Now that the NHL and NBA seasons are officially over, it's the perfect time to start playing MLB DFS, if you haven't already.
DraftKings has contests going on each night where you can win real cash prizes. And with a nice slate tonight in baseball, it's the perfect chance to join and play. After all, new users at DraftKings get a free entry into a league with up to $100,000 in prizes.
Not sure who to select? Don't worry. We've got you covered with tonight's optimal lineup.
Be sure to check out our optimal lineups prior to games starting to ensure each player is in his team's lineup.
| Player | Position | Projected FP | Cost | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gerrit Cole | SP | 20.2 | 10000.00 | 2.02 |
| Mike Bolsinger | SP | 18.81 | 6600.00 | 2.85 |
| Josh Donaldson | 3B | 11.69 | 4800.00 | 2.44 |
| Brian Dozier | 2B | 10.76 | 4500.00 | 2.39 |
| Todd Frazier | 1B/3B | 10.36 | 4500.00 | 2.3 |
| Yoenis Cespedes | OF | 9.96 | 4400.00 | 2.26 |
| Nick Markakis | OF | 10.95 | 4300.00 | 2.55 |
| Derek Norris | C | 8.96 | 3700.00 | 2.42 |
| Delino DeShields Jr. | OF | 9.33 | 3700.00 | 2.52 |
| Adeiny Hechavarria | 3B/SS | 7.67 | 3500.00 | 2.19 |
Gerrit Cole hasn't been as dominant on the mound of late, giving up 12 runs over his last four outings, averaging five strikeouts per contest. Those are by no means bad numbers, but for a high-cost pitcher and one who was arguably one of the best in the bigs earlier on in the year, it's been a below-average stretch.
But our numbers like him tonight against St. Louis. The Cards' lineup -- even though they keep winning -- is depleted, and the game is being played in pitcher friendly PNC Park. Against righties this season, St. Louis has a middle-of-the-road strikeout rate and above-average wOBA, but the hope here is that the park keeps things a little tame. He's a favorite, too, meaning he should be in line for the win -- something he's done more than any other Major League pitcher this season.
On the cheaper side, our algorithm also pulled in Mike Bolsinger, who's facing a Brewers lineup that's also been very average against right-handed pitching this year. Bolsinger isn't a stud by any means, but in 67 innings pitched this year, he has a strong 2.90 FIP and 8.46 strikeout per nine rate. The Brewers will see a negative park shift, which also plays into his favor.
As usual, let's not talk about the higher-cost players. Instead, let's focus our attention on the three players at the bottom of the lineup's list.
The first is Derek Norris, who will get the platoon advantage against Wandy Rodriguez tonight in a hitter-friendly park. That's big news for Norris, not only because he'll hit high in the order, but because his splits are bonkers -- versus lefties over his career, he has a .368 wOBA and .187 ISO, both significantly higher than how he performs against righties. Throw in the fact that Wandy Rodriguez is a below-average hurler, and you have yourself a nice value play.
Delnio DeShields Jr. has been in the leadoff spot since returning from injury, and has a nice matchup against Ian Kennedy tonight in a favorable park. Though he won't get the handedness advantage, DeShields Jr. should be in a good lineup spot on a team that's projected to score close to five runs tonight. On DraftKings where you don't lose points for an out, that's great news.
Lastly, there's Adeiny Hechavarria. The Marlins will get Mike Leake, who's been below average this year with a 4.39 FIP and high home run rate. Hechavarria should bat third, as he has given the injuries to the Miami lineup, making him a nice value at just $3,500.