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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
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
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
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. Ā 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!

AnotherĀ full slate of games for MLB today, with 15 scheduled. Ā 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.Ā  FanDuel mayĀ expand on these options throughout the day, but here’s a brief look at the breakout of times so far:

  • 1:05Ā ET (Main)

BeforeĀ 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. Ā However, the salary analysis is as of today. Ā Also, if you have any questions while filling out your MLB FanDuel lineups, follow me atĀ 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
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. Ā Enter Nick Tropeano (2:10pm ET). Ā Nick has looked better than most of the starting pitcher options for the Angels. Ā Tropeano’s start to the season was last Monday in Oakland. Ā He pitched 5 innings fanning 6 and landed the win. Ā In total, Nick compiled 45 points. Ā On a $5,400 salary, that’s a very attractive opportunity. Ā Getting 45 points on a $5,400 salary is an 8.3X value option, which is the best among all starting pitchers. Ā 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. Ā However, there’s an exception. Ā Jhoulys Chacin (1:10pm ET) was able to hold the Nats no runs over 6 innings and struck out 8 over that time. Ā Considering how hot the Nats bats have been, that’s impressive. Ā If the Braves were a tab better than worst, he probably would’ve also landed the win. Ā Chacin is facing off in Miami this afternoon and after the Nats game has 42 points, over one game, for the season. Ā That’s not a bad point compilation considering he’s only at a $6,000 salary. Ā 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). Ā 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. Ā In total Medlen compiled 42 points and at a $6,900 salary Kris is another great value option in Oakland today. Ā 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
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. Ā This ratio provides an understanding of how many points you’re getting for what you paid. Ā 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. Ā At the start of this season the values were all over the place. Ā 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. Ā Recently, the value range has started to level off as FanDuel adjusts salaries to players who are having hot/cold starts to the season. Ā For today, anyone over a 4.5X value is now top 20. Ā So these picks are focusing on those players, and some below, over the last week.

While Enrique Hernandez, OF, (8:05pm ET)Ā 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. Ā Over the last week, Hernandez has averaged 18 PPG. Considering a salary of $3,200, that’s a 5.6X value. Ā That is the top value option among all consistent starters over the last week. Ā 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. Ā Over the last week Trumbo has laid down a tremendous 22 PPG. Ā 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. Ā It doesn’t hurt that Trumbo had his 5 HR’s over the last 5 games, which is likely something he can not maintain. Ā But it’s usually good to ride a hot hitter while he’s on a streak. Ā 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)Ā thinking he’ll disappoint me or will eventually climb to far in value and so far neither has happened. Ā Over the last week Aledmys has averaged 16.5 PPG. Ā Diaz has hit especially well against the Reds compiling 45 points over the last two games. Ā Aledmys’ salary has climbed from $2,800 to $3,100 over the past day. Ā However, that still lands Diaz at a 5.3X value. Ā For a SS, Aledmys provides a tremendous amount of point upside. Ā Until he disappoints, he’s worth a strong consideration as a value play.

To re-visit otherĀ value picks over the past couple of days, visit some of myĀ other columnsĀ 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 & PivotsĀ column. Ā Also, Mike Marteny provides Draft Kings MLB PicksĀ analysis. Ā DraftĀ KingĀ uses a different point system and Mike does a great job of breaking down your options. Ā Both also provide great ā€˜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!Ā  Spend smartly and enjoy the return on your savings!