MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 4/15/2019

Monday brings a nine-game evening slate across DFS that will feature some of the better starters in the league. There are also plenty of stacking situations to target with some teams trotting out a member of the back of their rotation. Let’s dig into the matchups and discuss some options that stand out. Don’t forget to sign up for our Newsletter and try our MLB Lineup Optimizer to help build a winning entry on FanDuel and DraftKings.

STARTING PITCHERS

Yusei Kikuchi vs. Cleveland Indians
Stadium – T-Mobile Park
FanDuel = $7,700
DraftKings =$7,700

The big names set to take the mound Monday include Trevor Bauer, Noah Syndergaard, Aaron Nola and Clayton Kershaw. However, the first three have tough matchups while Kershaw might see a limited pitch count. Taking that into consideration, it might be best to avoid all of them. Kikuchi has an excellent matchup against the Indians, who have the fourth-lowest OPS (.599) and were recently shut out by Homer Bailey across seven innings. They really miss Francisco Lindor (ankle/calf), so take advantage of their anemic offense while you can.

Trevor Richards vs. Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $7,300
DraftKings = $8,200

At first glance, rolling with a Marlins starting pitcher against the Cubs might not be a great idea. However, with Yu Darvish on the mound for the Cubs, the Marlins might not have trouble putting runs on the board. The Cubs lineup has some serious power at the top, but it’s not very deep. Richards followed up an impressive spring training by pitching at least six innings and allowing three runs or fewer in each of his first three starts. He’s even recorded seven strikeouts in back-to-back contests. He’s an attractive option on both sides, especially at his cheap price on FanDuel.

CATCHER

Jonathan Lucroy vs. Shelby Miller, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,500

Even though the Angels lineup isn’t very imposing with Mike Trout (groin) out, this matchup against Miller is just too good to pass up. He’s been shelled in his first two starts, allowing six runs across 5.2 innings. Just as concerning as his eight walks during that stretch is that he recorded just three strikeouts. When targeting catchers, it’s not a bad idea to just roll with one of the cheapest options that has a good matchup. That’s certainly the case here with Lucroy.

Others to consider: Yasmani Grandal

FIRST BASE

Justin Bour vs. Shelby Miller, Texas Rangers
Stadium – Globe Life Park in Arlington
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $4,000

If you decide to stack Angels with Miller on the mound, it’s hard to pass up on Bour. He’s only hitting .186, but part of that is due to his abnormally low .241 BABIP. He’s been excellent against right-handed pitchers in his career with a .357 wOBA and he carries plenty of power at a cheap price. Tack on the fact that he’s been hitting third against righties and he’s definitely someone to consider.

Others to consider: Ryan O’Hearn and Jose Abreu

SECOND BASE

Mike Moustakas vs. Dakota Hudson, St. Louis Cardinals
Stadium – Miller Park
FanDuel = $3,900
DraftKings = $4,300

Like Bour, Moustakas is off to a poor start in the batting average department with a .218 mark. However, his walk rate is up at 11.1 percent and he’s been extremely unlucky with a .189 BABIP, so he’s bound to improve in the category sooner rather than later. Luckily he’s still provided plenty of power with five home runs. Hudson only had an 18.4 percent strikeout rate at Triple-A last year. so he’s not exactly an overpowering pitcher.

Others to consider: Kolten Wong and Starlin Castro

THIRD BASE

Brian Anderson vs. Yu Darvish, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Marlins Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $2,900

Simply put, Darvish has been awful this year. He’s already allowed 11 runs (10 earned) across 12 innings and has been wild with 11 walks. He also gave up two home runs in his last start against a Pirates lineup that isn’t all that imposing. The same can be said for the Marlins, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid them with how poorly Darvish has been pitching. Anderson is especially hot right now after hitting 7-for-15 with two home runs across his last four games. While he’s someone to target on both sites, he really stands out at his reduced price on DraftKings.

Others to consider: Manny Machado and Yoan Moncada

SHORTSTOP

Freddy Galvis vs. Martin Perez, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $3,300
DraftKings = $4,200

With his career .290 wOBA, Galvis isn’t known much for his bat. However, he’s off to a blistering start this year with a .443 wOBA. He’s been aided by a .395 BABIP, so don’t expect him to continue with this type of production. Despite regression likely being in the cards, that doesn’t mean it will start Monday. This is a prime spot to deploy his hot bat against Perez, who has a 1.49 WHIP for his career.

Others to consider: Adalberto Mondesi and Fernando Tatis Jr. 

OUTFIELD

Whit Merrifield vs. Ervin Santana, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $4,300
DraftKings = $4,600

Merrifield has been the anchor of the Royals lineup so far with his .367 wOBA. Never one to strike out much, he’s been even better this season with an 11.4 percent strikeout rate. He can provide fantasy value with his legs, as well, since he already has five stolen bases across 15 games. Santana’s 18.9 percent career strikeout rate doesn’t make him a scary opponent, so don’t hesitate to add Merrifield to your entry despite his lofty price tag.

Eloy Jimenez vs. Heath Fillmyer, Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,000
DraftKings = $3,900

The Royals will trot out Fillmyer again since they don’t really have any other quality options. As it stands, Fillmyer isn’t exactly a great pitcher. He recorded a 5.48 xFIP at Triple-A last year before recording a 4.60 xFIP with the Royals. Despite getting off to a slow start, Jimenez has woken up to hit 11-for-28 (.393) with two home runs across his last eight games.

Randal Grichuk vs. Martin Perez, Minnesota Twins
Stadium – Target Field
FanDuel = $2,600
DraftKings = $4,300

With Perez on the mound for the Twins, it’s hard not to get excited about the prospects of the Blue Jays having a strong offensive showing. He’s allowed a career .352 wOBA to right-handed hitters, so Grichuk could be worth starting despite his struggles out of the gate. He recorded a .342 wOBA against lefties last year and could be a cheap source for power on FanDuel. While not as cheap on DraftKings, there is still upside here.

Others to consider: Alex Gordon and Brian Goodwin

Author Bio:

Mike has been covering fantasy sports since 2007, joining Lineup Lab in 2017. An avid player of both season-long fantasy leagues and DFS, Mike’s work has appeared on numerous sites, including RotoWire, SportsLine and Sports Illustrated. He’s also been featured on DraftKings’ nightly show, The Sweat, and was a finalist for the 2018 FSWA Basketball Writer of the Year award. Follow Mike on Twitter @rotomikebarner.