the same opinion as I about Frazier's upside in this matchup. The recent call-up has had his strikeout issues - which will persist - but he's shown he can shatter his price implied value when he pops a home run. He's starting to do that in bunches as well, and I think this spot tonight is as strong a matchup for him as he's had yet this year. Bartolo Colon will be taking the bump, and we're all aware just how poorly his starts have gone this season. Frazier and his strong righty-righty splits (.335 wOBA, .364 ISO) can produce here.

 

 

DFS Premium Tools & Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Win more. Try the most advanced lineup optimizer in daily fantasy baseball.

Sign Up Now!

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Philadelphia Eagles2 hours ago

Patrick Johnson Rejoins Philadelphia
Dante Exum2 hours ago

Diagnosed With A Fractured Left Hand
Los Angeles Rams2 hours ago

Larrell Murchison Back With The Rams
Amed Rosario2 hours ago

Returning On Saturday
Cam Thomas2 hours ago

Expected To Miss Rest Of The Season
Jose Trevino2 hours ago

Going For CT Scan
Kirk Cousins2 hours ago

Set To Receive Roster Bonus
Bryce Eldridge2 hours ago

Will Not Play On Saturday
Aaron Rodgers2 hours ago

Wants To Play In Minnesota
Blake Perkins2 hours ago

Cleared For Light Baseball Activities
Doug Nikhazy3 hours ago

Optioned To Triple-A
Jung Hoo Lee3 hours ago

Scratched On Saturday With Back Tightness
Cody Bradford3 hours ago

Won't Throw For At Least Four Weeks
Colorado Rockies3 hours ago

Charlie Condon Out At Least Six Weeks With Broken Wrist
Bryce Miller3 hours ago

Ironing Out The Kinks In Spring Training
Logan Gilbert3 hours ago

Named Opening Day Starter
Mookie Betts3 hours ago

Missing Tokyo Exhibition Games Due To Illness
Jesús Sánchez3 hours ago

Jesus Sanchez To Miss Four Weeks With Oblique Strain
Jon Gray4 hours ago

Has A Fractured Right Wrist
Bobby Witt Jr.4 hours ago

Back In Cactus League Lineup On Saturday
Washington Commanders4 hours ago

Clelin Ferrell Returning To Washington
New York Jets4 hours ago

Kris Boyd Signs With The Jets
Garrett Crochet4 hours ago

Starting On Opening Day
Nick Castellanos4 hours ago

Returning On Saturday
Trevor Story4 hours ago

Starting On Saturday
Los Angeles Chargers4 hours ago

Mekhi Becton Inks Deal With Chargers
Ke'Bryan Hayes4 hours ago

Returning On Saturday
Tyler Johnson4 hours ago

Links Up With Jets
Jordan Walker4 hours ago

Returns To Lineup On Saturday
Paul Skenes5 hours ago

Named Opening Day Starter
Gunnar Henderson5 hours ago

Hopes To Be Ready For Opening Day
Kyle Juszczyk5 hours ago

Returns To 49ers
Eeli Tolvanen9 hours ago

Scores Twice In Victory
WPG9 hours ago

Kyle Connor Strikes Twice On Friday
Jack Roslovic9 hours ago

Tallies Goal, Assist In Friday's Victory
Leon Draisaitl9 hours ago

Leads Edmonton To Victory
Liam O'Brien10 hours ago

Exits With Undisclosed Injury
Josh Manson10 hours ago

Exits On Friday
Kevin Porter Jr.18 hours ago

Expected To Be Available Saturday
Atlanta Falcons18 hours ago

Falcons Agree To Terms With Morgan Fox
Damian Lillard18 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Saturday's Game
Giannis Antetokounmpo18 hours ago

Probable For Saturday
Lonzo Ball18 hours ago

Remains Out For Saturday
Indianapolis Colts18 hours ago

Colts Sign Corey Ballentine To One-Year Deal On Friday
Trendon Watford18 hours ago

Will Miss Saturday's Game
Chet Holmgren18 hours ago

Resting Versus Detroit
Nicolas Claxton19 hours ago

Resting On Saturday
Pittsburgh Steelers19 hours ago

Brandin Echols Signs Two-Year Deal With Steelers
Josh Giddey19 hours ago

Not Likely To Play Saturday
Noah Clowney19 hours ago

To Remain Out Against Celtics
Kenny Yeboah19 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Lions
Avery Williams19 hours ago

Signs With Eagles
Cam Thomas19 hours ago

Sits Out First Leg Of Back-To-Back Saturday
Jalen Williams19 hours ago

Still Out On Saturday
Coby White19 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Saturday
Kene Nwangwu19 hours ago

