FanDuel MLB: Picks and Pivots for July 28

Jul 26, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A Chicago White Sox fan holds up a sign in reference to Chicago White Sox suspended pitcher Chris Sale (not pictured) during the fifth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

FanDuel MLB: Picks and Pivots for July 28

Welcome to the Thursday 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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Thursday’s action kicks off at 1:10PM EST with 2 games on the Early FanDuel slate and another 7 games starting at 7:05PM EST on the Main FanDuel MLB slate.

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	$ 8,629	25%	75%	$ 3,296	7.30
5 Day	257.8	$ 8,367	24%	76%	$ 3,329	7.37
Prev Day	250.3	$ 6,900	20%	80%	$ 3,513	7.15

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.

Jul 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Fans cheer on as Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jose Fernandez (16) walks towards the dugout during the fifth inning against the New York Mets at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Jose Fernandez ($11,800) at home versus St. Louis: Yes, I know that telling you to pick the top priced arm on the slate is not ground breaking news, but hear me out as to why it is wise to lock in Jose Fernandez on Thursday!

First, Fernandez is a massive home favorite (-200) and has the highest chance of picking up the critical 12 points in FanDuel for the win. Secondly, Fernandez has been pitching out of this world recently, averaging 53.3 points per game in the last 15 days. Looking at the remaining pitchers on this slate, the next closest average is 39 PPG, making the increased price point money well spent.

Lastly, after reviewing the offensive options, there are very few standout options and you can build a very solid lineup while still locking in the clear top arm on the slate.

Fernandez has upside that no pitcher on this slate and few in MLB can match, as he leads all of baseball with a 36.8% and has struck out double-digit batters in 7 of his 19 starts (37%).

Next: Top Hitting Options

Jul 8, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Minnesota Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano (22) is congratulated by manager Paul Molitor (4) after Sano hits a three run home run against the Texas Rangers during the fifth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers defeat the Twins 6-5. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Twins against RHP Ubaldo Jimenez: Of all starting pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched this season, no pitcher has a worse ERA than Orioles starter Ubaldo Jimenez and his 7.38 ERA.

Jimenez has struggled with hitters from both sides of the plate but has let up 7 of his 10 home runs to left-handed batters.

Miguel Sano ($3,800) is my top choice from the Twins lineup as his immense power upside combined with Jimenez’s struggles makes this a spot for a monster outing.

Kennys Vargas ($3,000) is a great mini-stack option at 1B as he has averaged double-digit points over the last week and provides the platoon advantage where Jimenez struggles the most.

Rangers versus RHP Yordano Ventura: If you want to pay up for Fernandez, the Rangers bats provide two of my favorite value options against the always volatile Ventura.

Jurickson Profar ($2,300) continues to bat at the top of the Rangers order and at a near minimum price point makes for a great play at 2B. Joey Gallo ($2,200) returned to the Rangers lineup with Prince Fielder‘s latest injury and displayed his massive power right off the bat with a home run and at only $2,200 has massive power potential.

Next: Top FanDuel MLB Lineup

Jul 20, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals right fielder Bryce Harper (34) hits a two run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the first inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

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

Pitcher: Jose Fernandez ($11,800)

More from FanSided

Catcher: Buster Posey ($3,100) FanDuel’s pricing algorithm has really adjusted the Giants prices down against Tanner Roark, and although Roark has pitched well I cannot pass up Posey at this price point

First Base: Freddie Freeman ($3,300) Freeman typically flies under the radar but with a matchup against Aaron Nola and a reasonable price point, I am happy to lock in the consistency of Freeman at 1B

Second Base: Jurickson Profar ($2,300)

Third Base: Todd Frazier ($2,900) Frazier is averaging 13 ppg over the last 2 weeks which is the 2nd best of any 3B on the slate

Shortstop: Alicedes Escobar ($2,400) I do not love this pick against Cole Hamels, but SS is ugly on Thursday and I will look to punt the position based off lineup positions once released

Outfield: Miguel Sano ($3,800)

Outfield: Joey Gallo ($2,200)

Outfield: Bryce Harper ($3,200) Harper at only $3,200? I understand his recent struggles but you are getting one of the best hitters in baseball at the same price point as Robbie Grossman

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!

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