Welcome to the first Sunday of Championship Series baseball. We have the Dodgers looking to even things at one with the Cubs as Clayton Kershaw takes the mound on two days rest. Meanwhile the Blue Jays look to dig themselves out of a 0-2 hole as Trevor Bauer makes his first start since hitting his right pinkie on a drone. Can't make this stuff up people, it's playoff baseball!
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball MLB lineup picks for DraftKings on 10/16/16. The DFS lineup picks will range from high-priced to low-priced options and identify options who will out-perform their expectations, including sleepers and value plays on DraftKings. The following targets have been selected for all day contests on DraftKings.
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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings
Los Angeles Dodgers versus Kyle Hendricks (RHP)
Kyle Hendricks had a fantastic 2016 regular season, posting a NL-best 2.13 ERA and putting himself up in serious consideration for the Cy Young. That said, the Dodgers are in a must win situation and have a postseason-best .762 OPS versus right-handers (.772 in regular season). Look for the Dodgers to give Kershaw some breathing room in a must-win situation.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings
Clayton Kershaw, LAD at CHC - $12,600
It's not often you get a chance to roster Kershaw in a spot where owners are cautious to deploy the lefty. Kershaw closed out Game 5 of the NLDS on one days rest and is now pitching in Game 2 after two days rest. Don't let this fool you; Kershaw is determined to prove doubters and the "postseason failures" narrative are wrong. Expect him to reach six innings and pile up 6+ strikeouts, more than enough to make him a top-2 finish on the slate.
Marcus Stroman, TOR vs CLE - $8,000
Stroman had an up-and-down regular season but has shown he elevates his performance in the postseason the past two seasons. He limited the Orioles to two runs in the Wild Card games and will be making his first start in 11 days. The last time Stroman faced the Indians he was dominant (7 IP, ER, 9 K). In a must-win game for the Blue Jays, deploy Stroman with confidence.
DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Yasmani Grandal (LAD) - $3,000
Grandal has been quiet this postseason but he had 23 of his 27 HR versus right-handers in the regular season. Catcher is a punt play on this slate and if you need to save funds, Russell Martin ($2,700) is my choice.
First Base (1B)
Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) - $3,700
Gonzalez has a five-game postseason hitting streak going, although four have been singles. He does a home run in there, and he also has a home run in six career at-bats versus Kendrick.
Second Base (2B)
Chase Utley (LAD) - $3,400
Utley should see the start and be leading off in Game 2 with a right-hander on the mound. Utley's always had a knack for the big moments and he owns a .861 OPS in his postseason career.
Shortstop (SS)
Francisco Lindor (CLE) - $4,300
Lindor is using this postseason to launch himself to the top of the young shortstop helm. He is hitting .350 with 2 home runs so far including the deciding home run in Game 1.
Third Base (3B)
Josh Donaldson (TOR) - $4,500
Another hitter who loves the big moment, Donaldson is hitting .462 with a 1.174 OPS in this postseason. With Kris Bryant dueling with Kershaw, Donaldson is the no-brainer elite play.
DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings
Jose Bautista (TOR) - $3,900
Bautista has two home runs this postseason and gets Bauer dealing with a hand injury. If the Blue Jays rally back in the series, Bautista is going to need to step up.
Jose Ramirez (CLE) - $3,500
Ramirez is 0-for-7 lifetime versus Marcus Stroman, which may scare owners off. Don't let it do the same for you; Ramirez is hitting .313 this postseason and is a value given his HR/SB potential.
Tyler Naquin (CLE) - $3,300
Naquin had a .301/.371/.438 split versus right-handers this year and has two hits in his career versus Stroman. He should be a low-ownership outfield play for tourney formats.
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