Jets Re-Sign Kene Nwangwu To One-Year Deal
Cody Martin19 hours ago

Cleared To Return Friday
Trey Lyles19 hours ago

Misses Friday's Game Due To Back Soreness
Grayson Allen19 hours ago

Not Playing Friday
Trey Jemison III19 hours ago

Unavailable Against Nuggets
Gabe Vincent19 hours ago

Sits Out Friday's Game
Nick Richards19 hours ago

Sitting Out On Friday
Dorian Finney-Smith19 hours ago

Sidelined On Friday
Simi Fehoko21 hours ago

Signing With Cardinals
Kylen Granson21 hours ago

Headed To Philadelphia
Sterling Shepard21 hours ago

Remaining With Buccaneers
Cincinnati Bengals22 hours ago

Bengals Not Ruling Out Trey Hendrickson Extension
Cooper Kupp22 hours ago

Signing With Seahawks
Karel Vejmelka23 hours ago

Makes Ninth Consecutive Start Friday
Dustin Wolf23 hours ago

Set To Face Avalanche Friday
Mikael Backlund23 hours ago

Out Week-To-Week
Sam Colangelo23 hours ago

Deemed Day-To-Day With An Upper-Body Injury
Michael Bunting23 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Friday
Dallas Cowboys23 hours ago

Dante Fowler Jr. Heading Back To Cowboys
Andrei Svechnikov23 hours ago

Expected To Return Next Week
Nikolaj Ehlers24 hours ago

Good To Go Against Stars
Mackenzie Blackwood1 day ago

Battling Illness, Not Starting On Friday
Rasmus Ristolainen1 day ago

Day-To-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Lian Bichsel1 day ago

Not Playing On Friday
Josh Norris1 day ago

Undergoing Evaluation
JJ Peterka1 day ago

Not Playing On Saturday
Neal Pionk1 day ago

Viewed As Week-To-Week
Roman Dolidze1 day ago

Set For A Rematch
Marvin Vettori1 day ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Chidi Njokuani1 day ago

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos1 day ago

Looks For His 12th UFC Win
Kurt Holobaugh1 day ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 104
Alexander Hernandez1 day ago

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Cody Gibson1 day ago

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Da'Mon Blackshear1 day ago

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 104
Quinton Byfield1 day ago

Scores In Fifth Straight Game
Jesper Bratt1 day ago

Posts Second Straight Three-Point Performance
Brendson Ribeiro1 day ago

Searching For Second UFC Win On Saturday
Diyar Nurgozhay1 day ago

Set To Make His UFC Debut
MMA1 day ago

Seung Woo Choi In Dire Need Of Victory
Kevin Vallejos1 day ago

Makes Debut At UFC Vegas 104
Jacob Bridgeman3 days ago

Use Caution For Jacob Bridgeman At TPC Sawgrass
Nicolai Hojgaard3 days ago

Looks To Stay Consistent Heading Into PLAYERS Championship
Karl Vilips3 days ago

Makes PLAYERS Championship Debut After First PGA Tour Win
Taylor Pendrith3 days ago

A Sneaky Play At TPC Sawgrass
Sahith Theegala3 days ago

Out Of Form Ahead Of The PLAYERS Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick3 days ago

A Shaky Play Heading Into PLAYERS
Scottie Scheffler3 days ago

Eyeing Three-Peat At TPC Sawgrass
Aldrich Potgieter3 days ago

A Risky Play At TPC Sawgrass
Si Woo Kim3 days ago

Looks To Keep Building Momentum At The PLAYERS
Denny McCarthy3 days ago

Looks To Continue Solid Play At TPC Sawgrass
Collin Morikawa4 days ago

Poised For Another Strong Performance At TPC Sawgrass
Robert MacIntyre4 days ago

A Risky Play With Upside At The PLAYERS Championship
Jordan Spieth4 days ago

Looking To Change Fortunes At TPC Sawgrass
Cameron Young4 days ago

Avoid Cameron Young At The PLAYERS Championship
Michael Kim4 days ago

Continues Incredible Form Ahead Of The PLAYERS Championship
Justin Thomas4 days ago

Looking For More Magic At TPC Sawgrass
Xander Schauffele4 days ago

Continues Competitive Return At The Players Championship
Rory McIlroy4 days ago

Looks To Reverse Recent History At TPC Sawgrass
PGA4 days ago

Victor Hovland Looking To Find Form At The PLAYERS Championship
Brian Harman4 days ago

A Sleeper Pick At The PLAYERS Championship
Min Woo Lee4 days ago

A Hard Name To Trust At The Players Championship
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

Power-Steering Failure Foils Tyler Reddick's Bid For Potential Victory
William Byron5 days ago

Recovers From Being Trapped A Lap Down To Finish Sixth
Josh Berry5 days ago

Gives Wood Brothers Team Best Run Since 2021
Alex Pereira5 days ago

Drops Decision At UFC 313
Magomed Ankalaev5 days ago

Becomes The New UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion
Justin Gaethje5 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Rafael Fiziev5 days ago

Loses Third Fight In A Row
Ignacio Bahamondes5 days ago

Gets Submission Win At UFC 313
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Scores His Third Consecutive Victory Of The Season At Phoenix
Kyle Larson5 days ago

