🖥 CYBER WEEK - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
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.

Cyber Week Special! Save 50% on any Premium Pass using discount code CYBER. 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

Mike Evans

Practicing Again Thursday
Jusuf Nurkić

Jusuf Nurkic Questionable With Rib Contusion
Marcus Smart

Sidelined Thursday Against Raptors
Los Angeles Clippers

Chris Paul Set To Part Ways With Clippers
CFB

Brian Daboll a Candidate for Penn State Head-Coaching Job?
Yves Missi

Sidelined vs. Wolves
Quentin Grimes

Uncertain To Play Against Golden State
Bilal Coulibaly

Likely Out Multiple Weeks With Oblique Strain
Karel Vejmelka

Records Impressive Shutout
JJ Peterka

Rocks Ducks With Four-Point Effort
Cole Caufield

Extends Point Streak With Power-Play Assist
Matvei Michkov

Delivers Two Assists Wednesday
Jake Oettinger

Grabs Fourth Consecutive Victory With Shutout
Ryan Leonard

Tallies Four Points in Wednesday's Win
Cam York

Exits Win Early
Jakob Poeltl

to Sit Out Thursday's Game
Alexandre Sarr

to Miss Third Straight Game Thursday
Jonathan Kuminga

Iffy for Thursday
Jimmy Butler III

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Paul George

Questionable Thursday
Joel Embiid

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jaylen Brown

Doubtful to Play Thursday
Kevin Huerter

Sidelined One Week
Daniel Gafford

Aggravates Right-Ankle Injury on Wednesday
Collin Sexton

Injured in Loss to Knicks
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Suffers Calf Injury on Wednesday Night
Kyren Williams

Expected to Play in Week 14
Davante Adams

Expected to Play Despite Missing Wednesday's Practice
Kyle Tucker

Visits With Blue Jays
Woody Marks

Texans Say Woody Marks Will be Fine
Rasmus Ristolainen

to Miss at Least One More Week
Drew Doughty

Logs Full Practice Wednesday
Emilio Pagán

Reds Bring Back Closer Emilio Pagan on Two-Year Deal
Jeff Skinner

Remains Sidelined Wednesday
Petr Mrazek

Out 2-3 Weeks
Pelle Larsson

Set to Suit Up Versus Dallas
Tyler Seguin

Likely Done for the Season
P.J. Washington

Ruled Out Against Miami
Neal Pionk

Returns to Jets Lineup
Jalen Smith

to Miss Third Straight Game
Duncan Robinson

Sidelined Again Wednesday
J.J. McCarthy

Practices in Full, on Track to Return in Week 14
Cedric Mullins

Rays Agree on One-Year Deal
Mark Andrews

Agrees to Three-Year Extension With Ravens
Freddy Peralta

Brewers Considering Trading Freddy Peralta
Kyle Schwarber

Reds Serious About Adding Kyle Schwarber in Free Agency?
Amon-Ra St. Brown

Officially Questionable for Thursday Night
Omarion Hampton

"on Track and Looking Good" for Week 14
CFB

Brent Key Signing Five-Year Deal to Remain at Georgia Tech
Joey Bosa

Week-to-Week With Hamstring Injury
Bryce Young

Panthers Expected to Pick Up Bryce Young's Fifth-Year Option
Deshaun Watson

Browns Opening Practice Window for Deshaun Watson
CFB

Brian Hartline Expected to Land USF Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Collin Klein Expected to be Top Target for Kansas State if Head-Coach Job Opens
CFB

Chris Klieman Considering Stepping Down at Kansas State
Aaron Rodgers

Appears to be Healthier Heading into Week 14
Jalen McMillan

Expected to Have his 21-day Practice Window Opened
Mike Evans

' Practice Window Opened, Returning to Practice on Wednesday
Alexander Wennberg

a Game-Time Call Wednesday
Michael Callahan

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Tuesday
Michael Rasmussen

Makes Early Exit Tuesday
Scott Wedgewood

Exits Early With Back Problem
Evander Kane

Expected to Be Fine After Skate Cut
Tyler Seguin

Injured Versus Rangers
Sean Monahan

Expected to Play Thursday
Nathan Walker

Out for Eight Weeks
CFB

D.J. Durkin Staying at Auburn Under Alex Golesh
CFB

Charlie Weis Jr. Permitted to Coach Ole Miss Offense in College Football Playoff
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Says he's Fine After Suffering Hip Contusion
Omarion Hampton

Likely to Return in Week 14
CFB

Five-Star Quarterback Jared Curtis Flips Commitment From Georgia to Vanderbilt
CFB

Florida Hiring Brad White as Defensive Coordinator
Kyle Schwarber

Giants Have Checked in on Kyle Schwarber
Willson Contreras

Willing to Waive his Full No-Trade Clause?
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers "Hopeful" Brandon Aiyuk Will Play in 2025
Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Carted Off With Hip Injury on Monday Night
Edwin Díaz

Mets Still Interested in Re-Signing Edwin Diaz
Devin Williams

Agrees to Three-Year Deal With Mets
Cole Ragans

Red Sox Targeting Cole Ragans in a Trade?
CFB

Kentucky Hires Oregon Offensive Coordinator Will Stein As Head Coach
Davante Adams

Not Dealing With a Serious Injury
Kyler Murray

Surgery Not on the Table for Kyler Murray
Marvin Harrison Jr.

in Danger of Missing Week 14?
CFB

Kalani Sitake the Top Target for Penn State Coaching Job
CFB

Josh Heupel Says He's Not a Candidate for Penn State Head Coach Job
CFB

Will Stein, Brian Hartline the Top Candidates for Kentucky Job?
CFB

Nebraska Fires Defensive Coordinator John Butler After One Season
CFB

UCLA Expected to Hire Bob Chesney as Next Head Coach
CFB

Lane Kiffin to Make $13 Million Salary, Ties Kirby Smart
CFB

Buster Faulkner, Joey Halzle Candidates for Florida Offensive Coordinator Job?
CFB

Kentucky Officially Fires Mark Stoops
CFB

Lane Kiffin to be Introduced as LSU's Next Head Coach on Monday
CFB

Florida Poised to Land Jon Sumrall as Next Head Coach
CFB

Alex Golesh Taking Over Auburn Head-Coaching Job
Zack Wheeler

Likely to Return in May
Ryan Helsley

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Orioles

RANKINGS

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