DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 25

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 25

There are just two games this afternoon, and only one pitcher worthy of being a staff anchor. Should we use him with everyone else, or is there a suitable fade option? Let’s check the past stats to help build our DraftKings lineup out of this shallow player pool.

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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 $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

Aug 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Drew Pomeranz (31) throws the ball during the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bet:

Drew Pomeranz ($11,500): Pomeranz is the most expensive pitcher on the board by nearly $5,000. Is he really worth this much? On a short slate, yes. The Rays are only 7-35(.200) against him in their careers, with just a Brad Miller solo home run being the lone run Pomeranz has given up. The five strikeouts are a bit low, but considering his has 150 on the season, he still has the potential to make that total climb dramatically. Fade Pomeranz at your own risk. He should easily be the highest scoring pitcher.

Honorable Mention:

Daniel Norris ($6,100): Okay, so this is a small sample size, but we have just four pitchers to choose from. Something’s gotta give. The current Twins are only 2-10 against Norris with three strikeouts, but Eddie Rosario did tag him for a solo homer. The Twins haven’t hit lefties like they did last year. As a whole, the offense has regressed after a hot start to August. Norris looks pretty safe here.

Next: More Notes For 8-25

Aug 6, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers second baseman Ian Kinsler (3) hits an RBI single in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

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!

Jake Odorizzi has pitched better lately, but the Red Sox have been able to get to him over his career. Mookie Betts ($5,400) is 5-15 with three walks, a double, and a RBI. That means he isn’t likely to be worth that huge price tag. Xander Bogaerts ($3,300) is 7-18(.389) with three walks, three doubles, a triple, and three RBI against Odorizzi. If Brock Holt ($2,800) plays, he is a good option. Holt is 4-15(.267) with a double, a triple, a homer, and four driven in. On the outside chance that Chris Young ($2,800) cracks the lineup, he is 3-9 with a double and a solo homer against Odorizzi. Dustin Pedroia ($3,400) is 6-19(.316) with two doubles, a homer, and two RBI.

One Boston player that has struggled with Odorizzi is David Ortiz ($5,100). Papi is just 4-22(.182), but he does have two walks, a double, a homer, and three RBI.

Jose Berrios last just two thirds of an inning, giving up seven runs to the Tigers in his first and only meeting with them. He struck out just one batter (Justin Upton). Jose Iglesias had the big hit, a bases clearing double, but he is hurt. Nick Castellanos also had an RBI single, but like Iglesias, he has found his way to the DL. That leaves Ian Kinsler ($3,600), who hit a solo homer against him. Jarrod Saltalamacchia ($) also drew a bases loaded walk for hits RBI, one of four walks there Berrios allowed. In just .2 innings!

Berrios will likely fare better this time around, but he still looks like a big risk. The Tigers’ bats are a much safer investment.

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

Good luck out there, and check out our picks for FanDuel baseball!