DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 24
There are just four games this afternoon, but there are three aces on the mound. Should we pay for them or search for bargains? We get two pitcher slots on DraftKings, so how can we use that to our advantage? Let’s check out the past stats for some insight!
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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.
Zach Davies has never faced the Rockies. Davies has given up 12 runs in his last two starts, so you likely don’t want to use him against the Rockies, who are still potent even while away from Coors Field.
Tyler Anderson still has that reverse Coors Field split thing going on. He is 4-1 with a 3.45 ERA in nine starts at home. He is 0-3 with a 4.35 ERA in four road starts. The bad news is that this is a road start. However, the Brewers have struggled some against left handed pitching. Anderson is still an interesting option, especially at $8,200.
For you first time players, if you would like $20 worth of free entry tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then continue reading these columns for tips on how to turn that $20 into more!
Next: Pitcher Picks
Best Bets:
Kyle Hendricks ($12,900): Okay, so Hendricks isn’t an ace in the truest sense. He doesn’t rack up enough strikeouts to be considered among the elite, but check out his stats against the Padres. They are just 8-59(.136) against Hendricks with only two runs and 14 strikeouts. Once again, the strikeout numbers are not elite, but the rest are. He may be the safest bet of the afternoon.
Masahiro Tanaka ($10,800): The Mariners have had all kinds of issues trying to hit Tanaka. They are just 12-74(.162) against him with a whopping 23 strikeouts. They have homered three times and brought in eight runs, but their run potential is severely diminished when they don’t get on base. The current Mariners have a pathetic .205 OBP against Tanaka. He is a strong bet on a short slate.
Honorable Mention:
Trevor Bauer ($11,300): The A’s are only hitting .167 in 36 at bats against Bauer with 10 strikeouts. They have homered twice and driven in four, which is about the same as the work Tanaka has turned in against the Mariners. Tanaka gets the edge because he is $500 cheaper, and much more consistent that Bauer. Bauer has a 5.09 ERA in August, and it sits at 5.15 since July 1st.
Hisashi Iwakuma ($8,400): The Yankees are only hitting .227 against Iwakuma in 75 at bats and have only scored five runs. His upside is diminished because of the matchup with Tanaka and because he has only five strikeouts in those 75 at bats. However, if you are looking to go cheaper, Iwakuma should be a solid SP2.
Dark Horse:
Kendall Graveman ($7,200): Cleveland is hitting a solid .270 against Graveman in 74 at bats, but they have scored just four runs. Graveman has been able to limit the damage, which seems to be his calling card. He has 12 strikeouts over that span, which is also right around his normal. He has a low ceiling because he given up a lot of baserunners and doesn’t strike out many, but he will be the beneficiary if Bauer struggles again. And, well, Graveman pitched a two hitter against the White Sox on Friday night.
Next: More Notes For 8-24
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.
While most of the Mariners have struggled with Masahiro Tanaka, Kyle Seager ($3,900) has not. Seager is 3-12 with a walk, two homers, and four RBI against Tanaka. Robinson Cano ($4,100) is only 2-13, but he has a homer and two RBI.
Addison Russell ($4,800) hit a three run homer against Paul Clemens back on June 25th. Miguel Montero ($3,200) also took him deep, and could be a solid play if he gets the start.
Brett Gardner ($3,300) is 6-14(.429) with a double and a RBI against Hisashi Iwakuma. Brian McCann ($3,100) has the current Yankees only homer against Iwakuma and three RBI in eight at bats.
Carlos Santana ($4,100) is 3-9 with a solo homer against Kendall Graveman. Francisco Lindor ($3,700), Brandon Guyer ($2,900), and Lonnie Chisenall ($3,500) also have multiple hits against Graveman and should provide close to double digit points.
Yonder Alonso ($2,400) is 2-7 with a walk, a homer, and two RBI against Trevor Bauer. Khris Davis ($3,700) also has a homer against Bauer, his only hit in three at bats.
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!