🦃 BLACK FRIDAY - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

DraftKings Lineup Picks & Sleepers (5/21/17): MLB DFS Advice

Troy Klauder's DraftKings analysis and advice. The top MLB DFS lineup picks on for 5/21/17, as well as a couple of sleepers for daily fantasy baseball rosters.

This Sunday has a full slate of games, so it's time to build some lineups. With several different contests being offered on DraftKings, you'll have lots of different lineup options. For our purposes, the following picks have been made for contests running all day. 

In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings on 5/21/17. The DFS lineup picks will range from some of the elite players to mid-priced options and value plays on DraftKings.

You can read our FanDuel and Yahoo DFS lineup picks as well. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to hit me up on Twitter @TroyKlauder.

Black Friday Special! Save 50% on any Premium Pass using discount code THANKS. Win more with our DFS, Betting and Season-Long Premium Pass, get expert tools and advice for NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL from proven winners! Dan Palyo leads the team with exclusive picks for DFS picks, Props, betting. Enhance your game with industry-leading tools like our Lineup Optimizers, Team Sync Platform, DFS Cheat Sheets and more. GAIN ACCESS

 

DFS Lineup Stacks to Target on DraftKings

St. Louis Cardinals vs. Matt Cain (RHP)

Going against Giants starer Matt Cain, the Cardinals are an excellent lineup to stack on Sunday. The 32-year-old is struggling to stay afloat in the Giants rotation with a poor 17.3% K% and an even worse 10.8% BB%. Cain's 6.42 DRA displays just how bad he really is, and the Cards are looking to have a field day against him. Jedd Gyorko, who bats cleanup and has a .977 OPS, is an outstanding play at just $4,000. Matt Carpenter and Aledmys Diaz should also get in on the action, while the hot-hitting Tommy Pham is a bargain opportunity at $3,500. Any Cardinals hitter who is in the lineup on Sunday against Cain is worth your time to consider in your lineup.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Kyle Freeland (LHP)

The Reds have quietly had an explosive offense so far this season, with a .331 team wOBA on the year. Some fantasy owners may think that Rockies starter Kyle Freeland should only be targeted when he's pitching at Coors Field, but Great American Ballpark is an outstanding offensive environment as well. Freeland has been pretty awful if you dive into his peripherals, as he's got a 14.7% K% and an 11.2% BB%. Leading off for the Reds, Billy Hamilton has a shot at a terrific day, as well as Adam Duvall and Zack Cozart. As usual, Joey Votto makes for a top elite play, and Devin Mesoraco at $3,000 is a great catcher option. Since he's got a 3.13 ERA and is on the road, many fantasy players will avoid targeting Freeland, making him a superb contrarian target.


DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider on DraftKings

Aaron Nola, PHI @ PIT - $8,300

Aaron Nola is making his return from the disabled list on Sunday to face the Pirates, and he comes at a great value on DraftKings. Nola's 4.50 ERA through his three starts isn't great, but his 21.7% K% shows the potential he has. Nola's 3.10 FIP is far more indicative of his true talent level, as Nola is a fantastic pitcher when he's healthy. It's always risky to start a guy in his first time out coming off of the disabled list, but after a successful rehab start, he should be able to make it through a full workload. He gets one of the best matchups you can ask for in the Pirates, who are 28th in wOBA against right-handers with their .291 wOBA, and are without Gregory Polanco. The start is also at PNC Park, a great spot for pitchers. For this low of a price, you can't miss out on Nola.

Zack Godley, ARI @ SD - $7,800

Diamondbacks starter Zack Godley has come out of nowhere to pitch quite well this season, putting up a 1.93 ERA in his three starts with an impressive 26.4% K%. His success should continue against the Padres, a team with a .295 wOBA versus righties, putting them at 26th in the league. After three home starts in one of the toughest parks in the league on pitchers, Godley finally gets to enjoy a road trip to Petco Park, where pitchers flourish. As it's only been three starts, DraftKings has yet to catch up on Godley's price, keeping him at just $7,800, which is incredible value for how he's pitched this year and who he will be facing on Sunday. Take advantage!

 

DFS Infielders to Consider on DraftKings

Catcher (C)

J.T. Realmuto, MIA @ LAD - $3,400

He's not a very exciting play, but Marlins catcher J.T. Realmuto is a nice option at catcher on Sunday against Brandon McCarthy. McCarthy has gotten bombed in his last two starts, giving up 10 earned runs in 10 2/3 innings. Realmuto has an above-average 110 wRC+, which is especially impressive for a catcher. He's got one of the highest floors you can ask for out of a catcher and comes in at a cheap price, so consider him in your lineups.

