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Daily Fantasy Baseball: FanDuel Pitcher Picks For July 17

By Mike Marteny

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Jul 14, 2015; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Wide view during the first inning of the 2015 MLB All Star Game between the American League and National League at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

There are quite a few aces in action coming off of the All Star Break, but not all of them are worth the money today. Here we are going to check out who has fared the best against today’s opponents in the past. For Dave Fuqua’s picks, check here.

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NOTE: these picks are based solely on statistics. Some players have never faced their opponents, or have very little experience against them. I am not saying that none of those are good picks. This is based on statistical analysis only. If you have a gut feeling, then by all means, follow that. This is not an exact science.

Next: Who Are The Best High Priced Options?

Jun 16, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Cleveland Indians starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (47) delivers in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

High Priced ($8,500 and up):

Best Bet:

Masahiro Tanaka, Yankees ($9,700): Tanaka has dominated the Mariners so far in his career. They are hitting just .170 in 53 at bats with one homer, three RBI, one walk, and 19 strikeouts. His track record and the fact that the Mariners’ offense has struggled lately makes Tanaka look the safest of the options for tomorrow night.

Honorable Mention:

Trevor Bauer, Indians ($8,700): Since the Dodgers are rolling with Mike Bolsinger over Clayton Kershaw, I have changed my pick to Bauer. The current Reds roster is hitting a measly .132 off of him in 38 at bats with the only damage being a solo home run from Marlon Byrd. Bauer is a great pick in any format tonight.

Stay Away:

James Shields, Padres ($9,200): The Rockies have pounded Shields in his career. I don’t care that this game is in San Diego. I wouldn’t care where it was. This is a bad bet. The Rockies have torched Shields with 51 hits in 154 at bats (.331) with 12 homers and 27 RBI. I want no part of this!

Next: Who Are The Best Mid Range Options?

Jul 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins pitcher

Ervin Santana

(54) in the dugout in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Mid Range Options ($7,000 – $8,400):

Best Bet:

Ervin Santana, Twins ($7,300): Okay, I am a little bit leery of this one because of Santana’s last start before the break. He gave up six runs on three homers. Then again, it was against the Tigers. Santana has held the A’s to a .195 average in 118 at bats. The five homers that he has given up are all to Billy Butler, along with nine of the 14 RBI. He only has 21 strikeouts against Oakland, and he is facing Sonny Gray, but he should be able to limit damage and at least keep the game close. You can do worse in this price range.

Honorable Mention:

Mike Montgomery, Mariners ($7,800): Montgomery faced the Yankees for the only time in his career back on June 2nd, and pitched well in a no decision. This time around though, he has to face off against Tanaka, which diminishes his chances for a win. He is also not a big strikeout guy, so that puts him a hair below Ervin for tomorrow night.

Stay Away:

Mike Fiers, Brewers ($7,500): The Pirates are hitting .296 off of Fiers in 71 at bats, but that isn’t what is keeping me away. It’s the eight homers that the Buccos have hit off of him. Andrew McCutchen has four of them on his own!

Next: Are There Any Good Cheap Options?

Jul 10, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher

Mike Leake

(44) throws the ball in the fifth inning of a game against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. The Reds won 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Cheap Options ($6,900 and under):

Best Bet:

Mike Leake, Reds ($6,100): Leake has owned the Indians in his career. Cleveland is hitting just .195 in 82 at bats off of Leake with one homer and eight driven in. Leake has only struck out 15, but you can’t really complain about that for the price. His opponent is Trevor Bauer, who has done equally well against the Reds, so counting on a win is not advised.

Honorable Mention:

Martin Perez, Rangers ($5,600): This is Perez’s first start of the season after a lengthy absence, so he will likely be on a pitch count. However, he has done pretty well against the Astros. They are hitting .255 off of him in 55 at bats with a pair of homers and nine strikeouts. If you feel like rolling the dice, Perez could be a decent option.

Stay Away:

Jorge De La Rosa, Rockies ($6,600): Not only does Jorge struggle away from Coors Field, but he has been lit up by the Padres in his career. They are 63 for 163 (.387) with five homers, 31 RBI, 16 walks, and only 36 strikeouts. This could be a high scoring game judging by how poorly the two starting pitchers have done against the other teams in their careers. Steer clear of this one.

Stay tuned for the hitter picks, and my DraftKings picks!

Next: Good Late Round RB Targets

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