Welcome back RotoBallers. We've got a fun day on tap, with all 30 teams in play and six day games starting at 1:10 ET. There's another Coors contest and four pitches vying for the AL Cy Young (Justin Verlander vs Chris Sale, Aaron Sanchez, Corey Kluber) all scheduled to toe the rubber. This is gonna be fun.
In this article, I will be providing you with my daily fantasy baseball MLB lineup picks for FanDuel on 8/31/16. As for Vegas insights, the heavy moneyline favorites tonight are the Indians (-295) and Astros (-210). The highest scoring totals are Dodgers-Rockies (12), Rays-Red Sox (9.5) and Blue Jays-Orioles (9.5).
Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?
DFS Lineup Stacks to Target for FanDuel
Nationals versus Adam Morgan
Morgan has been uninspiring in rookie season, posting a 1-8 recond and 6.50/1.61 split over 80.1 innings. The Nationals are one of the best teams versus LHP, posting a .464 SLG (1st) and .794 OPS (4th). Wilson Ramos, Trea Turner, Jayson Werth, and Danny Espinosa are all in play here.
Giants versus Shelby Miller
Miller is getting back up after posting a 3.91 ERA (8 GS) with Triple-A Reno, but he's been terrible this season. Before the demotion he had a 7.14 ERA with a paltry 50 strikeouts, and facing the Giants right now isn't a pitcher's idea of fun. Multiple Giants are hitting well (Joe Panik, Denard Span, Hunter Pence) over the last week but are still priced as value players. Take advantage if you want to invest at pitching.
Also Consider: Braves versus Paul Clemens
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for FanDuel
Justin Verlander (SP, DET) - $9,800
Verlander has been on fire in the second half, posting a 1.98 ERA in his last nine starts. The White Sox have a .706 OPS versus RHP, 25th in baseball. There's risk involved anytime you face Sale, but the duel should keep ownership levels down.
Matt Wisler (SP, ATL) - $6,600
Wisler gets a date with his former team tonight and is coming off a brilliant outing versus a tough Diamondbacks lineup (8 IP, ER, 4 K). The Padres have the worst offense versus RHP, posting a .672 OPS. Wisler was aggressive last time out and the Padres don't walk often (.291 OBP), making this an excellent spot for him to keep things rolling.
DFS Infielders to Consider for FanDuel
Catcher (C)
Wilson Ramos (C, WAS) - $3,200
Yes, I know. El Gary is God, but Ramos at $3,200 is a deal with the devil. Ramos has a .311/.366/.622 line versus LHP and while he's struggled lately, he's shown signs of life the past few games. Don't be frightened to invest in The Buffalo tonight.
First Base (1B)
Brandon Belt (1B, SFG) - $3,400
Belt has heated up, averaging 13 FanDuel points in his past four games. While Belt had a rough July (.226 AVG), he bounced back in August (17 RBI) and he has a .875 OPS versus RHP. Look for him to pounce on Miller tonight (come at me BvP truthers).
Second Base (2B)
Joe Panik (2B, SFG) - $2,700
Another Giant trending in the right direction, Panik has a .349/.429/.870 line in his past seven games, along with three home runs. He does most of his damage versus RHP and gets another chance with Miller.
Shortstop (SS)
Dansby Swanson (SS, ATL) - $2,400
Here's our value play of the day. Dansby has multi-hit games in four of his first 12 games and is showing the gap-hitting/speed threat scouts envisioned. He's now hitting .300 in his first 43 career at-bats.
Third Base (3B)
Jose Reyes (3B, NYM) - $3,100
Reyes is loving being back in New York, hitting .355 with nine runs, a home run, and a steal in his past seven games including a 4-hit outing last night. He hasn't hit righties well and David Phelps is a difficult opponent, but a hot leadoff hitter at this price range is difficult to pass up.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for FanDuel
Trea Turner (OF, WAS) - $4,100
I have no other words for Turner. He is simply incredible. .341 AVG, 17 SB, .900 OPS. He's worth the price tag versus a weak Morgan in 50/50 formats.
Michael Saunders (OF, TOR) - $3,500
After a terrible start to the second half (.177), Saunders is starting to heat up with three home runs in the past week including two last night. Opponent Yovani Gallardo has been awful and Camden Yards in the No. 2 most favorable park on the slate. Sanders should keep it going tonight.
Chris Young (OF, BOS) - $3,100
Young has stepped in admirably for the injured Andrew Benintendi, averaging over 11 FanDuel points in his past four games. As you likely know by now, Young crushes lefties (.333/.433/.627) and has a home run to his name versus Drew Smyly.
Also Consider: Miguel Sano (OF, MIN) - $3,400 and Aaron Judge (OF, NYY) - $2,800
Full Season MLB & DFS Premium Pass
Get a Premium Pass for the entire MLB season - including the playoffs - for only $14.99. That's Premium access to over 10 tools, and over 20 valuable resources, for one incredible price. Here's a taste of what you get:
- DFS lineup picks and cheat sheets for FanDuel and DraftKings - seven days a week
- Three expert lineups: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Stack of the Day - seven days a week
- Top DFS value plays, avoids and injury updates - seven days a week
- Lineup tools: daily premium hitter and pitcher matchup ratings
All of this for just $14.99... it's simply the best deal around. No other site offers this type of deal. What are you waiting for?
Live Expert Q&A Chats - Every Weekday @ 1 PM and 6 PM EST (DFS)
Fantasy Baseball Chat Room
[iflychat_embed id="c-55" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]