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Daily Fantasy Leagues - FanDuel Lineup Picks (5/2)
Please check the posted lineups and weather forecasts for each game before finalizing your lineup.
SP: Josh Beckett @ MIA ($6000)
It’s a small sample size, but Beckett has pitched pretty well after (finally) returning from the DL. His ratios are artificially deflated due to a .173 BABIP and 84.3% LOB%, but there are some positives. Most notably, he’s striking out exactly one batter per inning. His biggest problem over the last few years has been giving up the long ball. But outside of Giancarlo, the Marlins don’t have much pop. Beckett pitches in spacious Marlins Park tonight, so you have to like his chances of coming away with a win, especially with the capable Dodger offense facing off against Tom Koehler.
2B: Dustin Pedroia vs. OAK (vs. Dan Straily, RHP) ($3300)
I think there’s going to be a ton of scoring in this game. Pedroia has been hitting the ball well—24% line drive rate—even though he doesn’t have much production to show for it.
Luckily for you, his past misfortune has led to a sizeable discount for the perennial top-five second baseman. He should get plenty of at-bats atop of that nasty Red Sox lineup.
3B: Pedro Alvarez vs. TOR (vs. Brandon Morrow) ($3200)
Alvarez got off to a hot start, but he’s cooled down lately. There are some very positive things happening for him, though. First off, he’s swinging at better pitches this season—he chased 35.2% of pitches outside the zone last year and 28.7% this year. And more importantly, he’s making contact at a much higher rate when he does swing. His BABIP is a paltry .161. I have never been a huge fan of Alvarez, but I actually think he’s a pretty solid buy-low option right now. Brandon Morrow has forgotten how to throw a baseball with any precision, and Alvarez’s newfound patience should help him get a couple of juicy fastballs. I think he’s a good bet to capitalize on Morrow’s mistakes.
OF: Shane Victorino vs. OAK (vs. Dan Straily) ($3200)
This season, Victorino decided to ditch his switch-hitting ways due to his leg issues. I think this is a big positive for Victorino’s fantasy value. He’s always shown much more power from the right side of the plate. Moreover, since he made the switch to batting exclusively right-handed last season, he’s been much better against RHP than he had been from the left side. Likely batting second in a great lineup, he’s in a great spot to score and drive in runs.