DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 3

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; General view of Draft Kings logo on an advertising LED screen during the Denver Broncos game against the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Patriots 20-18 to advance to the Super Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 3

There are only three afternoon games on this Wednesday, but half of the pitchers cost more than $9,000. Who is worth the money? Is there a cheap pitcher worth using? Let’s check out the past stats to see if we can gain some kind of advantage.

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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. Past statistics is only one piece of building a winning lineup.

For you first time players, if you would like $25 worth of free entry tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then continue reading for tips on how to turn that $25 into more!

Next: Pitcher Picks

Jul 10, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Junior Guerra (41) pitches in the first inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bets:

Max Scherzer ($13,200): The Diamondbacks are only hitting .200 in 70 at bats against Scherzer with only two runs and eight strikeouts. The strikeout numbers are a little low compared to most other teams Scherzer has faced, but I wouldn’t worry too much about that. This is a short slate, and he is easily the best option available. It really isn’t close.

Junior Guerra ($10,700): Guerra went six shutout innings against the Padres back on May 13th while allowing just two hits and striking out four. And that was when Matt Kemp was still with the Padres. Guerra has been quite a find this year, going 7-2 with a 2.70 ERA. Expect another really good outing from him here.

Honorable Mention:

John Lackey ($9,300): Lackey’s numbers against the Marlins don’t look very good (.298 average, thee homers, 13 RBI), but when you take away Ichiro’s stats, the rest of the current Marlins are just 14-50(.280) with two homers (both by Justin Bour, who is on the DL), six RBI (three by Bour)and 15 strikeouts. Those numbers are certainly good enough to use on a small slate.

Dark Horse:

Tom Koehler ($6,400): Koehler has done fairly well against the Cubs so far in his career. The Cubs are hitting just .222 against Koehler in 90 at bats, but they have scored 11 runs and only struck out 15 times Koehler did give up three homers to the Cubs back on June 24th, so there is risk involved here.

Zack Godley ($4,000): The Nationals are only 2-13(.154) against Godley from his relief appearances with three strikeouts and no runs. Can he do it over a full start? His chances of a win are practically nil, but if you get 15 or so points for this price, you should be ecstatic.

Next: More Notes For 8-2

Aug 2, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Marlins pinch hitter Ichiro Suzuki (51) warms up in the on deck circle preparing to bat against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Owings ($2,200) is 3-6 with both Diamondback RBI’s against Max Scherzer. Is that enough reason to use him? Probably not.

Ryan Braun ($4,900) is 9-29(.310) with four walks, five doubles, and a RBI against Edwin Jackson. Chris Carter ($3,700) is 1-3 with a solo homer against Jackson. Scooter Gennett ($4,200) is 2-6 with two walks, a double, and two driven in. Martin Maldonado ($2,800) is 4-10 with two walks, a double, and five RBI against Jackson. Kirk Nieuwenhuis ($3,800) is 2-6 with a walk, a homer, and three RBI.

Ichiro Suzuki ($3,600) is 37-121(.306) with seven walks, six doubles, a triple, a homer, and seven RBI against John Lackey from their days of facing off in the A.L. West. Ichiro still sits two hits shy of 3,000. It would be fitting if he got two hits off Lackey today. Just check the lineups to make sure he is starting before using him. Martin Prado ($3,600) is 4-7 with a double and a RBI against Lackey.

Kris Bryant ($5,000) is 2-6 with a double and a solo homer against Tom Koehler. Willson Contreras ($3,600) is 1-2 with a two run homer. Jason Heyward ($) is 6-21(.286) with three walks, a triple, and a RBI off of Koehler. Miguel Montero ($3,100) is only 2-9, but he has a walk, a double, and three RBI. Ben Zobrist ($4,500) is 3-10 with a homer and two 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 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!