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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

MLB DFS: DraftKings, FanDuel Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks (4/21/24) - Today's Top Lineups

Bobby Witt Jr. - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Happy Sunday, RotoBallers! I'm excited to be covering another fun DFS slate. The early part of the MLB season has been good to me, so I'm looking to build off that momentum and hit the ground running as we progress into the 2024 campaign. Let's break down my favorite plays from today's slate!

We have some really interesting matchups today. The pitching mix is light on aces and instead offers a selection of midrange starters and back-of-the-rotation punt arms, which will certainly lead to some interesting lineup decisions. I'll point out the standout plays, but with a 10-game slate and so many options on the mound, there will be plenty of opportunity to get creative with your picks today.

This article will provide my daily fantasy baseball lineup picks for DraftKings and FanDuel on 4/21/2024 and the slate locking at 1:35 p.m. EDT. The lineup picks will range from some elite players to mid-priced options and value plays. You can also read more DFS advice and lineup picks for other sports here. Monitoring injury news and today's MLB starting lineups is also essential.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 30% off using code NEW! 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, FanDuel Pitchers - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Aaron Nola vs. Chicago White Sox ($10.8K DK, $10.3K FD)

The price tag on Aaron Nola feels a little excessive, but it makes sense when you consider the matchup. The Chicago White Sox are the worst team in baseball right now. They own a horrid 3-17 record and are plating just 2.2 runs per game. The struggles include a league-worst 66 wRC+ against right-handed pitching alongside a .299 slugging percentage. Philadelphia Phillies starting pitchers have taken no-hit bids into the seventh inning or later during each of the first two games of this series.

Following a brutal season debut, Aaron Nola has responded nicely over his past three outings, surrendering just three total earned runs over 19 innings pitched. Overall, he sports a strong 3.47 ERA, though he is noticeably lacking in certain areas so far this season. Nola is striking out only 19.8% of batters, well below his 27.1% career strikeout rate. However, he boasts a strong 32.5% chase rate, and the strikeout numbers will more than likely start moving toward his average. He is somewhat overpriced, but rostering Nola offers the most peace of mind on this slate.

Luis Gil vs. Tampa Bay Rays ($7.9K DK, $8K FD)

It may be asking too much, but if Luis Gil could reduce his absurd 23% walk rate, he might emerge as one of the league's premier pitchers. The rest of his pitching profile borders on elite. That includes a 2.45 xERA, .098 xBA, .120 xSLG, 0% barrel rate, and a 26.9% hard-hit rate. The most impressive part is Gil's 32.8% strikeout rate and 33.3% whiff rate. He has struck out at least six batters in each of his first three outings this season. Gil is certainly risky because of the control issues, but he offers an excellent upside for his price.

The Tampa Bay Rays bring a middling offense into this showdown. They are scoring fewer than 4.1 runs per game on the season, including a similarly underwhelming 104 wRC+ and .375 slugging percentage against right-handed pitchers. Interestingly, the Rays carry just a 7.1% walk rate for the season, the second-lowest mark in the majors. That could be critical to Luis Gil's success in this matchup.

Also Consider: Tanner Bibee, Sonny Gray

Want more MLB DFS tools and content? Our MLB Premium package includes our daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Research Station, Optimizer, and access to our Premium Discord Chatrooms, where members can chat with our MLB analysts. Win more with expert advice from proven winners!

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Infielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Bobby Witt Jr. - SS, KC vs. Cole Irvin ($6.4K DK, $3.7K FD)

At this point, Bobby Witt Jr. requires little justification. He's slashing .302/.355/.581 with four home runs, four stolen bases, and a 172 wRC+. If there was any doubt about his on-field results, the advanced metrics are even more incredible. Witt boasts an incredible .470 xwOBA, .746 xSLG, 95.5 MPH average exit velocity, 21% barrel rate, and a 64.5% hard-hit rate.

Cole Irvin can't be expected to succeed in this matchup. Through three starts, he sports a 5.89 xERA. Irvin is getting roasted by opposing hitters to the tune of an 18% barrel rate, 91.9 MPH average exit velocity, 46% hard-hit rate, and a .543 xSLG. The small sample size can't be blamed too heavily on his behalf, considering Irvin surrendered a .492 xSLG last season, part of a .465 career mark.

Nolan Arenado - 3B, STL vs. Colin Rea ($4.7K DK, $3K FD)

We are accustomed to Nolan Arenado being a perennial 30-home run threat, so the lack of power output is somewhat concerning. However, he has still been a consistent producer. Arenado is slashing .298/.330/.398 for the season. He has hit safely in 18 out of his last 19 games, and it is probably only a matter of time until his home run stroke re-emerges.

Colin Rea presents a very advantageous matchup. Across his first three outings, the 33-year-old carries a 6.24 xERA. The struggles include a horrible .340 xBA, 90.8 MPH average exit velocity, and a .511 xSLG.