First Base (1B)

Eric Hosmer, KC @ MIN - $3,800

Eric Hosmer enters Sunday scorching hot, with a 1.005 OPS in his last 15 games. He's made some real improvements this year, cutting his K% down to 13.8% and upping his OBP to a strong .362. Hosmer gets a cakewalk of a matchup on Sunday against Phil Hughes, who has a 5.23 ERA. Even with these factors, Hosmer's still coming in at an inexpensive $3,800.

Second Base (2B)

Jose Ramirez, CLE @ HOU - $3,800

In contrast to Hosmer, Jose Ramirez is coming into Sunday's game mired in a deep slump. However, even with his poor performance in the last few weeks, Ramirez still has remarkably good numbers on the season, with a 129 wRC+ that's actually an improvement over his 2016 season. Ramirez's bat falling ice cold might actually be a good thing for fantasy owners, as his depressed price makes him a wonderful player to target. He gets to face Joe Musgrove of the Astros, who has struggled mightily with his 4.57 ERA. Buy low on Ramirez and enjoy the benefits when he turns it back on.

Shortstop (SS)

Elvis Andrus, TEX @ DET - $3,700

While it's been a pretty normal season for Elvis Andrus from a "real-life" standpoint, the Rangers shortstop is having a standout fantasy season with five homers and seven steals. Andrus has hit lefties much better than righties throughout his career, and he gets his guy in Tigers pitcher Matt Boyd, a lefty with a 5.18 ERA this season. Andrus normally bats third against left-handers and should have a productive day on Sunday.

Third Base (3B)

Eduardo Nunez, SF @ STL - $3,700

Eduardo Nunez has been running wild in the last week with four steals, and going berserk at the plate with a 1.105 OPS. He faces off against the washed-up Adam Wainwright on Sunday, a 35-year-old with a 5.31 ERA. Since his price has yet to adjust on DraftKings, Nunez is a great play at $3,700.

 

DFS Outfielders to Consider on DraftKings

Keon Broxton, MIL @ CHC - $3,500

Keon Broxton has been lit over the past two weeks, posting an .865 OPS with two homers and four steals. Sure, Jake Arrieta is a bit of a scary matchup, but that's just going to scare off other fantasy players. Arrieta has a 5.44 ERA and it wouldn't be surprising to see his struggles continue against a tough Brewers lineup. Grab Neon Keon for some power/speed upside in your lineups.

Steven Souza Jr., TB vs. NYY - $3,600

If any hitter needs to break out of a slump, facing CC Sabathia is always a great remedy. Souza still has good numbers on the year, with a 122 wRC+, and he has more than doubled his walk rate to 13.3%. Sabathia, his opposition, has a 4.93 ERA, and shouldn't be much trouble for Souza. Earlier in the year, it would have been hard to imagine Souza being this cheap, so cash in while you can.

Melky Cabrera, CHW @ SEA - $3,800

Batting out of the White Sox two-hole, Melky Cabrera is a quality play on Sunday against Mariners starter Chase De Jong. De Jong has been absolute garbage in his 24 1/3 major league innings, posting a 7.40 ERA with as many walks as he has strikeouts. Melk-man will get lots of run and RBI opportunities out of the second spot in the Chicago lineup.

 

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
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jonathan Kuminga

Hoping to Return on Saturday Versus Pelicans
Stephen Curry

to Undergo an MRI
Josh Jacobs

Feels Close to 100%
Brady Tkachuk

Aims to Return Friday
Matthew Tkachuk

Resumes Skating
Jakob Chychrun

Stretches Point Streak to Nine Games
Matej Blumel

Expected to Miss Some Time
Marcus Foligno

Exits With Injury Wednesday
Jaden Schwartz

Suffers Lower-Body Injury Wednesday
Trendon Watford

to Sit Out at Least Two Weeks
Gradey Dick

Injured on Wednesday
RJ Barrett

to Be Re-Evaluated in One Week
Anthony Davis

on the Cusp of Returning
Gary Payton II

Hurt in Wednesday's Loss
Stephen Curry

Diagnosed With Quadriceps Contusion
Alvin Kamara

Doesn't Practice on Wednesday
Lukas Dostal

Out Wednesday Night
Sean Durzi

Available Against Canadiens
Thomas Chabot

to Remain Out Wednesday
Jared McCann

Expected to Rejoin Kraken Lineup Wednesday
Andre Burakovsky

a Game-Time Decision Wednesday
Zach Edey

Good to Go Versus New Orleans
Mikko Rantanen

Returns to Stars Lineup Wednesday
J.K. Dobbins

Could Return Later This Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Available on Wednesday
Mark Stone

