DraftKings Early MLB Picks July 9: Eflin looks like the best bet

NEW YORK – APRIL 13: A flag flies over Citi Field during opening day on April 13, 2009 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. This is the first regular season MLB game being played at the new venue which replaced Shea stadium as the Mets home field. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) /

DraftKings Early MLB Picks July 9: Eflin looks like the best bet

We have two early games on our Monday this week. That means we need to gain separation from the pack by getting creative. Maybe some past stats can help with that. Let’s take a look at this short slate.

More from DFS

There is no rain for the afternoon, and only a 13 mph wind out to left in Citi Field.

We will provide you with several options to build your lineup here. Want to spend all your money on pitchers and play bargain bats? We will highlight who is worth the money. Want to punt arms and pay up for the big boppers? We can help you with that as well, and everything in between!

These tips are based mostly on past performance. This is a nice tool for building a lineup, but should not be the only pieces of information you use. We have plenty of writers on here who give you relevant information no matter which site you play on!

For you first time players, if you would like $20 in free DraftKings dollars, use this link for the referral bonus with your first deposit of $5 or more! Then continue reading for tips on how to turn those DraftKings dollars into more!

Next: DraftKings Pitcher Plays

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 03: Zach Eflin #56 of the Philadelphia Phillies throws a pitch in the second inning during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Citizens Bank Park on July 3, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Hunter Martin/Getty Images) /

Top Tier:

Zach Eflin ($9,900): Eflin has held the Mets to a .194 average in 31 at bats with one homer, three runs, and six strikeouts. Those are fairly pedestrian numbers, but they are elite on this short of a slate. No one else has the strikeout upside of Eflin, and with all due disrespect to the Baltimore offense, the Mets are a disaster. They were dominated by Eovaldi last night. Eflin is just as good if not better than Eovaldi.

Middle Tier:

CC Sabathia ($8,300): Historically, the Orioles have pounded CC. That shouldn’t come as much of a surprise with all of the right handed power on this team. However, Sabathia has a 2.59 ERA in ten home starts. He is not the dominant pitcher that he used to be, but Sabathia has adapted to still get hitters out. This Baltimore offense is slumping right now, so I’m not sure just how much I trust them, even in a situation that has been favorable to them throughout the years.

Zack Wheeler ($7,900): Wheeler has pitched better than his numbers may suggest this year, but he still has the occasional blowup. I don’t really think that will happen here, but hey, who knows. The Phillies have a pretty good offense, and they have good career numbers against Wheeler. In this tier I prefer CC, but I think I trust Wheeler more than Ramirez.

Bargain Pitchers:

Yefry Ramirez ($5,700): Ramirez, the former Yankee farmhand, has done very well in his first three major league starts. However, he does not go deep into games nor does he rack up a lot of strikeouts. Ramirez is the only way to save money on pitching today, but dropping down this far also gives you a lot more risk than you would like. That said, Ramirez has posted a 2.51 ERA in starts against Boston, Seattle, and Philly. Those are three pretty good teams.

Next: Other notes for 7-9

ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 24: Adam Jones #10 the Baltimore Orioles points at the Atlanta Braves dugout while hitting in the second inning at SunTrust Park on June 24, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Top Tier:

Manny Machado is 20-53(.377) with five homers and 13 RBI in his career against Sabathia. Adam Jones has a .296 average in 81 at bats with five homers and 15 RBI. Mark Trumbo also has multiple homers against Sabathia. Anything other than those three seems like a bit of a reach though.

Odubel Herrera has the only home run against Zach Wheeler, but Cesar Hernandez is a very strong play here as well. I also like Nick Williams on the cheap.

More from FanSided

Middle Tier:

Being that Yefry Ramirez is right handed, the elite Yankee plays seem to be the red hot Brett Gardner, Didi Gregorius, and Greg Bird. However, Judge hits righties almost as hard as lefties, so he is definitely worth the price as well. I would consider swapping Stanton in the stack for Aaron Hicks if he plays.

Michael Conforto has the homer against Zach Eflin, but I’m not sure that I trust anyone in this offense right now. Asdrubal Cabrera and Brandon Nimmo are worth a look if you’re feeling brave.

Bargain Shoppers:

Chris Davis is only 10-46(.217) against Sabathia, but he has two homers and four RBI. This is not a great matchup for Davis, but the power potential is there if you need to save some money.

Next: DFS MLB Game by Game Breakdowns

We promised some big news in June for Fantasy CPR, right? Well here it is! We are now looking for PAID writers to join our team to write about fantasy sports. Seasonal or DFS, any sport you want – get your voice heard and get paid for talking fantasy sports. Apply today HERE!