DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 27
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.
They sure aren’t making it easy on A.J. Cole. His first start was against the Orioles. This one is against the Rockies. You should likely take your chances elsewhere.
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Next: Pitcher Picks
Best Bet:
Marcus Stroman ($9,100): Stroman has shaken off a rough start to post a 2.10 ERA in August. He has a really good history against the Twins as well. The current Minnesota roster is only 7-36(.194) against him with just two runs and seven strikeouts. The strikeouts aren’t at an elite level, but it’s better than the rest of the seven pitchers going this afternoon. Expect a strong start out of Stroman.
Honorable Mention:
Chad Green ($5,300): The Orioles went 2-8 against Green in a long relief appearance earlier this year with no runs, but also no strikeouts. That said, Green has been brilliant in his last two starts against solid offensive teams in the Angels and Blue Jays. He gave up just one run in 12 innings with 16 strikeouts. The Orioles pose a big threat, but it looks like Green may be able to handle it.
Dylan Bundy ($5,100): Sure, the Yankees went 6-13 against him in a long relief appearance back on June 4th, but Bundy has given up three runs or less in all but one of his starts. The only team to get to him was Boston, and the Yankees are not Boston, at least not this year.
Next: Are There Any Afternoon Stack Options?
Ervin Santana has had a superb season, but I still wont use him against the Blue Jays. The Jays have hit ten homers against him in 205 career at bats with 30 runs. It’s too much of a risk.
However, this is a good place to stack! Jose Bautista ($4,100) is 9-32(.281) with nine walks, three doubles, two homers, and four RBI against Santana. Josh Donaldson ($4,300) has five hits in 19 at bats (.294) and four of them are for extra bases. He has also walked twice and driven in four. Edwin Encarnacion ($4,500) leaves a bit to be desired with his average against Santana (.261 in 23 at bats), but he does have four walks, a double, two homers and five RBI. Russell Martin ($4,000) is 7-28 with four walks, a double, and two RBI. Ryan Goins ($2,200) has three hits, including a homer, in only six at bats. If he starts, he is a solid play.
Melvin Upton, Jr. ($3,500) has struggled some since joining the Jays, but he is 8-27(.296) with two walks, a homer, and four RBI against Santana. Justin Smoak ($2,800) is 7-27(.259) with five walks, two doubles, a homer, and five RBI. Michael Saunders ($3,300) only has five hits in 26 at bats (.192), but he has six walks, a double, a homer and three driven in against Santana.
The Dodgers have 20 RBI in just 123 at bats against Jason Hammel, but a bulk of the damage was done by the injured Andre Ethier (two homers and nine RBI in 29 at bats). Adrian Gonzalez ($4,800) is only 7-38(.184) against Hammel, but he has five walks, two doubles, a homer, and four RBI off of him. Howie Kendrick ($3,000) is 7-16(.438) with a walk, two doubles, and five RBI. Chase Utley ($4,000) could be worth a look as well. Utley is 3-8 with two walks, a triple, and two RBI.
Next: More Notes For 8-25
Kurt Suzuki ($2,400) has fared well against Marcus Stroman. Suzuki is 2-5 with a RBI against him. He may be worth a look if he plays.
There are two Nationals players that have really ruined Jorge De La Rosa‘s day when he pitches against them. Jayson Werth ($4,400) is 7-19(.368) with three walks, a double, two homers, and six RBI against him. Ryan Zimmerman ($4,000) is 5-17(.294) with seven walks, three doubles, a homer, and five RBI.
Julio Urias gave up three long balls to the Cubs when he faced them on June 2nd. Javier Baez ($4,300), Kris Bryant ($5,400), and Jason Heyward ($2,800) all took him deep. Baez also drove in three runs. Urias has tremendous upside, but he is too much of a risk against the Cubbies.
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!