Strong Phoenix Performance Falls Short Of Victory
Chris Buescher5 days ago

Quietly Earns A Top-Five Finish At Phoenix
Alex Bowman5 days ago

Leaves Phoenix With His Best Finish At The Site Since 2016
Zane Smith5 days ago

Quietly Nabs His First Phoenix Top-10 Finish
Jalin Turner5 days ago

Retires After UFC 313 Loss
Iasmin Lucindo5 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 313
Amanda Lemos5 days ago

Dominates At UFC 313
King Green5 days ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC 313
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 

Tyron Smith Top Landing Spots: 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

New York Jets and former long-time Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith was one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL for an extended period of time. He's made five All-Pro teams, two with the first team and two with the second team, been selected to eight Pro Bowls, and earned a spot on […]


Bills Defense - Von Miller IDP Rankings, D/ST Streamers, Fantasy Football Team Defense

Von Miller Top Landing Spots: 2025 NFL Free Agency Outlook

Buffalo Bills linebacker Von Miller, one of the greatest pass-rushers in NFL history, was released by his team on March 9, 2025. He had signed a six-year, $120 million deal with the team in 2022, but the soon-to-be 36-year-old wasn't able to make it to the end of that contract, so he's now looking for […]


Aaron Jones - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Staying Put - Impact Players Re-signed: Aaron Jones, Zach Ertz, Jaylen Warren, more

NFL free agency is a frenzy. As football fans, we love to see the movement around the league. It allows us to dream about the possibility of our team signing a fresh player who could make a serious impact. However, one cannot overlook the impact of re-signing significant contributors. While it is not as exciting […]


Tucker Kraft - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Dynasty Fantasy Football Trade Targets: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends To Buy in 2025

My friend Josh used to make me listen to the Bring Me The Horizon song "Diamonds Aren't Forever," which begins with the line "We will never sleep, cause sleep is for the weak." That sentiment rings true in fantasy football dynasty leagues as well. You can't get complacent. You can't stop thinking about how to […]


Zay Flowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Dynasty Fantasy Football WR Buy or Sell: Zay Flowers, Rashee Rice, and Jordan Addison (2025)

The 2024 NFL Draft class had seven first-round wide receivers. Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, and Rome Odunze were selected in the top 10. Meanwhile, Brian Thomas Jr., Xavier Worthy, Ricky Pearsall, and Xavier Legette were Day 1 selections. More importantly, Nabers and Thomas finished their rookie seasons as top-7 wide receivers in half-point PPR […]


Courtland Sutton - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Sleepers, Draft Targets: Early 2025 Analysis

One of the biggest factors in winning fantasy football teams is finding middle-to-late-round sleepers. With wide receivers typically carrying the most drafted players of any position, it makes sense that taking multiple stabs at the position in search of hitting multiple-round values is the way to set yourself apart in drafts. For 2025, the draft […]


Caleb Williams - Fantasy Football Rankings, QB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

2025 NFL Free Agency Frenzy: Biggest Winners and Disappointments at Every Fantasy Football Position

NFL franchises will have an opportunity to reshape their rosters before the draft. Fantasy managers will have a chance to read the tea leaves and make measured strikes against their fantasy football opposition ahead of rookie drafts. Savvy managers will use this period to try to get the best return on some previous investments, as […]


DK Metcalf - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Free Agency Fantasy Football Analysis: Fallers On New Teams (2025)

With the first wave of NFL free agency coming to an end, several fantasy-relevant players have signed on to new teams. The quarterback carousel still has several dominoes to fall, but Sam Darnold, Geno Smith, and Kenny Pickett have found new homes within the first few days of the new league year. The running back […]


James Conner - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Fallers - Players Trending Down In 2025

Fantasy football players trending "down" can mean a few different things. It can mean aging veterans, a new situation for players, regression in production after a stellar season, a change in coordinators, or all of the above. It doesn't necessarily mean these players won't produce; it's just a warning sign to proceed cautiously. Ultimately, marking […]


Michael Florio's Football Show - Podcast RotoBaller Network

Florio's Football Show: Free Agency Fantasy Fallout!

Michael F. Florio is back going over the any signings and trades that free agency week brought us! He discusses his winners and losers of players that changed teams - then does the same for players who were not moved but still had their value impacted! Be sure to also tune into RotoBaller Radio on SiriusXM […]


Davante Adams - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

NFL Free Agency Tracker - Updates On Every Free Agent Signing (2025)

The NFL offseason is starting to heat up, and the league's legal tampering period is set to begin on March 10 at noon Eastern. Free agents cannot officially sign until the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. Eastern, but deals will be agreed to, and news will be coming in quickly […]


Drake Maye - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Players To Target In Deep Leagues

Fantasy football sleepers are what make the game fun. There is nothing like landing an absolute stud in the double-digit rounds of your fantasy draft. The more teams in your league, the more important sleepers become. As the player pool shrinks, it is an absolute must to hit on at least one or two sleepers. […]


DK Metcalf - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Avoids, Busts: 2025 NFL Free Agent Signings

The 2025 NFL free-agency period is well underway, and many wide receivers, tight ends, quarterbacks, and running backs have already found their new homes. While some of them are in better landing spots, or at least should continue having solid production relative to their ADP (anticipated draft position) in fantasy football, some of them should […]