FanDuel fantasy baseball picks and lineup: Sunday April 8

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 07: Mookie Betts #50 of the Boston Red Sox makes contact against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Fenway Park, on April 7, 2018, in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

Outfield

High End Spend: Mookie Betts ($4,200) — .250/.400/.500 with 0 HR in 4 at-bats

The do-it-all outfielder for the Red Sox is off to a hot start to the 2018 season, contributing in about every way possible. He doesn’t strike out that often, he’s taken four walks, he’s stolen two bases already and he’s hitting for a very high average. He’s excellent against right handed pitchers in his career and the Red Sox offense put up a big number yesterday. They can certainly do it again today and Betts should be at the center of it again. I’m not gonna talk you out of Giancarlo Stanton or Aaron Judge (I’d lean Judge slightly again) but it’s worth pointing out that Betts is a good chunk cheaper.

In consideration: J.D. Martinez, $4,100, and A.J. Pollock, $3,700

Mid-Range: Starling Marte ($3,500) — .667/.667/.667 with 0 HR in 6 at-bats

The Pittsburgh offense just kept on going, even in a loss last night. They scored four runs while missing both Gregory Polanco and Francisco Cervelli from the lineup. Marte has a limited track record of success against the Reds starter, Tyler Mahle. Marte doesn’t have the prototype power for this price but he has stolen base upside beyond almost anyone in this price range. The way the Buccos offense is hitting, he’s also got great chances for RBI and scoring runs. Marte hits just under .300 at home in his career. If he gets on base, he should hit at least double digits today.

In consideration: Josh Reddick, $3,500, and Tommy Pham, $3,500

Value: Billy Hamilton ($2,900) — .412/.444/.941 with 2 HR in 17 at-bats

Much like his teammate Jose Peraza, Billy Hamilton has destroyed Jameson Taillon during their careers. He has a slugging percentage over .900 which is insane for a light hitter like Hamilton. Even if you don’t believe the power numbers for Hamilton, he’s a nightmare on the bases. If he gets on, odds are he’ll be at third base within a couple pitches because the Bucs simply cannot throw him out. He came into the game last night as a replacement late and immediately swiped a bag. It’s just what he does.

In consideration: Adam Duvall, $2,700 (BvP), and Odubel Herrera, $2,300