FanDuel MLB: Picks and Pivots for July 19

Jul 17, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals second baseman Trea Turner (7) loses control of the ball attempting to turn a double play ahead of the slide of Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer (10) in the seventeenth inning at Nationals Park. The Pirates won 2-1 in eighteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel MLB: Picks and Pivots for July 19

Welcome to the Tuesday edition of Picks & Pivots, a daily fantasy baseball column focused on providing analysis and insights into the top FanDuel MLB lineups. The purpose of this column is to first identify key building blocks that can be used for any roster construction and then identify pivot points to help differentiate your lineup in hopes of a big payday!

FanSided and Fantasy CPR have you covered – For additional FanDuel MLB analysis, take a look at Matt Rogers FanDuel Economics column or Mike Marteny who provides Draft Kings MLB Picks analysis giving you the most in-depth DFS coverage for tonight’s baseball slate.

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Tuesday’s action kicks off at 7:05PM EST with 15 games on the Main slate to choose from when building your FanDuel MLB rosters!

I will continue to track winning Tournament lineups and compare trends over 5 day periods to help us understand what it takes to remain profitable. I HIGHLY recommend each of you do this each morning to look back on the previous night and understand how the winning lineups are constructed in the games you participate in.

The view below tracks GPP entries over various time periods, breaking out key metrics to understand the trends and compositions of GPP winning rosters:

Time Period	Score	Pitcher Salary	Pitcher %	Hitter %	Hitter $/Player	Value
Season	255.7	$ 8,659	25%	75%	$ 3,293	7.31
5 Day	258.5	$ 9,113	26%	74%	$ 3,236	7.39
Prev Day	201.2	$ 10,400	30%	70%	$ 3,075	5.75

Now on to the picks…For more DFS Strategy insights, check out my latest article to help take your game to the next level! I highly recommend gamers track their game performance across the various types of games they play – GPP’s, Cash, Multipliers etc – as this simple exercise will help teach you more about profitable roster construction than you can imagine.

Jun 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Vince Velasquez (28) delivers a pitch in the fourth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. The Philadelphia Phillies won 8-0. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Tuesday’s slate has multiple aces on the hill including Jake Arrieta, Noah Syndergaard and Danny Salazar however all three have questions marks due to their most recent performances which makes paying top dollar for pitcher riskier than usual when building your FanDuel MLB lineups.

Vince Velasquez ($8,600) at home versus Miami: Over the last month, no pitcher among those on the hill Tuesday is averaging more points per start than Vince Velasquez, as he has put up 45 points per start which would exceed 5x value at this price point.

In his last 17 IP, Velasquez has struck out 20 batters and has pitched to a 2.12 ERA since he returned from a biceps injury earlier this season. Velasquez also gets to face a Marlins team he dominated back in May when he struck out 10 batters and put up 57 FanDuel Points.

Jameson Taillon ($7,200) against Milwaukee: If you are looking to drop down even further, the Pirates hot-shot rookie may be in a good spot to succeed against the Brewers. The Brewers strike out at a 26.2% clip against RHP, the top rate of any team in MLB against right-handed pitching.

Taillon returns to the Pirates rotation after a stint on the DL with shoulder fatigue but do not forget that his last start before the injury he put up 45 points in a 6 inning, 6 strikeout performance at Seattle.

Taillon is best suited for GPP play as he has two outing of 45+ points and 3 outings with less than 20 points so he has shown he is more of a boom or bust tournament option at this point in his career.

Pitching Summary: With Jake Arrieta‘s recent struggles and a match up against a potentially injured Noah Syndergaard coupled with Danny Salazar‘s recent struggles and injury concerns may make this a prime spot to drop down a tier for pitching. Velasquez has the ability to be the top scoring option on the night and the cost savings allow you added flexibility in building your lineup.

Next: Top Hitting Options

Jul 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) and right fielder George Springer (4) celebrate after defeating the Seattle Mariners 2-1 at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

With a game in Coors Field and another left-hander on the mound, Nolan Arenado ($4,400) is my clear top play on the night but rather than rehash my Monday thoughts, I will dig into my other top spots to target on Tuesday.

Astros RHB versus LHP Dillon Overton: Granted it has been a small sample size, but the Athletics left-hander has struggled so far in his career, giving up 11 ER and 5 HR in only 8.2 IP.

The Astros are always a great play against a hittable LHP and with the price points on Tuesday, Carlos Correa ($3,800) & George Springer ($3,700) make for great plays that may be overlooked with a game in Coors Field.

Mets bats against Jake Arrieta: The last few starts have not been kind to Arrieta and for BvP lovers, the Mets bats have had good success against Arrieta in their match-ups. Curtis Granderson ($2,700) is 10 for 30 with 3 HR’s against Arrieta and has been red hot since moving to the #2 hole in the Mets lineup. Asdrubal Cabrera ($2,500) is 5 for 11 with a pair of home runs and makes for a solid value option for those looking to save at the SS position.

Joey Votto ($3,800) & Adam Duvall ($3,000) against RHP Tyrell Jenkins: The Reds top bats continue to be reasonably priced at home which allows for a great mini-stack opportunity against the young Atlanta right-hander.

Next: Top FanDuel MLB Lineup

Jul 16, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano (22) hits an RBI single against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports /

Below you will find my initial lineup for Tuesday’s Main FanDuel MLB slate including notes/comments on my roster construction.

Pitcher: Vince Velasquez ($8,600)

More from FanSided

Catcher: Travis d’Arnaud ($2,000) Travis is 3 for 5 against Arrieta in his career and sits at a great punt price

First Base: Joey Votto ($3,800)

Second Base: Robinson Cano ($3,000) Cano sits at a tremendous value price and with the L/L match-up, we may see gamers shy away but keep in mind Cano is 5 for 14 in his career against Quintana

Third Base: Nolan Arenado ($4,400) Another night in Coors against a LHP and another night of must play for me

Shortstop: Carlos Correa ($3,800)

Outfield: Curtis Granderson ($2,700)

Outfield: George Springer ($3,700)

Outfield: Adam Duvall ($3,000)

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

Best of luck tonight gamer’s! Make sure to review the lineups as they are announced before locking in your lineups!