Ready to Return Wednesday
Nikola Jović

Nikola Jovic Good to go on Wednesday
Dylan Cease

Agrees With Blue Jays on Seven-Year, $210 Million Deal
Norman Powell

Back in Action Wednesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Ruled Out on Wednesday Evening
Andrew Wiggins

Will Suit Up Against Milwaukee
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

a Game-Time Decision on Wednesday
Terry McLaurin

Plans to Play on Sunday Night
Dru Smith

Available Versus Bucks
Miami Heat

Jamie Jaquez Jr. Available for Wednesday's Matchup With Milwaukee
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Upgraded to Probable Against Bucks
Pat Connaughton

Sidelined on Wednesday
Dylan Harper

Set to Suit Up Wednesday
Jonathan Kuminga

Sent to G League on Wednesday
Anthony Rendon

Angels Could Buy Out Final Year of Anthony Rendon's Contract
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers Won't Open Brandon Aiyuk's Practice Window This Week
Joe Burrow

Bengals Officially Activate Joe Burrow for a Return on Thanksgiving
C.J. Stroud

Practicing Wednesday
Trey Benson

Spotted at Practice on Wednesday
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Back at Practice Wednesday
DeVonta Smith

Missing From Practice Again on Wednesday
Josh Hader

Says his Shoulder is "Back to Normal"
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks "Actively Listening" on Ketel Marte
Jaxson Dart

to be a Full Participant at Wednesday's Practice
Dalton Kincaid

has "a Chance" to Play in Week 13
Drake London

"Doubtful" to Return from Knee Injury in Week 13
Jayden Daniels

Could Return in Week 14
Aaron Rodgers

Slated to Return in Week 13
Baker Mayfield

Could Play This Week
Josh Jacobs

"Good to Go" in Pivotal NFC North Matchup on Thanksgiving
George Pickens

Expected to Play Thursday Against the Chiefs
J.J. McCarthy

Not Expected to Play Sunday in Seattle
Josh Norris

Nearing Return
Kevin Lankinen

Not Traveling With Canucks
Zach Werenski

Escapes Serious Injury, May Play Wednesday
Auston Matthews

Could Be an Option Wednesday
Jason Robertson

Scores in Seventh Consecutive Game
Wyatt Johnston

Ends Dry Spell With Four-Point Performance
DeVonta Smith

Listed as DNP on Tuesday
Vinnie Hinostroza

to Miss 4-6 Weeks
Pyotr Kochetkov

Dealing With Undisclosed Injury
Jauan Jennings

Won't be Suspended
J.T. Realmuto

Red Sox Showing Interest in J.T. Realmuto
Sonny Gray

Red Sox Acquire Sonny Gray From the Cardinals
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Makai Lemon, Skyler Bell Named Biletnikoff Award Finalists
Shohei Ohtani

to Play for Team Japan in 2026 World Baseball Classic
Colorado Rockies

Warren Schaeffer to Stick Around as Rockies Manager in 2026
CFB

Chris Bell Out for Rivalry Matchup Against Kentucky
Ryan Helsley

Tigers Eyeing Ryan Helsley as a Starter
Dan Hooker

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Marcus Semien

Shipped to the Mets on Sunday
Arman Tsarukyan

Gets Submission Win
Brandon Nimmo

Traded to Texas
Belal Muhammad

Loses Back-to-Back Fights
Belal Muhammad

Ian Machado Garry Outpoints Belal Muhammad
Alonzo Menifield

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Volkan Oezdemir

Gets Back In The Win Column
Jack Hermansson

Gets Knocked Out
Jack Hermansson

Myktybek Orolbai Knocks Out Jack Hermansson
Shamil Gaziev

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Waldo Cortes-Acosta

Shines At UFC Qatar
Tagir Ulanbekov

Suffers Third-Round Submission Loss
Kyoji Horiguchi

Makes Triumphant UFC Return
Adolis García

Rangers Non-Tender Adolis Garcia on Friday
CFB

Beau Pribula Expected to Start Against Oklahoma

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP