FanDuel MLB daily lineups July 17th: Early only & main slate
By Matt Rogers
FanDuel MLB: Top Hitting Stacks Early Only
Once again, home runs can help you rule MLB DFS slates. Anyone who tells you otherwise can’t do math! The more hits the better, but a Home Run is worth 12 points, or four singles. You’re more likely to score 12 points on one swing than four. Also, there are additional points added, with a home run, thanks to runs (3.2 points) and RBI’s (3.5 points).
So, which of these pitchers is giving up the most home runs per nine innings? Well, Archer leads the group with 2.23 per nine. So, even though he’s had some good outings, we do want to find a way to sneak some Cardinals into our lineups. And, Chris is a right-handed pitcher, so you’ll want to consider lefties like Kolten Wong ($2,500), who also happens to be dirt-cheap.
Yu Darvish, Chase Anderson, and Jason Vargas are the next three worse, with 1.29 to 1.75 home runs per nine innings. Darvish’s overall metrics aren’t great, so we’re definitely considering a Reds stack, including a cheap clean-up spot play from Jesse Winker ($2,900) and slugger Eugenio Suarez ($3,600).
Against Vargas, here are a ton of Twins hitters I like in Minnesota. C.J. Cron ($3,300) is an awesome Utility spot consideration, Marwin Gonzalez ($2,900) is cheap, and Jorge Polanco ($3,700) is having an outstanding year. Just make sure you get righties or switch-hitters from that rock-solid offensive lineup.
Finally, on a hot afternoon in Atlanta, SunTrust Ball Park will likely have some balls flying over the fence. It’s a hitter-friendly park, especially in the heart of the summer. So it may be worth paying up for Braves slugger Freddie Freeman ($4,200), and guys like Nick Markakis ($3,000) maybe the lineup affordable while taking a decent shot at another double-digit point play.