MLB DFS: Targets for 5/4

We have a full day of games and your MLB DFS targets will cover all slates.

Pitchers

Jose Fernandez (MIA vs. ARI)

Moneyline: -190

Over/Under: 7

FanDuel: $10,800/DraftKings: $11,200

Overnight, the moneyline moved by 20 to -190.  Fernandez has been allowing more runs than we’re comfortable with but his strikeout upside is appealing and Marlins bats should be able to hit Rubby De La Rosa.

Jon Lester (CHC @ PIT)

Moneyline: -150

Over/Under: 7 1/2

FanDuel: $10,900/DraftKings: $10,400

The moneyline for this game isn’t as heavy a favorite as we’d like on the side of the Cubs, but it’s hard to deny what they’re capable of doing.  With Lester being a lefty, keep an eye out on the Pirates lineup, with John Jaso, Gregory Polanco, and Matt Joyce as their left-handed bats.  The ballpark and Cubs offense make for a favorable matchup for Lester.

Other pitchers to consider: Steven Matz (NYM vs. ATL), and Mike Leake (STL vs. PHI).

Catchers

Matt Wieters (BAL vs. NYY)

FanDuel: $2,400/DraftKings: $3,300

It looks like you may not need to overspend at catcher today.  Wieters is in a better salary position on FanDuel if you’re looking to pay down.  He seems to be an all or nothing target and hasn’t been consistent, but with the Orioles facing C.C. Sabathia, Wieters provides the platoon in a good spot in the batting order.

Trevor Brown (SF @ CIN)

FanDuel: $2,000/DraftKings: $3,700

It’s a day game after a night game for the Giants and it’s possible Buster Posey will sit this one out.  Even if he does, the matchup today for Brown against Dan Straily is a favorable one, especially in a hitter’s park.

Other catchers to consider: A.J. Ellis (LAD @ TB), and Brian McCann (NYY @ BAL).

First base

Anthony Rizzo (CHC @ PIT)

FanDuel: $4,800/DraftKings: $5,200

Rizzo has a seven-game hitting streak going and he can certainly extend that against Juan Nicasio.  He is the most expensive first basemen on both sites but Rizzo’s been solid lately and is a tier above the rest right now.

Justin Bour (MIA vs. ARI)

FanDuel: $3,000/DraftKings: $3,200

Bour can be a sneaky target at the position.  With the platoon, he could get the chance to display some power against De La Rosa if makes any mistakes.

Other first basemen to consider: Byung-ho Park (MIN @ HOU), and Jose Abreu (CWS vs. BOS).

Second base

Dustin Pedroia (BOS @ CWS)

FanDuel: $3,700/DraftKings: $4,500

Pedroia has been priced up lately and is a better play on FanDuel.  His matchup against Carlos Rodon is a good one.  Rodon hasn’t pitched well this season and can definitely have runs scored against him.

Derek Dietrich (MIA vs. ARI)

FanDuel: $2,900/DraftKings: $3,200

Dietrich is not the value play that he had been, but if he’s in a good spot in the batting order, he may still be worth the roster against De La Rosa.

Other second basemen to consider: Logan Forsythe (TB vs. LAD), and Jason Kipnis (CLE vs. DET)

Third base

Manny Machado (BAL vs. NYY)

FanDuel: $4,200/DraftKings: $4,500

Machado is having a good season so far and will look to continue that against Sabathia.  He’s a little pricey on FanDuel but of those who are priced up, Machado is the safer target.  Sabathia gives up 0.91 HR/9, and right-handed bats have a slugging percentage of .398, and .312 wOBA, which is favorable in a hitter’s park like Camden Yards.

Adonis Garcia (ATL @ NYM)

FanDuel: $2,300/DraftKings: $3,100

If you’re looking for a punt play, Garcia is a strong candidate but more so on FanDuel.  He has excellent numbers versus southpaws, as you may have already heard.  Matz is a good pitcher and the Braves don’t do well against lefties, but if Garcia can provide several fantasy points, that’s all he’ll need to reach value.

Other third basemen to consider: Kris Bryant (CHC @ PIT), and Evan Longoria (TB vs. LAD).

Shortstop

Jordy Mercer (PIT vs. CHC)

FanDuel: $3,200/DraftKings: $3,100

Mercer with the platoon is worth a look at the position.  His price is a little expensive, but he could be an option for you on the early slate.  Mercer does bat lower in the order and the Pirates are facing Lester, which makes this a better tournament target.

Troy Tulowitzki (TOR vs. TEX)

FanDuel: $3,400/DraftKings: $3,600

Tulowitzki is a fine target for tonight against Colby Lewis.  He always has the potential for driving in runs because of all the Blue Jays hitters in front of him in the order, and he’s a good way to get exposure to the lineup if you don’t want to pay up for Blue Jays hitters.

Other shortstops to consider: Tim Beckham (TB vs. LAD), and Trevor Story (COL @ SD).

Outfield

Ryan Braun (MIL vs. LAA)

FanDuel: $4,500/DraftKings: $4,900

It looks as though Braun had a routine day off yesterday, and if he’s in the lineup today, I like him against Hector Santiago with the platoon.  His price is a little high than we’d like on both sites but that can make Braun a tournament option if you think people will stay away from rostering him.

Enrique Hernandez (LAD @ TB)

FanDuel: $2,100/DraftKings: $2,700

Yesterday it was Trayce Thompson, and today I like Hernandez.  Another Dodger with excellent numbers against lefties, Hernandez will be facing Drew Smyly if he gets the start.  At his price, you may not need him to bat higher in the order but it’s a nice bonus if he does.

Colby Rasmus (HOU vs. MIN)

FanDuel: $3,100/DraftKings: $3,700

Rasmus has cooled off after his hot start in April, but the Astros will be facing Phil Hughes, who is not a good pitcher by any means.  An Astros stack might be popular today and Hughes is a pitcher that can get Rasmus back on track offensively.

Other outfielders to consider: Nomar Mazara (TEX @ TOR), Bryce Harper (WAS @ KC), Franklin Gutierrez (SEA @ OAK), and Stephen Piscotty (STL vs. PHI).

Thank you for reading, and good luck with your picks! 

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