The final Thursday is a weird day with a split-slate actually favoring the early slate in terms of the number of games. However, the focus for us here will be on the late slate, where we will be hoping for some entertainment despite not many playoff scenarios in play on the slate.
The Mets, Astros and the Athletics are the favorites on this slate by some distance, with all three having a line better than -200. The Indians are also dead on -200 and the Cubs are -177 so we have reasonably big favorites at this stage. Strangely we do not have a single game on this slate with a total of 10 or above. Four of the five games sit between 9-and-9.5 with the Mets and Marlins sitting in the region of 7.5 runs.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 9/26/19. The lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. Be sure to also check out all the Vegas Odds for today's slate. 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 @benrolfe15.
Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! 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!
DraftKings DFS Starting Pitchers
Sean Manaea, OAK (@ SEA) - $10,400
Here are the returns from Manaea so far since his return from injury; 18.9, 35.4, 26.5, 16.0. Those are some nice returns for both fantasy players and the Athletics, and this start could be up there among the best. The Mariners were nearly no-hit for the third time in a season last night by Zack Greinke and they were shutout for the second straight game. This offense that was at one point feared by opposition pitchers is going out with a whimper, and against a pitcher in the form of Manaea, this could be a really impressive day.
Aaron Civale, CLE (@ CWS) - $9,600
If you can get Civale in your roster today then I would. The pitching options outside of Jose Quintana do not excite and Civale has offered decent floor and upside. Today he faces the White Sox, who have been hit or miss offensively in conditions which should benefit pitching. The only downside here is that Civale is unlikely to get you a massive three-times ROI, so if you want to take a gamble on someone like Felix Hernandez in GPP that is definitely in play.
DraftKings DFS Infielders
C - Roberto Perez, CLE (@ CWS) - $3,600
While the weather has a lean to the pitchers and Dylan Cease has been better recently there is still reason to chase a couple of Indians hitters in this one. Against left-handed pitchers, Roberto Perez has been solid, with a .266 batting average, nine home runs, .242 ISO and a .363 wOBA.
1B - Albert Pujols, LAA (vs. HOU) - $4,000
Wade Miley has been struggling a lot recently and the Angels could take advantage of this today. When facing left-handed pitchers Pujols has 11 of his 23 home runs with a .262 batting average, .256 ISO and a .340 wOBA.
2B - Jose Altuve, HOU (@ LAA) - $4,800
This was a tough position to pick today as no one really stood out. Therefore, I went with Mr. Trustworthy who has five home runs in September, with 20 and a .325 batting average in the second half. He has been worse against right-handed pitchers but he still has a .288 batting average, .219 ISO and a .326 wOBA.
3B - Matt Chapman, OAK (@ SEA) - $4,100
I just have this feeling we might see a Felix Hernandez special today in Seattle in what could be his last ever game as a Mariner. However, Chapman has a .253 batting average, 24 home runs, .352 wOBA, and a .246 ISO.
SS - Francisco Lindor, CLE (@ CWS) - $4,600
Another tough position today so I have gone for someone I just trust in the form of Lindor. Against right-handed pitchers, he has a .298 batting average, 23 home runs, .359 wOBA, and .258 ISO this season.
DraftKings DFS Outfielders
Michael Conforto, NYM (vs. MIA) - $4,600
The Mets season is all but done but you can bet they will want to finish with a bang tonight in their final home game of the season. Conforto has 17 home runs and a .275 batting average in the second half, as well as a .265 batting average, with a .287 ISO, and a .384 wOBA against right-handed pitchers this season.
Kole Calhoun, LAA (vs. HOU) - $4,300
Power is one thing you see regularly from Calhoun and he has a .215 ISO this season against left-handed pitchers. His numbers are not great but this is a pick against Wade Miley as much as anything.
Jason Heyward, CHC (@ PIT) - $3,900
There is not a lot to be excited about with Heyward, but he can offer a solid value play, especially against right-handed pitchers. This season, 19 of his 21 home runs have come off of right-handed pitchers, with 13-of-21 coming on the road. Against right-handed pitchers, he has a .202 ISO and a .350 wOBA this season.