DraftKings Early MLB Picks For June 23

Sep 12, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the DraftKings sign board during the match with FC Dallas playing against New York City FC at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

DraftKings Early MLB Picks For June 23

There are only four afternoon games on getaway day, which makes this the smaller tournament of the day. There are a few good options. Let’s find out what the past stats say!

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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. The highest scorer of the day could be someone with no experience against his opponent. 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. The best lineups usually have a mix of proven stats and hot players.

Jerad Eickhoff has never faced the Twins, but he does have a 3.49 ERA on the season, and has not given up more than three runs in a start since May 28th against the Cubs. You should be able to bet on solid numbers at worst from Eickhoff today.

Albert Suarez has never faced the Pirates. He has been solid in relief, and was average in his start against the Rays over the weekend. However, he doesn’t strike out a lot of batters, and is likely not worth the risk against the team that beat up Jeff Samardzija last night.

Daniel Norris has a very limited history against the Mariners, but they are 0-4 against him, and Norris is facing a rookie. He may be worth a flier if you’re up for taking a risk.

Adrian Sampson will make his first start against the Tigers today. His debut against Boston was decent, but he only struck out two. He faces another good offense, so you should likely avoid him here as well.

For you first time players, if you would like to free $20 contest tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then read here for the picks to help you turn that $20 into something more!

Next: Pitcher Picks

Jun 18, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Jonathon Niese (18) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bet:

Jon Niese ($5,200): That’s right. Today’s best bet, with a proven track record, is $5,200. Niese has held the Giants to a .188 average in 133 at bats with three homers, 14 runs, but only 20 strikeouts. He will likely give up some runs, but he has a favorable matchup against Albert Suarez and a good offense behind him. The bad news is that Hunter Pence is still out for the Giants. Pence is just 4-33(.121) with eight strikeouts against Niese.

Honorable Mention:

Ricky Nolasco ($7,400): Say what you will about Nolasco, but he has been serviceable for the Twins this year. His 4.91 ERA and 1.29 WHIP are not terrible. He has also only given up five runs in his last two starts against two decent offenses in the Yankees and Angels. The Phillies are hitting .253 off of him in 83 at bats, but the only holdovers from his days in the NL East are Carlos Ruiz and Ryan Howard. He was clobbered by Howard, but if you take those stats out, the rest of the team is 10-45(.222) with a homer and three RBI with nine strikeouts. If he can stay away from Howard, he could have a very good day.

Next: Who Are The Best Stacks?

Jun 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago White Sox left fielder Melky Cabrera (53) rounds the bases after hitting a game tying two run home run during the eighth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

You have heard our FanDuel experts Matt Rogers and Brian Tulloch talk about “stacking” pieces of a lineup against certain pitchers. Here are the stacks that could work well on DraftKings today, based on past statistics.

It would be unfair to say that the wheels have come off for Rick Porcello, but he has not had a scoreless outing since April 30, and has given up less than two runs only once since then. You can likely trust Adam Eaton ($4,100), who is 4-12 with a double, a triple, a homer, and four RBI off of Porcello. Jose Abreu ($4,000) is 3-11(.273) with a walk, a homer, and three RBI. Avisail Garcia ($2,900) is 7-18(.389) with a walk, a double, and three RBI. Melky Cabrera ($2,700) is an impressive 14-25(.560) with two walks, four doubles, a homer, and three RBI against Porcello.

You don’t need me to tell you to stack against James Shields. He has given up 31 runs in his last four starts, spanning 11.1 innings. That is a 24.62 ERA. On top of that, the Red Sox own a .289 average against him in 173 at bats. David Ortiz ($5,600) is 18-60(.300) with eight walks, nine doubles, three homers, and 16 RBI. Dustin Pedroia (4,500) is 17-58(.293) with four walks, two doubles, two homers, and five RBI against Shields. The only hit Xander Bogaerts ($5,400) has in three at bats is a two run homer. You likely can’t go wrong with any Boston players today.

Next: Other Notes For June 23

Jun 13, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Ryan Howard (6) celebrates a solo home run against Toronto Blue Jays in the seventh inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Howard ($2,300) should get a start at DH again in the AL Park, and considering his stats against Ricky Nolasco, he should. Howard is 11-38(.289) with nine walks, six doubles, four homers, and seven RBI against him.

Buster Posey ($4,600) is 8-25(.320) with a walk, two doubles, a homer, and three RBI against Jon Niese. Brandon Crawford ($3,600) is 5-12 with a triple, a homer, and five RBI.

Be sure to check out the FanDuel picks from out experts in that area! Brian Tulloch provides the picks, while Matt Rogers tells you where to save in his FanDuel Economics articles. Don’t play an FanDuel without them!

Next: DFS Strategy - Take Your Game to the Next Level

Good luck out there, and check out our picks for FanDuel baseball!