DraftKings has taken the fantasy baseball world by storm and has quickly become one of the better ways to play fantasy sports. Before I get to my daily lineup, I would like to suggest a few games for beginners to play (if you’ve played DraftKings before you can skip down to the lineup). You should never jump right into the big money games, which I hope most people are already aware of. If someone is putting a lot of money down on a game then you have to bet they’re pretty darn good and you don’t really have a chance to beat them. I suggest playing head-to-head $1 dollar games or $0.25 tournament play for at least the first week to make sure you understand how everything works.
Now my lineups aren’t going to guarantee you success, but it will provide you with building blocks for your lineup. These lineups are for the games starting at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, August 3, 2015. Please read through each position to make sure you agree.
Pitcher
Jon Lester ($10,400) – Lester was very good in his last start against the Rockies, giving up just two earned runs on five hits in eight innings. The best part of his last outing was his 14 strikeouts, helping him earn an incredible 42.4 points. Lester has one start against Pittsburgh this season and the southpaw pitched seven innings, giving up just one earned run on nine hits. He also struck out seven.
Pitcher
Jesse Chavez ($6,800) – There’s no doubt that Chavez has struggled lately, but there’s good news for the righty. He’s returning home! Chavez has pitched 54 innings at home this season and has allowed just 14 earned runs on 48 hits. He also has 47 strikeouts, which is almost a strikeout an inning! Chavez is a cheaper option for you second pitcher and will allow you to spend a little bit more on position players.
Catcher
Buster Posey ($4,500) – Posey is having a great season and has been on a role lately. The All-Star catcher is hitting .330 with 11 homers on the road this season, which is seven more home runs then he has hit at home. He also is facing Mike Foltynewicz, who has struggled to get on track this season. Posey hit a homer run the last time he faced the rookie.
First Base
Logan Forsythe ($3,600) – Forsythe is just two days removed from a great day in Boston, when he hit a home run and added three RBIs to his total. The versatile first baseman is having a great season and has been consistent for the Rays. He’s only faced Jose Quintana three times, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs. Quintana also wasn’t on his best game in his last start and you have to think that will carry over.
Second Base
Dee Gordon ($4,400) – Gordon has been one of the more surprising players this season, but what makes him so valuable in DraftKings is his ability to steal bases, which he has done 34 times this season. That’s five points every time he steals a base. Gordon has been great against Bartolo Colon in his career batting .417 over 12 at-bats. I would take Gordon based on his speed, as he could steal a base or get an extra base hit which could result in a big day for the Marlins second baseman.
Shortstop
Brandon Crawford ($4,100) – Crawford has really showcased his power this season and with the shortstop facing Foltynewicz today, who gives up his fair share of home runs make this the perfect fit for some points.
Third Base
Ruben Tejada ($2,700) – This is my one pick where I take a chance on a player that’s struggling. Tejada has been awful lately and really hasn’t done nothing productive, but he does have a great history against Marlins pitcher Tom Koehler. The infielder is hitting .350 in 20 at-bats against Koehler, which is pretty good odds if you ask me. The game is also on the road and Tejada loves playing on the road, he’s hitting a cool .304 with one homer and eight RBIs. He also loves playing against Miami and averages 8.8 points per game against them. You usually have to take one player that’s at the bottom of the pool and I don’t see a better option than Tejada today.
Update: Tejada is not playing tonight. I replaced him with Jace Peterson, who cost $2,800.
Outfield
Charlie Blackmon ($4,600) – Blackmon has been on a tear lately and the outfielder loves to play at home. He’s currently hitting .324/.388/.493 at home with three homers and 26 RBIs. The best part about his play at Coors Field is his ability to steal bases there, as he’s 17-for-20. Blackmon is facing Felix Hernandez, who has historically been great, but was awful in his last start and mix that with the game being at a hitters park like Coors. Now that is a recipe for success with Blackmon.
Outfield
Yoenis Cespedes ($4,600) – Cespedes comes into todays game with 18 homers, 61 RBIs and is averaging 8.1 fantasy points per game. The Mets recently acquired the power hitter from the Tigers and before he got traded he was on an absolute tear. I don’t like to say a player is due, but I think Cespedes is due for a big day and he gets to face a pitcher that the Mets have had plenty of success with this season in Koehler.
Outfield
Matt Kemp ($4,000) – Milwaukee has been one of the best places to hit this season and especially the home run ball. Kemp also has a great history against Brewers starting pitcher Wily Peralta, hitting .375 in eight at-bats against the righty. Kemp has been great in his past ten games, and mix that hot streak with a park like Miller Park and facing Peralta makes him a great choice for your last outfield spot.
Some of these players may not be in the lineups when they are released, so please do your own research. I’m also not responsible for any money you lose, as this is for information purposes only.