Salvador Perez - 1B/C, KC vs. Cole Irvin ($3.7K DK, $3.4K FD)

We already covered why Cole Irvin is a pitcher worth targeting today, and Salvador Perez is another way to get in on that action. Following an inexplicable price reduction, Perez feels exceptionally cheap on DraftKings today. He is slashing .342/.390/.605 with six home runs on the season. The success consists of a phenomenal .654 xSLG, 16.9% barrel rate, 49.2% hard-hit rate, and a .413 xwOBA. Given his price and multi-positional eligibility, it should not be hard to prioritize Perez.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel Outfielders - MLB DFS Lineup Picks

Yordan Alvarez - OF, HOU vs. Mitchell Parker ($5.6K DK, $3.9K FD)

If you've got enough salary, you cannot go wrong with rostering Yordan Alvarez today (or any day). He sports an impressive .291/.378/.500 slash line with five home runs and a 149 wRC+. The surface numbers are predictably great, but it's Alvarez's advanced metrics that really underscore his dominance at the plate -- .698 xSLG, 15.7% barrel rate, 93 MPH average exit velocity, and a .335 xBA.

Alvarez's opponent today is somewhat of an enigma. Mitchell Parker's major league career is just one start deep. It was a reasonably successful outing, as the 24-year-old surrendered only two runs over five innings against a terrifying Los Angeles Dodgers lineup. Still, the jury is out on Parker, and his minor league numbers don't suggest he'll be any sort of impact player at this level. Parker posted an uninspiring 4.74 ERA across 124 innings pitched between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023. I'm inclined to forget his debut performance and bet on a loaded Houston Astros lineup taking advantage of an inexperienced hurler.

Chas McCormick - OF, HOU vs. Mitchell Parker ($3.7K DK, $2.8K FD)

Continuing with the Houston Astros tout, Chas McCormick is another bat worth consideration. He's off to a slow start in 2024, but his price has dropped accordingly, and it feels like we have arrived at the point where he is an underrated value. McCormick posted a .842 OPS last season, alongside 22 home runs and a 133 wRC+. Most importantly, he terrorized left-handed pitching, slugging .610 against southpaws, part of a .550 career mark. At only 29 years old, McCormick should still have plenty of juice left in his bat and it's only a matter of time until he catches fire again.

Jesse Winker - OF, WSH vs. Cristian Javier ($3.6K DK, $3K FD)

Jesse Winker has been one of the more surprising successes for far in 2024. After back-to-back disappointing seasons, Winker has bounced back in a big way. The 30-year-old sports a .339/.455/.532 slash line with a 180 wRC+. That consists of a .486 xSLG, 11.1% barrel rate, 37.8% sweet-spot rate, and a .395 xwOBA.

Cristian Javier is not among the worst pitchers on this slate, but he is far from infallible. The 27-year-old carries a 5.37 xFIP, up from a 5.16 xFIP in 2023. Outside of an ugly walk rate, Javier's primary weakness is left-handed hitters. Lefties slugged .470 against Javier last year, and the early returns on this season suggest he has not overcome the problem.

 

DraftKings, FanDuel MLB DFS Stacks

1. Kansas City Royals vs. Cole Irvin

2. Houston Astros vs. Mitchell Parker 



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App


Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!






POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
1
1
2
2
3
6
5
11
6
12
7
13
8
Ray Davis BUF
17
9
24
10
30
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP
10
12
11
13
12
19
13
26
14
27
15
28
16
29
17
34
18
38
19
40

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

James Cook4 hours ago

Scores Two Touchdowns In Loss To Chiefs
Chicago Bears10 hours ago

Bears Hire Dennis Allen, Declan Doyle For Coordinator Roles
Seattle Seahawks11 hours ago

Seahawks Hiring Klint Kubiak As Offensive Coordinator
Tennesse Titans13 hours ago

Titans Hire Dave Ziegler As Assistant GM
Dallas Cowboys14 hours ago

Mike Zimmer Likely Retiring From NFL
Aaron Rodgers18 hours ago

Has Interest In Returning To Jets
DK Metcalf2 days ago

Could Be On Trade Block
San Francisco 49ers2 days ago

Robert Saleh Officially Hired As 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Dallas Cowboys2 days ago

Cowboys Promote Brian Schottenheimer To Head Coach
Chicago Bears2 days ago

Antwaan Randle El Signed By Chicago
Chicago Bears2 days ago

Bears Bringing On Al Harris
Kyren Williams2 days ago

Rams May Be Open To Extension With Kyren Williams
Jalen Hurts3 days ago

Good To Go Against Commanders
Dallas Goedert3 days ago

Says He's Playing In NFC Championship
Jalen Hurts3 days ago

To Wear Brace In Championship Game
Houston Texans3 days ago

Texans Fire Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik
Jacksonville Jaguars3 days ago

