Fansided

Daily Fantasy Baseball: FanDuel Pitcher Picks For April 21

By Mike Marteny

facebooktwitterreddit

Apr 6, 2015; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

With a full slate of MLB games on Tuesday, that means that we have 30 pitchers varying in price from $9,100 to $5,500. Do you pay big for a pitcher and go cheaper on hitting? Do you pick a cheaper pitcher and gamble a little? Let’s take a look at the best pitchers at each level.

Here are my FanDuel pitcher picks for April 21:

High end ($8,000 and up):

There are eight pitchers in this tier. Some I like and some I don’t. Ultimately, you are looking for guys with a good chance to win since that it worth four points. A lot of things go into a win. You need a team with a good matchup and a bullpen that won’t blow it.

Best Bet: Collin McHugh ($8,900): McHugh struck out 11 in his last start, and has a great matchup, pitching at Safeco Field tonight. The Mariners have been cold outside of Nelson Cruz, so you can bet that McHugh can rack up some more K’s in this one. Taking the mound opposite him is Tijuan Walker, who has yet to make it past four innings this season. This looks like a great matchup for McHugh

Honorable Mention: Chris Archer ($9,000): Archer has looked like an ace for the Rays so far. His last two starts, he has struck out 16 in 14 innings. The Red Sox may get some runs off of him, but his opponent is Wade Miley, who was bludgeoned by the Nationals in his last start. The Rays offense is not exactly great, but Miley isn’t either. Archer had a good chance for a win.

Stay away: Gio Gonzalez, Nationals ($8,900): Gio has still managed solid numbers despite giving up plenty of runs. The Nationals score runs behind him, so it helps his chances to win. That said, he is taking on Lance Lynn and the Cardinals. The Nats could have trouble touching up Lynn, and the Cardinals can pound lefties. There is too much to chance here.

Next: Mid-Range Options

Apr 14, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nick Martinez (22) throws to the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a baseball game at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports

Middle Range Options ($6,800-$7,800):

There are 13 pitchers in this category, which can allow you to spend more money on bats. Who are the best options? Let’s check!

Best Bet: Nick Martinez ($7,300): Martinez has not allowed an earned run in 14 innings so far this year. That has led to 28 FanDuel points through his first two starts. This run will likely come to an end some time, but I doubt it’s tonight against the light-hitting Diamondbacks in Phoenix. His opponent is Chase Anderson, who has done fairly well, but I would be more comfortable taking Martinez here.

Honorable Mention: Dan Haren ($7,600): Haren has had two good starts with the Marlins, and has a great matchup against a Phillies offense that has been very near terrible. His mound opponent is Jerome Williams, who was hit hard by the Mets in his last start. It looks like another good chance for Haren.

Stay away: Jason Vargas ($7,500): He got thumped by the Twins, tonight’s opponents, in his last start. Tom Milone is a solid pitcher who held his own against the Royals his last time out as well. History might repeat itself. You won’t see me anywhere near this one. Also, I didn’t think I had to mention Tijuan Walker and Wade Miley again since I picked against them above.

Next: Great Cheap Options

Apr 15, 2015; San Francisco, CA, USA; Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Tyler Matzek throws to the San Francisco Giants in the first inning of their MLB baseball game at AT&T Park. Mandatory Credit: Lance Iversen-USA TODAY Sports

Bargains ($6,700-$5,500):

There are nine pitchers in this tier. Which ones stand out?

Best Bet: Tyler Matzek ($6,100): Matzek has looked very good in his first two outings, including one against the Cubs at home. He likely won’t lose you any points. Today he matches up against a pretty good Padres team that destroyed the Rockies yesterday. Don’t look for Matzek to get lit up like De La Rosa did. His mound opponent, Brandon Morrow, has been good, but winning pitchers are very hard to find at this level. Matzek has as good of a chance as any.

Honorable Mention: Kyle Lobstein ($6,200): You may think that I’m nuts for taking someone against the Yankees, but look closer. Lobstein held his own against Cleveland, and his opponent (Nate Eovaldi) has been knocked around so far this year. The Tigers are going to get plenty of runs, so Lobstein is a solid cheap play.

Stay away: Trevor Cahill ($6,400): Cahill got pummeled by the Marlins in his only start with the Braves. The Mets took a huge blow with the loss of Travis d’Arnaud, but they have plenty of other offense to go around. This might not be as bad as his first start, but I wouldn’t bet on him getting more than five points.

Next: Want To Try MLB FanDuel? Don't Miss These Tips!

More from FanSided