MLB Daily Fantasy Baseball Recommendations for 6/13/2019

There are only two afternoon games Thursday, leaving nine games for the main evening slate in DFS. For a Thursday, that’s a pretty hefty schedule. Let’s dive into the matchups and highlight some of the better options to consider for your entry. 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

Matthew Boyd vs. Kansas City Royals
Stadium – Kauffman Stadium
FanDuel = $10,500
DraftKings = $10,700

Few pitchers have been as consistent as Boyd, who has allowed three earned runs or fewer in 13 of his 14 starts. His biggest strides have come in the strikeout department, resulting in his 30.5 percent strikeout rate. That is over eight percentage points higher than his mark from last season. In his first start against the Royals, he allowed two runs and recorded nine strikeouts over seven innings. Considering the Royals have the third-worst wRC+ (73) against left-handed pitchers in baseball, Boyd is in a favorable spot to shine once again.

Jack Flaherty vs. New York Mets
Stadium – Citi Field
FanDuel = $7,900
DraftKings = 7,300

Flaherty has taken a step backward this season, posting a 4.08 ERA and a 4.39 FIP. His strikeout rate is close to his mark from last season while his walk rate has actually improved, but he’s allowed 12 home runs across 68.1 innings. His propensity for giving up home runs makes him risky, but it’s also helped reduce his price tag on both sites. The Mets have struck out the eighth-most times (616) in baseball, so there is the potential here for Flaherty to provide value.

CATCHER

Alex Avila vs. Erick Fedde, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $2,400
DraftKings = $3,700

In the deal that sent Paul Goldschmidt to the Cardinals, the Diamondbacks acquired a player in Carson Kelly who they hope will be their catcher of the future. The veteran Avila has still received some starts behind the plate and has actually homered in both of his last two starts. If he’s in the lineup Thursday, he’s a cheap option to target since Fedde has allowed 1.5 HR/9 for his career.

Others to consider: Gary Sanchez

FIRST BASE

Rowdy Tellez vs. Gabriel Ynoa, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,400

If anyone needed a breakout night at the plate yesterday, it was Tellez. He was 3-for-35 (.086) across his previous 11 games, but came through with a 2-for-5 performance that included a grand slam and a rare stolen base. He still has a .205 ISO even with his recent struggles, so he’s a dangerous hitter to consider at a cheap price with Ynoa on the mound, who has a 1.48 WHIP for his career.

Others to consider: Luke Voit and Eric Hosmer

SECOND BASE

Eric Sogard vs. Gabriel Ynoa, Baltimore Orioles
Stadium – Oriole Park at Camden Yards
FanDuel = $3,200
DraftKings = $5,100

Sogard made this list yesterday, but unfortunately didn’t end up playing in the game. With Cavan Biggio now in the fold, Sogard is likely going to lose some at-bats. However, if he plays, this is a great matchup against Ynoa. Sogard has been swinging a hot bat despite the arrival of Biggio, hitting is 12-for-34 (.353) with two home runs and two doubles over his last 10 games.

Others to consider: Gleyber Torres and Brendan Rodgers

THIRD BASE

Eduardo Escobar vs. Erick Fedde, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $4,100
DraftKings = $5,500

After being acquired from the Twins during the 2018 season, Escobar has proven to be a huge addition for the Diamondbacks. He’s taken his game to an even higher level this year, posting a .287 ISO and a .384 wOBA. After setting a career-high with 23 home runs last year, he’s set to blow past that with 17 already this season. With the underwhelming Fedde on the mound, this is a great spot to pay up for Escobar.

Others to consider: DJ LeMahieu and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

SHORTSTOP

Didi Gregorius vs. Ivan Nova, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,400
DraftKings = $4,300

The Yankees finally received some reinforcements when Gregorius was activated off the IL last week. He’s not the biggest name on the team, but his left-handed bat is very important considering the Yankees right-handed heavy lineup. Nova has allowed a .406 wOBA against lefties this year, making Gregorius an excellent mid-tier priced option.

Others to consider: Trevor Story and Ketel Marte

OUTFIELD

Aaron Hicks vs. Ivan Nova, Chicago White Sox
Stadium – Guaranteed Rate Field
FanDuel = $3,700
DraftKings = $4,800

Hicks was yet another member of the Yankees who had an IL stint and it took him some time to get his feet under him after he was activated. He’s been much more dangerous of late, hitting 11-for-40 (.275) with three home runs and three doubles across his last 11 games. Add Nova’s struggles against left-handed hitters with Hicks’ .367 wOBA against righties last year and he could be in line for a productive evening.

Jarrod Dyson vs. Erick Fedde, Washington Nationals
Stadium – Nationals Park
FanDuel = $2,900
DraftKings = $4,700

Last year was a disaster for Dyson with him finishing with a .189 batting average and a .244 wOBA. Luck wasn’t exactly on his side based on his .216 BABIP, so there was plenty of room for him to improve this year. He’s done just that with a .322 wOBA and he’s even shown more power with a .119 ISO. Although he’s a little expensive on DraftKings, his price on FanDuel is very appealing.

Chris Taylor vs. Jon Lester, Chicago Cubs
Stadium – Dodger Stadium
FanDuel = $2,300
DraftKings = $3,200

The Dodgers were dealt a significant blow when Corey Seager suffered a hamstring injury Tuesday. With him expected to be out for an extended period of time, Taylor will now take over as their primary shortstop. If you’re looking for a cheap option in tournament play, Taylor should at least be on your radar with a lefty on the mound.

Others to consider: David Peralta and Brett Gardner

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.