DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 18

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 18

There are just two games this afternoon. Only one ace takes the hill, but is he worth paying for? Where can we go cheap to afford him? Let’s check out the past stats for some help!

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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. Check out this post from Matt McGarvey for great tips about whether to use a hot player in DFS or not.

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 these columns for tips on how to turn that $25 into more!

Next: Pitcher Picks

Aug 12, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta (49) works against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bet:

Jake Arrieta ($13,800): The Brewers are hitting a solid .257 against Arrieta in 74 at bats, but they also have 10 strikeouts. The six runs scored is a bit below average, but not the elite pace at which aces usually work. Arrieta has seen his share of struggles this year, but do you dare fade him with only three other options?

Honorable Mention:

Zach Davies ($6,600): TheCubs are a pathetic 5-38(.132) against Davies. The seven strikeouts is a solid total. The fact that he is playing the Cubs and Arrieta limits his value, at least in theory. If you want to use someone who wont be in many lineups that could come through for you, Davies could be your man. Also, using both Davies and Arrieta may be a good idea. Boston and Detroit could be a high scoring affair.

Dark Horse:

Clay Buchholz ($4,000): Buchholz is returning from an exile to the bullpen. His career numbers against the current Tigers lineup are pretty good. They are hitting only .212 against him in 99 at bats even though they have scored ten runs. The 13 strikeouts leaves much to be desired, but at this price, with this kind of history, you can’t complain. Did I mention that he gets to face off against Matt Boyd, who has not retired a current Red Sox batter in five tries? His chances at a win are excellent as well, provided he lasts five innings.

Next: More Notes For 8-18

Aug 14, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) rounds third base after hitting a home run in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t forget to check out the DFS Lineup Optimizer over at FantasyPros. You can also pick your favorite players or favorite stack, and it will optimize the lineup around that! It really is an invaluable tool for you DFS players! You can also customize it to come up with lineups for turbo and late options for either DraftKings or FanDuel.

Ryan Braun ($4,400) is worth using if he plays. Braun is 4-12 with three walks, a homer, and four RBI against Arrieta. Scooter Gennett ($2,800) is 6-23(.261) with two doubles and a RBI, and has the added advantage of being cheaper facing an ace.

David Ortiz ($4,800) has only faced Matt Boyd once. He hit a three run homer off of him. Mookie Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Brock Holt are also 1-1 against him (all singles). That’s right, Boyd faced the Red Sox once in relief and failed to record a single out. Stack some Red Sox this afternoon!

Ian Kinsler ($5,000) is 2-6 with two walks and two solo homers against Clay Buchholz. Miguel Cabrera ($5,300) is only 5-22(.227), but he has three walks, two doubles, and three RBI. Justin Upton ($3,300) is mired in a slump, but he is 2-6 with two doubles and four RBI in his career against Buchholz.

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!