DraftKings MLB Daily Fantasy Helper: Friday 7/24/15
Before you get going with fantasy football, why not try some daily fantasy baseball?
DraftKings has contests going on each night where you can win real cash prizes. And with a nice slate tonight in baseball, it's the perfect chance to join and play. After all, new users at DraftKings get a free entry into a league with up to $100,000 in prizes.
Not sure who to select? Don't worry. We've got you covered with tonight's optimal lineup.
Be sure to check out our optimal lineups prior to games starting to ensure each player is in his team's lineup.
| Player | Opp | Salary | FP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corey Kluber (SP, CLE) | CHW | $11,500 | 23.86 |
| Andrew Cashner (SP, SD) | MIA | $7,200 | 17.03 |
| Joey Votto (1B, CIN) | @COL | $5,700 | 11.93 |
| J.D. Martinez (OF, DET) | @BOS | $4,800 | 10.84 |
| Kolten Wong (2B, STL) | ATL | $3,900 | 9.97 |
| Andrew McCutchen (OF, PIT) | WSH | $3,800 | 9.34 |
| Stephen Vogt (1B/C, OAK) | @SF | $3,500 | 9.58 |
| Joc Pederson (OF, LAD) | @NYM | $3,500 | 9.08 |
| Justin Turner (2B/3B, LAD) | @NYM | $3,400 | 9.47 |
| Wilmer Flores (2B/SS, NYM) | LAD | $2,500 | 7.43 |
Corey Kluber is a pretty heavy favorite tonight against the White Sox, and why shouldn't he be? The Indians are at home, and they're facing a White Sox team that ranks 24th in wOBA against right-handed pitching, striking out at a 20.1% rate. Kluber hasn't had a gem over his last few outings, but he's been strong, and he's gone fewer than 6.2 innings in just one of his last 13 starts. The upside is certainly there given the pitcher and the matchup, but the floor is, too.
Andrew Cashner's not on Kluber's level from a talent standpoint, but his matchup today is certainly better. He'll be at home -- a pitcher's park where he's pitched very well -- against a Marlins lineup that ranks 26th in wOBA this season against right-handed pitching. Cashner has the ability to strikeout batters, as he's closing in on an eight strikeout per nine innings rate. Meanwhile, tonight's game has just a 6.5 run over/under, and the Padres are favorites. At just $7,200, he's a great second pitching option.
The batters in the lineup feature two big-cost hitters, but I really want to focus on one of them: Joey Votto. I'll be quick with this: the Reds are at Coors, the game has an 11-run over/under and Votto gets the platoon advantage against a below-average pitcher. Yes, please.
The remaining bats in the lineup feature bigger names at depreciated costs. Andrew McCutchen faces Max Scherzer, which is obviously one of the toughest matchups a batter could ask for. But he's at a favorable price point, and that's what the algorithm is looking at here.
Perhaps the biggest question mark is our lone punt play in Wilmer Flores. The righty gets the handedness advantage against lefty Ian Thomas, who has minimal MLB experience. Flores has a favorable spot in the order, at at such a low cost, is a nice punt play as a result.
