Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s Premium DFS Lineup Picks & Tools help you get an edge for your FanDuel lineups with exclusive access to DFS tools and expert lineup picks. Also our DFS batters vs. pitchers tool helps you analyze today’s matchups and make optimal lineup decisions.
Only the Angels and Athletics get a day of rest on this April Monday, so the options on FanDuel are plentiful tonight. There are no day games scheduled either, which just adds to the number of lineup combinations one can produce. (See also: sleepers!)
Let's dive in, shall we.
Stacking Offenses to Target for FanDuel DFS
Blue Jays RHB vs Joe Kelly
The normally explosive Blue Jays offense was held quiet this weekend down in Tampa Bay. I don't expect that short trend to continue today when they face off against Joe Kelly at home run friendly Fenway Park. Even with their shortcomings in Tampa, to date this season, no team has scored more runs against right-handed pitching than the Jays have with 79. Their home run totals against righties are impressive as well with 21, they're just two behind Baltimore for the major league lead. It's a small sample size, but Joe Kelly has also allowed a .356 wOBA and two home runs against right-handed hitting. I'm targeting right-handed hitters near the top of their lineup, specifically Devon Travis (if slotted at/near top of the order), Josh Donaldson and Jose Reyes.
Orioles vs Hector Noesi
The only team smashing right-handers at a more impressive right than Toronto is the Orioles. Their stacked lineup is home in power friendly Camden Yards and a few of their hitters have impressive numbers in their career versus Noesi. In addition to that, Noesi has been pretty wild this year (6.1 BB/9) and sports a HR/FB percentage (13.3) that suggests you should be all over the Orioles' deep ball threats. I'm targeting Adam Jones and Chris Davis if I can fit them both into my lineup.
Mariners LHB vs Yovani Gallardo
I'm much more inclined to target Mariners hitters when two things occur - 1) they play away from SafeCo Field and 2) they're facing right-handed pitching. Both of those occur today, and Vegas has set the game over/under run total at 9, suggesting I might be on to something here. The Mariners have a clear platoon split, and when they face right-handers, Dustin Ackley is slotted near the top of the lineup and has great value. I'm also looking at Robinson Cano, as well as Kyle Seager, who has been smoking the ball and hits for more power against righties.
DFS Pitchers To Consider for FanDuel
James Shields ($8,100) vs Astros
Shields has looked impressive this season and his changeup has been filthy. I like him for 5+ strikeouts tonight against a strikeout prone Astros lineup that is hitting just .226 against right-handed hitting. The fact this game is played in San Diego, where home runs go to die, is just another reason to target Big Game James tonight.
John Lackey ($7,400) vs Phillies
For whatever reason, John Lackey has been most impressive in a Cardinals uniform when playing at home in Busch Stadium. His splits are almost unbelievable. The sample size thus far in 2015 is miniscule, but the trends from 2014 have continued. In his lone home start this season, he struck out eight and didn't allow a run. Tonight, he faces one of the worst lineups in the league with the Phillies in town. I think Lackey is a safe bet for a handful of strikeouts and a win.
David Price ($11,000) vs Twins
Okay, so the price tag is a bit steep, but he may be the best bet today regardless. Price had a rough outing in his last go (against the Yankees) and I think facing a weak Twins lineup in Minneapolis is the perfect recipe for a bounce-back game. Only four teams have struck out more than the Twins (48) have this year against left-handed pitching, and I expect Price to add to the trend.
DFS Catchers To Consider for FanDuel
Russell Martin - C - Blue Jays ($3,200)
Martin has struggled in the young season, but I expect him to get in on the action today when the rest of his lineup feasts on Joe Kelly. Martin's 2014 splits also show he's got much better power numbers against righties.
DFS Infielders To Consider for FanDuel
Adam LaRoche - 1B - White Sox ($2,700)
This one is a bargain play, as there are a lot of pricey first baseman today. I like LaRoche for cash games, and he sports a pretty impressive .350 batting average in 20 at-bats against Ubaldo Jimenez, including a home run.
Miguel Cabrera - 1B - Tigers ($4,100)
In comparison to some of his first base counterparts, I find Cabrera pretty moderately priced today. I don't think opposing pitcher Tommy Milone really stands much of a chance in this one.
Robinson Cano - 2B - Mariners ($3,800)
I mentioned Cano earlier, as he faces a right-hander he can handle well and is finally playing away from Safeco Field. I like Cano's chances to go deep today.
Devon Travis - 2B - Blue Jays ($3,300)
If slotted at or near the top of the lineup, I really love Travis' value this evening. The Jays are due to bust out after a cold weekend, and he's swinging a really hot bat. He just hit his fifth home run.
John Donaldson - 3B - Blue Jays ($4,200)
More than I'd like to spend, but I also don't like the idea of putting together a lineup that doesn't include this man tonight.
Manny Machado - 3B - Orioles ($3,300)
Machado is starting to smash the ball after a slow start out of the gate, and he's got a favorable matchup at home this evening.
Kyle Seager - 3B - Mariners ($3,300)
Really like this matchup and I think the top of the lineup shouldn't have trouble getting on base. There will be ducks on the pond for Mr. Seager.
Xander Bogaerts - SS - Red Sox ($3,100)
There aren't any shortstops that wowed me this morning, so I'm running with the one hitting behind a strong lineup in a game Vegas has pegged with a high over/under (8.5) in a hitter-friendly park.
DFS Outfielders To Consider for FanDuel
Adam Jones - OF - Orioles ($4,000)
Jones is facing a fly-ball pitcher in his home run friendly stadium. Also, he is 6-for-10 lifetime with two home runs against Noesi. Also, he is Adam Jones. Find a way to insert him into your lineup today.
Ryan Braun - OF - Brewers ($3,100)
Braun has a really favorable matchup at home against Jason Marquis. Against Marquis for his career, Braun is hitting .536 (!!!) in 28 at-bats with a home run.
Andrew McCutchen - OF - Pirates ($3,800)
Hitting in the heart of the order, he always has value, but I've got a suspicion he goes deep today. Lifetime, he has six hits off Jason Hammel, with two of the leaving the yard in a hurry.
MLB & Fantasy Baseball Chat Room
[iflychat_embed id="c-12" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="700px"]