Welcome back RotoBallers to another fun-filled week on DraftKings. In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball MLB lineup picks for DraftKings on 8/1/16. 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. It's not a full slate with only 8 games kicking off at 7:05 ET.
As for Vegas insights, the heavy moneyline favorites tonight are the Nationals (-190) and Cubs (-180). There is only one contest with an over/under of 9 (Red Sox-Mariners) further solidified the point that offense will be few and far between.
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DFS Lineup Stacks to Target for DraftKings
Indians versus Jose Berrios
Berrios is getting his second crack at the majors today. The first go-round was far from smooth (10.20 ERA) but he dominated in Triple-A (10-5, 2.44 ERA). This is far from a welcoming matchup for him though, as the Indians have a .776 OPS versus RHP (6th in MLB). Even without Jonathan Lucroy, the Indians lineup has the potential to put up lopsided numbers.
Red Sox versus James Paxton
I considered Paxton among my SP plays today, which says all you need to know about easy stacks for today. While Paxton has been solid of late, the Red Sox continue to pummel LHP. Their .822 OPS is tied for the best in baseball, making Mookie Betts, Dustin Pedroia, and Xander Bogaerts all excellent plays.
Also Consider: Astros versus Marcus Stroman
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for DraftKings
Danny Salazar (SP, CLE) - $10,400
Salazar continues to impress for the Indians, posting a 10.37 K/9 through 19 starts. The Twins have a .718 OPS versus RHP (20th) but have had success versus Salazar (3.63 ERA in nine GS). The Indians should cruise to victory tonight, making this the chalk play of the night.
Archie Bradley (SP, ARI) - $8,000
Here's your low-ownership tourney play. Bradley gets a tough gig versus Stephen Strasburg, but don't let that discourage you. Bradley has a 2.63 ERA in his last four starts and the Nationals scuffled to put up offense in San Francisco.
CC Sabathia (SP, NYY) - $7,600
Never thought I'd be promoting CC in 2016 but here we are. He's actually pitched well of late including a strong outing versus Houston last week (6 IP, 2 ER). He has a career 3.22 ERA versus the Mets, who have been more like the Muts of late. The Mets .724 OPS versus LHP is 23rd in baseball. Consider Sabathia if you stack Indians/Red Sox.
DFS Infielders to Consider for DraftKings
Catcher (C)
Sandy Leon (C, BOS) - $2,600
The only catcher to produce in Boston has been Leon, who has forced himself into the lineup. He gets a tasty matchup versus Paxton; Leon has .485/.564/.788 slash versus LHP.
First Base (1B)
Wil Myers (1B, SD) - $4,300
Myers has been the face of the franchise since the mass exodus of veterans in San Diego. But there's help on the way and Myers is mashing now; he has a 1.031 OPS at Petco Park this year.
Also Consider: Kendrys Morales (1B, KC) - $2,400
Second Base (2B)
Dee Gordon (2B, MIA) - $4,100
Gordon has averaged 14 points over his last three games and has been active on the base paths, one of the main concerns upon his return. Attack while the price is reasonable.
Shortstop (SS)
Xander Bogaerts (SS, BOS) - $5,400
Bogaerts doesn't come cheap on DraftKings, but he has double digit points in four of his past six games and ha s a .940 OPS versus LHP. This is a must play for me.
Third Base (3B)
Hernan Perez (3B, MIL) - $3,900
Perez has quietly been a fantastic fantasy piece for the Brew Crew, posting seven HR and 18 steals. He has outings of 24, 31, and 40 in his past four games.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for DraftKings
Nelson Cruz (OF, SEA) - $5,000
Cruz is back on fire and gets another juicy lefty/righty matchup tonight. He has a .303/.382/.655 slash versus LHP and should continue to rack tonight versus Eduardo Rodriguez.
George Springer (OF, HOU) - $4,400
Springer has been noticeably better at home this season and Marcus Stroman is prone for the deep ball. Look for Springer to post a big day.
Steve Pearce (OF, TB) - $3,600
Assuming Pearce isn't held out for a trade, this is a solid option. Pearce has a 1.212 OPS versus LHP and gets Danny Duffy tonight.
Also Consider: Rajai Davis (OF, CLE) - $4,700 and Trea Turner (OF, WAS) - $3,600
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