Paul Goldschmidt has been tearing the cover off the ball. (Getty)
All eyes will be on the Giants-Dodgers matchup Wednesday night when Clayton Kershaw squares off with World Series hero Madison Bumgarner.
Neither hurler is in midseason form. Both are 1-1, Kershaw has an uncharacteristic 4.42 ERA, Bumgarner a bloated 5.29.
But we know the lefties will be rounding into form eventually. Though when it came time to fill out my DraftKings lineup for the day, I couldn’t pull the trigger. Kershaw is the most expensive option in the entire player pool at $12,500. Bumgarner is $9,800, the 4th highest among pitchers.
I found two other pitcher options I’m happy with. Cheaper and with the potential to score some serious points. With those salary cap savings, I was able to load up on some big hitters.
DraftKings uses the following parameters: You get a $50,000 cap to spend on 10 players – 2 pitchers, 1 catcher, 1 first baseman, 1 second baseman, 1 shortstop, 1 third baseman and 3 outfielders.
You can see the DraftKings scoring rules at the bottom of the post.
Here are the best lineup picks for April 22:
Pitchers
Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto starts Wednesday vs. the Brewers. (Getty)
Johnny Cueto, Reds, $9,500, at Brewers
At 2-12, the Brewers have the worst record in the majors. That’s in large part due to their anemic offense. Despite an 0-2 record, Cueto has been lights out. Don’t overthink this one.
Joe Kelly, Red Sox, $6,400, at Rays
Speaking of anemic offenses, the Rays are hitting just .221 as a team and score a smidge over 3 runs per game. That makes Kelly (1-0, 2.13 ERA) a very attractive option. The price tag puts him into “Oh, hell yeah” status.
Catcher
Brian McCann, Yankees, $3,700, at Tigers
There aren’t many hitters you want to throw out there vs. David Price, especially with the dominating way he’s been chucking it. But you might be able to sneak McCann in there as your backstop Wednesday – he’s 7 for 14 with 3 home runs against Price.
First Base
Paul Goldschmidt, Diamondbacks, $5,500, vs. Rangers
It’s been pretty simple for Goldschmidt vs. Rangers starter Yovani Gallardo – get a hit or strikeout. But Goldschmidt has been winning most of the battles – 5 hits in 7 at-bats. I splurged on Goldy expecting another productive day at the plate.
Second Base
(Getty)
Robinson Cano, Mariners, $4,400, vs. Astros
Cano is pretty hot right now and that should continue Wednesday against the Astros’ Roberto Hernandez (I had no clue that guy was still hanging around). Cano is batting .423 (11 for 26) with 5 RBIs vs. the big right-hander. Another high-priced, but worth it.
Shortstop
Adeiny Hechavarria, Marlins, $3,200, at Phillies
Goldschmidt and Cano can be afforded because I was able to find cheap, potential hidden gems like Hechevarria. He’s found great success vs. Cole Hamels – 8 for 22 (.364) with a couple of triples and 3 RBIs. Perfect bargain for Wednesday..
Third Base
(Getty)
Mike Moustakas, Royals, $4,100, Twins
Moose doesn’t have much of a history vs. Twins pitcher Mike Pelfrey, but the young 3B is showing early signs of future dominance. In 6 at-bats Moustakas has 3 hits, including a homer. He’s coming off a 3-hit game and is at the right price.
Outfield
Justin Upton of the Padres. (Getty)
Justin Upton, Padres, $5,500, at Rockies
Like most batters, Upton hits well at Coors Field. And also like most batters, Upton hits well vs. Kyle Kendrick – .348 with 2 bombs. The little brother of the Hitter Formerly Known as B.J. Upton should break out of his mini-slump Wednesday.
Bryce Harper, Nationals, $4,300, vs. Cardinals
Harper has never faced Cards starter John Lackey. But I’m going with Harper based on that price and the fact he’s swinging the bat well. Over the past week he’s hitting .353 with 2 homers. I think 2015 is the year Harper will need to become a mainstay in your lineup, if he doesn’t get too expensive, that is.
Nick Markakis, Braves, $3,200, at Mets
Markakis isn’t single-handedly going win your DraftKings lineup money, but he’s been quietly effective and I needed a bargain. Nick the Stick is 11 for his last 19. And Mets starter Dillon Gee doesn’t scare me.
Total Lineup Salary: $49,800 of the allotted $50,000
Each day, we’ll give you the rundown of who to pick for a winning lineup, so stay with us the entire season.
DraftKings Scoring Key
Hitters Scoring:
Single = +3 points
Double = +5 points
Triple = +8 points
Home Run = +10 points
Run Batted In = +2 points
Run = +2 points
Base on Balls = +2 points
Hit By Pitch = +2 points
Stolen Base = +5 points
Caught Stealing = -2 points
Pitchers Scoring:
Inning Pitched = +2.25 points
Strike Out = +2 points
Win = +4 points
Earned Run Allowed = -2 points
Hit Against = -0.6 points
Base on Balls Against = -0.6 points
Hit Batsman = -0.6 points
Complete Game = +2.5 points
Complete Game Shut Out = +2.5 points
No Hitter = +5 points
*NOTE: Hitting statistics for Pitchers will not be counted, and Pitching statistics for Hitters will not be counted.
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DraftKings Daily Fantasy Baseball: Best Picks for April 22