Below are my MLB DFS lineup picks for Sunday May 24th, 2015. Always remember to check the MLB starting lineups, to see who is starting and sitting today, before finalizing your DraftKings lineup!
My goal with these DFS picks, as always, is to try and identify MLB players who will outperform their expectations today, based on their matchups and DraftKings prices. These players can be high-cost players, or they can be value pick sleepers, but we are always looking for players that have a chance to return the greatest value for your DFS lineups. Let’s get to it.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s Premium DFS Lineup Picks & Tools help you get an edge for your DraftKings 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.
Offenses to Target for DraftKings Stacking
Texas Rangers RHB vs Chris Capuano
The Texas Rangers have been a mediocre offense this year. However, the right handed batters in the lineup still have posted pretty good numbers against left handed pitching. The right handed batters in the Rangers’ lineup have a wRC+ of 129 against left handed pitching, good for fifth in the league. With that in mind, the Sunday matchup against Chris Capuano looks like one that guys like Adrian Beltre and Elvis Andrus can capitalize on.
San Francisco Giants LHB vs Chad Bettis
The San Francisco Giants will have an extremely favorable matchup in Colorado against Chad Bettis, who in two starts this year has struggled and holds a 5.73 ERA and a 1.73 WHIP. As lefties, the Giants have a wRC+ of 127 against right handed pitching, good for fourth best in the league. Expect guys like Brandon Crawford and Brandon Belt to be great picks at SS and 1B, and for Joe Panik to be a nice value pick at 2B.
DFS Starting Pitchers to Consider for DraftKings
Hector Santiago – SP – Angels ($7100)
Hector Santiago is a great bargain pick for Sunday’s slate of games. He has a matchup against the Boston Red Sox, a team that posts the third worst offense against left handed pitching with a measly wRC+ of 70. The Red Sox have had trouble with their offense while Hector Santiago has really picked up his performance this year. His performance stems from his great strikeout rate this year, at over 8 strikeouts per 9 innings. On the year, Santiago has a 2.25 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP.
Miguel Gonzalez – SP – Orioles ($6800)
Miguel Gonzalez looks like a great value play for Sunday’s slate of games. He should be a prime target for your secondary pitching slot due to his improved performance. Gonzalez has had a pretty good year, posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.12 WHIP. These numbers have come from having to face above-average offenses from the American League. Gonzalez gets an easier matchup against his first NL team in the Miami Marlins, a team who posts a bottom ten offense against right handed pitching with a wRC+ of just 83.
DFS Infielders to Consider for DraftKings
Salvador Perez – C – Royals ($3600)
Salvador Perez matches up against Michael Wacha on Sunday. Perez has been extremely consistent this season, and current holds a nine game hitting streak. Perez’s production this year has been extremely cheap compared to his rather low investment price, as he holds a .306 average with 5 home runs and 22 RBI. Look for Perez to have a good day as Wacha may struggle against the loaded Royals offense that beats up on right handed pitching.
Ryan Howard – 1B – Phillies ($3600)
You probably don’t want to pick someone on the Phillies offense and you definitely weren’t considering Ryan Howard. However, have a look at his recent games. He has actually played very well this year, and holds a .257 average with 9 home runs and 21 RBI. He has three home runs in his last four games, and is going up against the struggling Gio Gonzalez. Gonzalez holds a 4.94 ERA and a 1.54 WHIP on the year.
Jason Kipnis – 2B – Indians ($4500)
Second base is extremely hard to predict but Jason Kipnis has been a model of production and consistency. Kipnis has been tremendous after a slow start, and now holds a .337 average with 4 home runs 19 RBI on the year. Kipnis has also scored 30 runs along with 5 stolen bases. Kipnis is matching up against Raisel Iglesias, who is only stepping in as a spot starter from the Reds bullpen due to Johnny Cueto’s injury.
Manny Machado – 3B – Orioles ($4400)
Manny Machado has absolutely been thriving since taking over the leadoff duties for the Baltimore Orioles. He now holds a six game hitting streak along with an overall .285 average with 6 home runs and 19 RBI on the year. Machado is really earning his increased price tag on DraftKings. Machado is matching up against Tom Koehler, who has struggled against better offenses this year.
Erick Aybar – SS – Angels ($3700)
Erick Aybar looks to be an excellent sleeper pick at the shortstop position for Sunday’s games, as he has been productive as of late and is going up against a struggling left handed pitcher in Wade Miley. Aybar has pulled his average up to a respectable .269, and also hits lefties extremely well as a switch hitter. Miley on the other hand holds a 5.10 ERA with a 1.44 WHIP on the year.
DFS Outfielders to Consider for DraftKings
Bryce Harper – OF – Nationals ($5300)
No one needs to advise you to pick Bryce Harper at this point. But the point needs to be reiterated, especially in this matchup against opposing pitcher Aaron Harang. Harper has a .336 average with 16 home runs and 39 RBI on the year. Harper has also completely dominated Aaron Harang, and is a lifetime 9 for 20 against the veteran with a home run.
Andrew McCutchen – OF – Pirates ($5100)
Andrew McCutchen is well on his well to reestablishing the fantasy stardom he has held for so many years. McCutchen looks to be an extremely safe play against opposing pitcher Jonathan Niese, who has really struggled against right handed batters this year. McCutchen is also 7 for his last 12 and has hit two home runs in his last three games. The McCutchen stock should only rise at this point, so go ahead and use him in your lineups as his current price is still manageable.
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