Early DraftKings MLB Picks August 3: Can We Fit A Rockies Stack With Only Three Games?

SAN DIEGO, CA – AUGUST 2: Ervin Santana #54 of the Minnesota Twins pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres at PETCO Park on August 2, 2017 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Denis Poroy/Getty Images) /

DraftKings Early MLB Picks For August 3

Once again, there are only three games today in the early DraftKings tournament. Should we pay up for the ace, or should we stack Coors Field? Let’s check out some stats!

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The money line yesterday afternoon was at 114.05. My lineup missed because of a failed Yankees stack. They were dominated by Jordan Zimmerman, if you can believe that.

The winning lineup was a modest 160.3 DraftKings points. He also used J.A. Happ and Ervin Santana, but the separation came from his Blue Jay stack and Jose Pirela. Who says you can’t used a hitter against your pitcher?

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

WASHINGTON, DC – JULY 29: German Marquez #48 of the Colorado Rockies pitches in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on July 29, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /

P: Jose Quintana ($10,100): There are bigger names on the docket today, but Zack Greinke has a career 8.10 ERA in four starts at Wrigley Field. Michael Wacha has been strong lately, but he has allowed eight runs in two starts against Milwaukee this year. So I will move to Quintana, who has given up only five runs in three starts with his new team. Arizona is a tough opponent, but they only have one homer and seven runs against Quintana in 74 at bats to go with 23 strikeouts. Besides, fading the top two pitching options means low ownership on Quintana.

P: German Marquez ($5,600): A pitcher at Coors Field? Hear me out. I highlighted above why two of the other options are not really on my radar. Nor should whomever the Brewers throw out there. That leaves Marquez or Montero. No chance that I’m using Montero here, so I will go with Marquez. Don’t worry, the numbers support it. Marquez has a 4.29 ERA in eight home starts.

C: Jett Bandy ($2,200): Bandy has walked and scored a run in his career against Michael Wacha. More importantly, he is easily the cheapest catcher going, and he has good offensive ability. I’m okay with this kind of punt play.

1B: Matt Carpenter ($3,900): Matt Garza is going to try to make this start, but if he doesn’t, the Brewers may have to go to AAA or the bullpen. Any of the above three options appeal to Carpenter at $3,900. None of those options are very strong ones. Carpenter is one of the few players that may be underpriced in the afternoon slate.

2B: Ben Zobrist ($3,100): Zobrist is 8-25(.320) with two walks, a double, a triple, two runs scored, and a RBI in his career against Greinke. He could wind up being a solid bargain this afternoon if he still has Greinke somewhat figured out.

3B: Nolan Arenado ($5,400): The Rockies are a combined 0-8 against Rafael Montero. I think that changes today at Coors Field. Montero has a 5.56 ERA at sea level. The thin air up there wont help that any. I am taking as many Rockies as I can get my hands on. As with any properly done Coors Stack, it should contain Arenado even if the doesn’t hold the platoon advantage.

SS: Trevor Story ($4,600): Shortstop is a pretty shallow position anyway. Then when you factor in that there are only three games, it only magnifies the issue. I trust Marquez a whole lot more than Montero, so I will go with Story over Asdrubal Cabrera.

OF: Charlie Blackmon ($5,500): Blackmon is leading off for an offense that will likely score a lot of runs. He has power, speed, and the platoon advantage. What more do you want?

OF: Gerardo Parra ($5,100): Parra is on an absolute tear, hitting .432 with seven RBI in his last ten games. He is also hitting .417 in 108 at bats at Coors Field this year. Any time the Rockies are at home, Parra is a strong play.

OF: J.D. Martinez ($4,400): Yes, I am pitting a hitter against my pitcher, but that is hard not to do on a short slate. We are still trying to win, right? At any rate, I’m not naïve enough to believe that Quintana is going to shut out a team like Arizona. Martinez is very familiar with Quintana since they both hail from the A.L. Central. He is 9-28(.321) with three walks, a double, a triple, eight runs scored, and two RBI in his career against Quintana. If the Diamondbacks get to him, Martinez will likely be the reason why.

Next: FanDuel MLB Picks and Pivots

Good luck out there, and check out our picks for FanDuel baseball, along with our PGA picks. We also have plenty of NFL stuff to get you ready for football!