FanDuel MLB DFS Advice 4/9/2019
Pitcher Lock
Jacob deGrom (NYM) $12,200 vs MIN
New York Mets starter Jacob deGrom is an obvious lock, but his price will make things difficult. I think that his high price could lead to low ownership and it could pay off if your value plays do well. I wont try to lead you one way or the other because even if deGrom has an outstanding game it may not be the most efficient use of salary. deGrom has 24 strikeouts through his first two starts and hasn’t given up a run yet this season. He’s still on a roll from last year and is averaging 65.50 fantasy points per game so far. He gets a favorable matchup against the Minnesota Twins who are 18th in runs scored. Twins starters only have a total of eight at-bats against him in their career, so he should be able to get through the lineup a few times before they start to get a feel for him.
Pitcher Value Play
Joey Lucchesi (SDP) $8,600 @ SFG
This is one of the best matchups on the slate, and probably the best value as well. San Diego Padres starter Joey Lucchesi has won both of his starts without giving up any runs. He has 13 strikeouts to his seven hits given up. The San Francisco Giants rank 29th in runs scored so this is a good opportunity for him to have a safe floor. He hasn’t been able to go six innings or more yet which limits his ceiling, but he may get a longer leash if he has early success. I recommend making your fielder locks before deciding which pitcher to build around.
Infielder Locks
(1B) Daniel Vogelbach (SEA) $3,500 @ KAN
The Kansas City Royals bullpen is pretty weak. It really doesn’t matter who is starting because there will be plenty of opportunities to score late in the game. The Seattle Mariners are the hottest offense in the league right now and Daniel Vogelbach gets to bat fifth with great RBI opportunity. He now has five home runs and 9 RBI. His SLG % is sitting at a sizzling 1.400 to go with a .751 wOBA. For his price tag you can plug him in to any lineup, and I recommend stacking Edwin Encarnacion with him if you can afford it.
(2B) Whit Merrifield (KAN) $4,300 vs SEA
Kansas City Royals second baseman White Merrifield has become one of the most consistent and valuable fantasy players in the league. Merrifield has a hit in nine straight games this season. He has also scored at least one run in eight of those games. He’s averaging 15.10 fantasy points per game, but he only has one home run and three stolen bases which are such a big part of his production. If he adds any of that then he’ll have a very high ceiling. As it is, he has a very safe floor and provides something to build around on your roster.
Outfielder Locks
Aaron Judge (NYY) $4,500 @ HOU
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been playing well lately. With Giancarlo Stanton still on the injured list the burden of the offense has fallen on his shoulders. Judge is averaging 13.97 fantasy points per game. He now has three home runs, seven RBI and six runs. These aren’t eye popping numbers, but he’s nearly $500 cheaper than the top guys, and he offers just as much upside.
Outfielder Values
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Marcell Ozuna (STL) $3,100 vs LOS
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Marcell Ozuna started the season a little quiet as his .229 average would suggest, but he has started to turn the corner. His home run on Monday was the hardest hit one in the league this year. His power has looked great, but he hasn’t quite been squaring it up. He’s batting with some solid guys in front of him, so look for plenty of scoring opportunities.
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