Jaguars Officially Hire Liam Coen As Head Coach
Dallas Goedert3 days ago

Seen Practicing On Friday
New York Jets3 days ago

Jets Expected To Hire Darren Mougey As Next General Manager
NFL3 days ago

Quinshon Judkins Declaring For The 2025 NFL Draft
Las Vegas Raiders3 days ago

Raiders Hiring Pete Carroll As Next Head Coach

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL DFS Picks

Very Early 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings with Rookies and Tiers - Top 230 for Redraft Leagues

The 2024 NFL regular season just ended, but that doesn’t mean fantasy football has to. At least not totally. If you play in a dynasty or keeper league, or maybe you’re just consumed by fantasy football and cannot get enough, these 2025 fantasy football rankings should get you thinking about next season. Anytime you’re doing […]


DK Metcalf - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Players Who Will Bounce Back In 2025

Whether it’s due to injury or poor play, there are always players who endure a bad year. This is true for every position. Sadly, it’s just part of fantasy football. However, a disappointing campaign means there is the potential for a bounce-back season the following year. Savvy fantasy managers recognize these opportunities and act accordingly. […]


Brian Thomas Jr - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2025 Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings: Top 480 Players (Pre-NFL Draft)

It's always fantasy football season at RotoBaller HQ. We constantly update our rankings to account for the latest news and injuries. While the 2025 NFL Draft is a few months away, it's never too early to start prepping for the 2025 fantasy football season. Below, you will find our updated 2025 fantasy football dynasty rankings […]


Saquon Barkley - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Dynasty Buys, Sells and Prospects to Watch

There are two common mindsets amongst most dynasty managers. One is that of the “banners fly forever” crowd. These are win-now minds unafraid to draft older stars in a dynasty startup. They will make moves towards winning today, any time it’s reasonable. While these people will accept a rebuild, they don’t fear selling tomorrow if […]


Bijan Robinson - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Who Are the Top 5 Picks for 2025 Fantasy Football Drafts?

The 2024 NFL regular season is finally over, and it's now time to look back on what happened and try to ascertain how that will affect rankings next year. Of course, there's plenty of time until the 2025 regular season kicks off, as we haven't even made it through the playoffs yet. Still, it's extremely […]


Ashton Jeanty - NFL Draft, Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings, Draft Sleepers

2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (Pre-NFL Draft) - Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, Shedeur Sanders, Kaleb Johnson, Luther Burden, more

The 2025 NFL Draft will be here before you know it, and we're already thinking ahead to 2025 fantasy football drafts and rookie/dynasty drafts. Our NFL team has released its early 2025 fantasy football rookie rankings for the top 70 NFL rookies, before the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. These 2025 rookie rankings are released before […]


Keon Coleman - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

NFL Rookie Busts To Buy in Fantasy Football Dynasty Leagues

The 2024 NFL regular season is over and so are all the fantasy football seasons tied to it, but that does not mean the fun stops if you are in a dynasty league. The way to win dynasty fantasy leagues is to build around a core of players you can hold onto for several seasons. […]


Zay Flowers - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Breakouts To Sell In Dynasty Leagues

Although the 2024-25 fantasy football season is officially over, it's never too early to start thinking about next year if you are in a dynasty league. Given that dynasty fantasy football leagues are year-round, there are plenty of moves managers should be making early in the offseason.  Some of those moves should include trading away […]


Ashton Jeanty - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

NFL Rookie Dynasty Mock Draft: 2025 Fantasy Football 10-Team, Single Quarterback

The 2025 NFL Draft is still months away. However, the deadline to declare is just around the corner. While some big-name players haven’t announced their decision, it’s never too early for a dynasty rookie mock draft. While much will change over the next few months, dynasty fantasy players will start rookie mock drafts this week […]


Chase Brown - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

2025 Fantasy Football Best Ball Rankings: Top 325 Players (Pre-NFL Draft)

The NFL regular season may be over, but it's never too early to start preparing for 2025 fantasy football drafts. Fantasy managers are gearing up for next season and are already drafting best ball teams for 2025. At RotoBaller HQ, we are here to help you get a jump start on best ball with our […]


Omarion Hampton - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks - NFL Draft

2025 Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft: 10-Team, Superflex

The fantasy football season might be over, but dynasty managers know their work is just beginning. Rookie drafts are only a few months away. Today, we are going to do a rookie mock draft. Much will change in the coming months as we learn more about the incoming rookie class. The below draft could wind […]


Ashton Jeanty - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Top Five NFL Draft Running Back Prospects of 2025

The 2024 regular season is over for both college football and the NFL, meaning many are already looking forward to the 2025 NFL Draft. Shrewd fantasy managers who play in Dynasty leagues or even those looking to get an edge in redraft formats would do well to gather as much information as possible. An important […]


Jayden Daniels - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

2025 Dynasty Superflex Startup Strategy Guide

While the NFL regular season might be over, if you're a dynasty enthusiast you know what that means. A time to sit back and take a 30,000-foot view of the current NFL landscape and how you predict things will play out for all 32 teams heading into 2025. It's a part of what makes dynasty […]