DraftKings Early MLB Picks For May 25

We have six early games for the early DraftKings tournament. Without an ace on the slate, should we go cheap on pitching? Where are the bargains so we can stack Rockies? Let’s check out some stats!

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The money line for the early tournament yesterday was a respectable 108.7 DraftKings points. That’s pretty high for a small slate. My lineup made it in easily thanks to good pitching from Jose Berrios and Marcus Stroman with a side order of Jose Abreu.

The winning lineup was down quite a ways to 173 points. He paired Sonny Gray with Berrios and had extra homers from Jose Bautista and a huge day from Jed Lowrie for the win.

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: Masahiro Tanaka ($8,900): Tanaka’s numbers against the Royals aren’t great, but he will be opposed by newly arrived Miguel Almonte. Almonte has been lights out at AA, but they don’t have players like Aaron Judge in AA ball. Tanaka will get ample run support, but he may need it. The Royals have slugged three homers against Tanaka in just 31 at bats, but they have struck out eight times. The heightened strikeout potential and likelihood for a win still make Tanaka my top option.

P: Eddie Butler ($5,700): Butler faced the Giants twice as a member of the Rockies, and he pitched fairly well. He allowed four runs over 36 at bats. Butler allowed just six hits (.167), but the eight walks haunted him. Butler has still issued a few free passes this year, which has limited his effectiveness. The Giants have scuffled at the plate lately, so hopefully they are too aggressive to walk. I’m not expecting miracles here, but Jeff Samardzija‘s career ERA at Wrigley is 3.88, and that was mostly with the Cubs, not facing them. Butler has a puncher’s chance at a win.

C: Carlos Ruiz ($2,400): Chooch should be starting the day game after another night game. I hope he is because then I can save money while running out someone who is 7-29(.241) against Gio Gonzalez. Ruiz has three walks, three doubles, a homer, four runs scored, and five RBI against Gio in his career. If Ruiz starts, I want him in my lineup as well.

1B: Anthony Rizzo ($4,900): Rizzo only has one hit and one walk in his career against Jeff Samardzija, but that hit was a homer, and he has scored both times that he reached base. This looks like a sure source of points to me. John Jay is also a great pick if he starts.

2B: Ian Happ ($4,100): Happ has cooled off some, but I still like his chances against Shark in a day game at Wrigley. Happ is batting in the middle of a potent lineup. What could go wrong?

3B: Nolan Arenado ($5,000): The Rockies are hitting a staggering .419 against Vince Velasquez in 31 career at bats. Sure, he may have racked up eight strikeouts, but the six runs erase that awfully quick. Arenado is only 1-4 with a walk, but I saved on pitching to specifically build a Rockies stack. Arenado is an essential part of any Rockies stack.

SS: Jean Segura ($4,100): Yes, Segura is on the list again. He has torched the Nationals in his career so far. He owns a .538 batting average (7-13) off of Gio Gonzalez with a double and three runs scored. He should be able to put up some more crooked numbers today.

OF: Charlie Blackmon ($5,600): My Rockies stack continues with the leadoff hitter. Blackmon is 3-5 with a walk, a steal, and a solo homer in his career against Velasquez. He will fit nicely into this stack!

OF: Corey Dickerson ($4,800): Oh look, another righty against the Rays! So what if it wont be youngster Alex Meyer. Dickerson is an equal opportunity destroyer of right handed pitching. Daniel Wright will struggle with him just like everyone else!

OF: Carlos Gonzalez ($4,400): CarGo is 3-6 with a double, a homer, two runs scored, and three driven in against Vince Velasquez. He has already had a good series. Expect him to finish it off nicely as well.

Next: FanDuel MLB Picks and Pivots

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