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FanDuel MLB Picks: Fantasy Baseball April 3

By Cory Eavenson

Sep 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Milwaukee Brewers left fielder Ryan Braun (8) during the game against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 5, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) receives congratulations from first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after he hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) receives congratulations from first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) after he hits a two run home run in the fourth inning against the New York Mets at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Catchers

High-Salary Option

Victor Martinez $3000

At the beginning of the season last year, Martinez hit two home runs in his first two at-bats. His batting average against the White Sox was .327 last year and .444 against José Quintana specifically. He also hit better in away games last year, slugging 15 home runs in 78 games along with his .322 batting average. Combining the fact that this is an away game in Chicago with the fact that Martinez loves to start off the season hot, he should definitely be in play on Opening Day. ***

Mid-Range Option

Yasmani Grandal $2800

Grandal never had an opportunity to take on full playing time as the Dodgers catcher; until now! Grandal hit .316 this spring with 18 hits in 57 at-bats. Grandal’s statistics against the Padres pitching staff specifically have been spectacular for fantasy purposes. Along with his .370 batting average last year against the Padres, he had 15 runs batted in on 17 hits. Seven of those 17 hits were home runs. If Grandal can continue hitting like this through his transition to a full time catcher, he will be one of the top catchers in fantasy points. ****

Welington Castillo $2700

Castillo batted .318 this spring with seven hits in 22 at-bats. He has never faced the Blue Jays pitcher Estrada before and only hit .143 last year against the rest of the teams pitching. Putting those two details aside, Castillo hit .329 during day games versus .249 during night games. The Opening Day game kicks off at 3:05pm in Baltimore, so Castillo should be ready to shine. **

High-Value Option

Tyler Flowers $2400

Flowers hit .263 with 10 hits and one home run in spring training this year. He has only had two plate appearances versus Noah Syndergaard, but in one of them he walked and later scored. Flowers does not have overwhelming stats, but he can contribute points in different categories. Considering his dirt cheap price tag, he could be worth the risk because he allows more salary to be used at other positions that may have better players to pay up for. **