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FanDuel MLB Picks: Fantasy baseball, April 2

By Cory Eavenson

Sep 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Chris Archer (22) during the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong (16) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2016; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jon Lester (34) pitches to a St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong (16) during the eighth inning at Busch Stadium. The Cubs won 7-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Starting Pitchers

Madison Bumgarner $10900

Bumgarner faced the diamondbacks three times last year. His stats were not all that impressive (1-1 record with one no-decision).

He recorded eight, nine, and 14 strikeouts in each of the three games, so you can feel confident that he will score a fair amount of points. Unfortunately, there are not too many other options on this short three-game opening day slate, but Bumgarner carries safety on a small slate that should allow you to feel comfortable inserting him into your lineup. **

Jon Lester $10000

Lester faced the Cardinals twice last year, including one game that he went a full eight innings in St Louis. Lester only gave up three hits and one walk with eight strikeouts, dominating the cardinals at their home field and leading the cubs to a victory. In his other start at home, he only allowed two earned runs and finished with a no decision. The cubs, as defending World Series champions, will take care of business in this years first Sunday night baseball game, and Lester will benefit with his first win. ****

Chris Archer $9400

The Tampa Bay Rays have never lost an opening day game against the Yankees. They are 3-0 against them in their home openers. Now, there is always a first time for everything, as Archer did go 0-3 against the Yankees last year, but I trust that the Opening Day streak will continue. The Rays will surprise people this year, as they have a deceptively good squad and scary pitching rotation down the stretch. They will kick off the season with a win. **