FanDuel Economics: MLB Sunday, April 17th Picks

Apr 15, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Mark Trumbo (center) celebrates with teammates after hitting a home run during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel Economics: MLB Sunday, April 17th Picks

Welcome to FanDuel Economics! This is the MLB Sunday April 17th Picks edition. FanDuel Economics is a daily fantasy sports column focused on FanDuel player salaries and FanDuel points-per-game (PPG) trends. The purpose of this column is to evaluate player salary and PPG averages over a seven day period to provide daily fantasy sports players with a vital tool in their lineup tool belt. Finding the best value options often leads to a big pay day!

Another full slate of games for MLB today, with 15 scheduled. Today the majority of games are held during the afternoon, will all games pitching-off at 4:40pm ET or early, except for a Giants vs. Dodgers match-up at 8:00pm ET. FanDuel may expand on these options throughout the day, but here’s a brief look at the breakout of times so far:

1:05 ET (Main)

Before we dive into the MLB value picks for today, the point analysis provided does not include some evening and late night games from the night before. However, the salary analysis is as of today. Also, if you have any questions while filling out your MLB FanDuel lineups, follow me at Matt Rogers.

Now, let’s take a look at today’s MLB value options:

Next: Value Pitchers

Mar 28, 2016; Tempe, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Nick Tropeano (35) throws in the first inning during a spring training game against the Chicago Cubs at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports /

Value Pitchers (SP)

Andrew Heaney was a hot young staring pitcher option for the Angels, then he started the season on the DL. Enter Nick Tropeano (2:10pm ET). Nick has looked better than most of the starting pitcher options for the Angels. Tropeano’s start to the season was last Monday in Oakland. He pitched 5 innings fanning 6 and landed the win. In total, Nick compiled 45 points. On a $5,400 salary, that’s a very attractive opportunity. Getting 45 points on a $5,400 salary is an 8.3X value option, which is the best among all starting pitchers. If you need to find salary, he’s an obvious option at pitcher.

The Nationals have been a hot team and lately seem to be crushing every pitcher. However, there’s an exception. Jhoulys Chacin (1:10pm ET) was able to hold the Nats no runs over 6 innings and struck out 8 over that time. Considering how hot the Nats bats have been, that’s impressive. If the Braves were a tab better than worst, he probably would’ve also landed the win. Chacin is facing off in Miami this afternoon and after the Nats game has 42 points, over one game, for the season. That’s not a bad point compilation considering he’s only at a $6,000 salary. He’s not as cheap as Tropeano, but he’s also a strong consideration for value pitcher today.

Another top 10 value pitcher option is Kris Medlen (4:05pm ET). Kris lasted 5 innings and gave up two runs, but he also struck out 7 and took the win in Houston, a good hitting team. In total Medlen compiled 42 points and at a $6,900 salary Kris is another great value option in Oakland today. If you don’t have a tolerance for Tropeano or Chacin and need to find another value option but willing to pay more for it, Medlan is your guy.

Next: Value Hitters

Apr 15, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers left fielder Enrique Hernandez runs to first after he hits a two RBI double during the fourth inning against the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Value Hitters (C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS, OF)

When we look for value hitters, we typically focus on how many points each hitter is getting per $1,000 of salary you need to spend. This ratio provides an understanding of how many points you’re getting for what you paid. It’s important to consider other factors when evaluating this information, though, like how many games they played in the average PPG or how they do vs. RHP/LHP. At the start of this season the values were all over the place. There were several hitters in the 5x-9x range, which is incredible value, and several in the 1x-3x range which is pretty bad value. Recently, the value range has started to level off as FanDuel adjusts salaries to players who are having hot/cold starts to the season. For today, anyone over a 4.5X value is now top 20. So these picks are focusing on those players, and some below, over the last week.

While Enrique Hernandez, OF, (8:05pm ET) was supposed to be a lefty-only type of hitter option, he’s quickly playing his way into the daily starting lineup for the Dodgers. Over the last week, Hernandez has averaged 18 PPG. Considering a salary of $3,200, that’s a 5.6X value. That is the top value option among all consistent starters over the last week. Hernandez is a great value option against the Giants, tonight, at home facing off against Samardzija.

Mark Trumbo , OF, (3:05pm ET) has fit in well in the lineup for the Orioles. Over the last week Trumbo has laid down a tremendous 22 PPG. His salary has climbed $400 recently to $4,100, but that still lands Mark at a 5.4X value, which is an outstanding value option. It doesn’t hurt that Trumbo had his 5 HR’s over the last 5 games, which is likely something he can not maintain. But it’s usually good to ride a hot hitter while he’s on a streak. Also, as we’ve already discussed, HR hitters are by far the most valuable options in FanDuel.

I keep playing Aledmys Diaz, SS, (2:15pm ET) thinking he’ll disappoint me or will eventually climb to far in value and so far neither has happened. Over the last week Aledmys has averaged 16.5 PPG. Diaz has hit especially well against the Reds compiling 45 points over the last two games. Aledmys’ salary has climbed from $2,800 to $3,100 over the past day. However, that still lands Diaz at a 5.3X value. For a SS, Aledmys provides a tremendous amount of point upside. Until he disappoints, he’s worth a strong consideration as a value play.

To re-visit other value picks over the past couple of days, visit some of my other columns for more value options today.

For additional FanDuel MLB analysis, take a look at my good friend and follow staff writer Brian Tulloch’s MLB Picks & Pivots column. Also, Mike Marteny provides Draft Kings MLB Picks analysis. Draft King uses a different point system and Mike does a great job of breaking down your options. Both also provide great ‘stacking’ options which I like to discuss and use as well.

Next: DraftKings NBA Picks For April 17

I wish you all well tonight FanDuelers! Spend smartly and enjoy the return on your savings!