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FanDuel MLB Lineup and Picks for Thursday, April 26

By Adam Strangis

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 21: Rhys Hoskins
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 21: Rhys Hoskins /
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NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits an RBI triple in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 24: Eduardo Escobar #5 of the Minnesota Twins hits an RBI triple in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on April 24, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Shortstop, High End Spend

Dansby Swanson, $3,700

N/A

Truth be told, I find it highly unlikely that I spend up at shortstop today. Didi Gregorius is a great play in a vacuum but I can’t handle paying $5,100 for him, regardless of how hot he is. I will almost never pay over $4,000 for a hitter against a pitcher like Syndergaard and that’s where Paul DeJong is priced. If you have to spend up, Swanson is the way to go. I really think that the Atlanta offense could buzzsaw him today. Swanson is staying productive, even though he’s likely playing over his head just a bit. Given the ball park and the pitching matchup, the Braves could go bonkers today.

Also Consider – Didi Gregorius, $5,100

Mid-Range

Eduardo Escobar, $3,400

.333/.333/.33 with 0 HR in 3 at-bats

This range is far more comfortable for me, even though the monetary difference isn’t all that much. Escobar has been hitting lefty pitching very well so far this season. The power isn’t exceptional, but Yankee Stadium is the great equalizer. Montgomery has been decent against righties so far this year but that’s not always been the case. Escobar is one of the “safer” picks on the slate because he’s got a high average and he might even steal a base for you. I wouldn’t make Escobar a priority but if I have the money for him, he’s not a bad play at all.

Also Consider – Scott Kingery, $3,000

Value

J.P Crawford, $2,300

N/A

Crawford should find his way into the lineup today as the Phillies are going up against a righty. Sure Crawford will almost surely bat eighth or ninth in the order. There’s a reason that he’s so cheap and I’ll likely be happy to take the savings and run against a pitcher that scuffled against lefty bats in the minors. Crawford hasn’t had a very good first month of 2018 but he could have a big day today. He could potentially be very sneaky.

Also Consider – Jordy Mercer, $2,600