DraftKings Early MLB Picks For May 17

We are up to four afternoon games on travel day, which gives this a little more wiggle room than yesterday’s DraftKings afternoon tournament. Kershaw and two other aces take the mound this afternoon, so there are several ways to work an ace or two. Who has the best chance to give us a big score? Let’s check out some stats!

More from DFS

The money line for the early lineup was at 103.5, which is about average for a two game slate. I got in with the solid pitching from the Rays-Indians game and my stack of the Blue Jays working for the most part.

The winning lineup was also predictably down to 169.25. He survived a lackluster pitching performance from Jaime Garcia by stacking Rays and Braves.

These picks are based mostly on statistical analysis . 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 $10 worth of free entry tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then continue reading for tips on how to turn that $10 into more!

Next: DraftKings Early Lineup

P: Clayton Kershaw ($14,400): As usual, Kershaw has great splits against his opponent. The Giants are hitting just .185 against him in 330 at bats with four homers, only 16 runs, and 98 strikeouts. There is going to be some temptation to use Johnny Cueto, but the Dodgers are hitting .266 off of him with just 41 strikeouts in 158 at bats. He also is 11-4 with a sparkling 1.36 ERA in 18 starts at AT&T Park. Need I say more?

P: Matt Harvey ($6,000): Before you close this page and vow never to come back because of this pick, hear me out. Harvey has dominated the Diamondbacks. Dominated! They are hitting just .102 with a .171 wOBA in 49 at bats with a whopping 20 strikeouts. hey have tagged him for two homers, but those are the only runs they have scored. One of the guys that homered off of Harvey, David Peralta, may not be healthy enough to play. If Peralta does play, I will sub out one of my Rays outfielders to get him, but no one else has shown an ability to get to Harvey. Paul Goldschmidt hit the other homer, but that is his only hit in eight at bats. Let every stack Diamondbacks. Harvey isn’t nearly as bad as he has pitched lately.

C: Jesus Sucre ($2,600): Sucre often plays well when he cracks the lineup. He should for the early start (11:10 am central) here, so he is as good a bet as any against the struggling Josh Tomlin.

1B: Edwin Encarnacion ($3,800): Edwin is cheaper than he should be today. Yes, Alex Cobb has pitched well and will likely get the win, but he isn’t going to pitch a shutout. Encarnacion is 4-12 with three walks, a double, a homer, three runs scored, and four RBI against Cobb. He has also not struck out. With more balls in play, that increases his odds of landing on base.

2B: Dee Gordon ($3,600): Gordon has never faced Lance McCullers, so there is really no base for this except I want some speed just in case the Marlins get on base. They likely wont take McCullers deep, so I will go for the speed of Gordon since I can’t afford Jose Altuve with Kershaw in the lineup.

3B: Justin Turner ($3,900): Most of the prices for Dodger hitters are way down with Cueto on the mound. That doesn’t mean all of them should be. Turner is 9-27 with a walk, two doubles, a homer, six runs scored, and a pair of RBI against the Giants ace.

SS: Corey Seager ($3,600): . I am taking advantage of the sale prices on Dodger hitters here asw well. Seager is 8-22(.364) with a walk, a double, a homer, three runs scored, and two RBI in his career against Cueto.

OF: Corey Dickerson ($3,900): Dickerson only has one hit in five at bats against Tomlin, but it is of the home run variety. All of the home runs Tomlin has allowed this year have been at home. Just another fun fact to support my Rays stack.

OF: George Springer ($4,500): Jose Urena is the weakest link among starters today, so I will go with a well-rested Springer to keep up his hot streak this afternoon. Marlins Park doesn’t play to power, but this is much like Giancarlo Stanton. It doesn’t matter since the walls aren’t 450 feet away.

OF: Colby Rasmus ($3,700): Another fun fact: Josh Tomlin’s 5.87 ERA is horrendous enough, but it balloons to 6.53 at home. The Rays aren’t going to help his cause here. He may pick up some strikeouts, but with all of the lefty power in this lineup, it could be a long short afternoon for Tomlin.

Next: FanDuel MLB Picks and Pivots

Good luck out there, and check out our picks for FanDuel baseball, along with our NBA, PGA, and EPL picks!