Opening Day picks and lineup for FanDuel, March 29th

First Base/Catcher – High-End Spend

Note – all batting stats are versus the day’s starting pitcher

Early Slate

Anthony Rizzo, $4,600

.333/.556/.667 with 0 HR in 6 at-bats

Rizzo has the power to leave any ballpark but it is noteworthy he’s on the road in Miami which was 28th in park factors in 2017. There’s not a long track record here but Rizzo should be able to produce against Jose Urena. It is worth noting that Rizzo had significant home/road splits last season. He was much better in the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. On a three game slate, he’s worth the price.

Main Slate

Freddie Freeman, $4,400

.375/.444/.688 with 1 HR in 16 at-bats

The Atlanta Braves welcome in the Philadelphia Phillies today and the Phils will send Aaron Nola to the mound. First baseman Freddie Freeman has to be pretty pumped to hear that as he has an excellent track record against Nola. He smashed at home and against righties in 2017 and there’s every reason to think he does it again today. If you decide to spend up, Freeman could be the best route to go.

Mid-Range

Early Slate

Miguel Cabrera, $3,800

.333/.474/.600 with 1 HR in 15 at-bats

Since it’s a three game slate, Cabrera is a “mid-range” option although he is a touch pricey for this tier. Miggy is coming off a very mediocre season, especially by his standards. 2018 represents a chance for a bounce-back and he could get started right off the hop when the Pittsburgh Pirates and Ivan Nova come to town. Cabrera struggled against righties last year but that was highly unusual for him. Nova is a ground ball specialist and carries a low strikeout rate. Miggy was far better at home last season and Nova shouldn’t scare anyone.

Main Slate

Matt Olson, $3,100

.000/.000/.000 with 0 HR in 2 at-bats

Every lineup on FanDuel needs home runs and the cheaper they come, the better. Olson hit 24 last year and split them evenly between home and the road. The biggest difference came in his batting average which was 61 points higher in Oakland. He also was far superior against righties in 2017. Olson is a prime option against an Angels pitching staff filled with question marks, from starter to the bullpen.

Value

Early Slate

Victor Martinez, $2,700 

.111/.333/.111 with 0 HR in 9 at-bats

The veteran is coming off a pretty poor season but he saw more success against righties in 2017. Martinez saw moderate success against fastballs last year and that is one of opposing starter Ivan Nova’s primary pitches. V-Mart is more of a lineup filler than someone to rely on for points but he could surprise.

Main Slate

Evan Gattis, $2,500

.360/.360/.760 with 3 HR in 25 at-bats

Houston is a very attractive team for DFS purposes as they will be one of the best offense in baseball. That’s one check for Gattis. He’s got a very good track record against lefty for the Rangers Cole Hamels. Another check for him. Globe Life Park was also only behind Coors Field in park factors in 2017. Three checkmarks and a cheap price tag makes Gattis a great way to get a piece of the Astros offense.