This article will outline the best daily fantasy MLB plays of the day at every position. We will take a comprehensive look at FanDuel and DraftKings to uncover these core recommendations, factoring respective salaries into the analysis.
Please note, these player picks were organized early in the day. For MLB contests, always check lineups and weather closer to game time. Rain, wind, or unexpected managerial decisions could open up additional sources of value. Be sure to keep an eye on the MLB Headlines and Injuries desk.
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We will be looking at the eight-game evening contest.
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PITCHER
Nick Pivetta – Philadelphia Phillies (vs Twins)
Although his 2019 debut was far from perfect, Pivetta appears to be picking up from where he left off. His fastball sat at 95 mph – consistent with last season. Encouragingly, he sharply reduced his fastball usage without giving up more walks. It’s a one game sample so we’ll see if he continues the trend. The Philadelphia offense is likely to supply sufficient run support for the win bonus. They face Jake Odorizzi and the Twins. Pivetta is the second-best pitcher available tonight, and he’s only the seventh priciest.
Keep an eye on the weather report. Rain could interrupt this game.
Also Consider: Collin McHugh, Brandon Woodruff, Trent Thornton (value)
CATCHER / FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves (vs Miami)
If the goal is to find the top play at the position, there’s no need to get cute at first base today. Freeman is far and away the best hitter available at the cold corner. He’s also the second-best value for money on DraftKings (he’s a middling value on FanDuel). The Braves third hitter has a favorable matchup against Pablo Lopez and a shaky Marlins bullpen. Unlike some other venues, the weather in Atlanta is favorable for hitting.
Also Consider: Josh Bell (value), Francisco Cervelli (value), Justin Bour (value)
SECOND BASE
Adam Frazier – Pittsburgh Pirates (vs Cincinnati)
Leadoff hitters tend to be some of the best DFS bargains. Frazier bats atop the Pirates offense. They have a favorable matchup tonight opposite Sonny Gray and a bad Reds bullpen. While PNC Park limits power output, that’s not really Frazier’s game. You’re looking for multiple hits and runs scored. On DraftKings, he’s priced behind nearly 20 other second basemen. Of those, only Jose Altuve is expected to outperform him.
Also Consider: Jose Altuve, Ben Zobrist, Ozzie Albies
THIRD BASE
Rafael Devers – Boston Red Sox (at Arizona)
Devers is a popular breakout candidate this season. The 22-year-old hit 21 home runs in 490 plate appearances last season. He also supplied a tepid .240/.298/.433 batting line. Through a tiny sample of 33 plate appearances, I see little sign of the rumored improvement. In fact, he’s picked up right where he left off. Despite modest concerns, Devers has two things working for him tonight. He bats third against right-handed pitchers, and the Diamondbacks are calling upon Zack Godley. He struggled with lessened velocity and command in his 2019 debut. As an added bonus, the Diamondbacks bullpen is weak.
Also Consider: Alex Bregman, Matt Chapman, Josh Donaldson (FD value), Jung Ho Kang (value)
SHORTSTOP
Jean Segura – Philadelphia Phillies (vs Minnesota)
Although he’s not one of the most exciting hitters in his own lineup, batting second between Andrew McCutchen and Bryce Harper is a huge boon for Segura’s value. He’s parlayed relative anonymity into an early .364/.391/.455 batting line. As a ground ball hitter, his matchup against extreme fly ball pitcher Jake Odorizzi is perfectly staged for producing a high line drive rate.
Also Consider: Jorge Polanco (value), Carlos Correa, Andrelton Simmons
OUTFIELD
David Peralta – Arizona Diamondbacks (vs Boston)
Peralta busted a surprising 30 home runs last season. It’s the latest chapter in his storybook career. He’s back to his old tricks this season, mixing frequent hard contact with a ground ball approach to produce a high hit rate. Now the best hitter in Arizona, he bats third or fourth most days. A matchup versus Rick Porcello isn’t ideal since he’s a ground ball pitcher. Still, Peralta could deliver multiple hits with run production. The Red Sox bullpen is a juicy feast.
Ryan Braun – Milwaukee Brewers (vs Chicago)
Braun may no longer be a terror at the plate, but he still delivers passable production on the right days. While his career splits are probably not entirely relevant, a long history as a lefty masher certainly works in his favor. The Brewers are set to face southpaw Jose Quintana tonight. For his part, Quintana is slightly worse against opposite-handed hitters. Miller Park offers a climate-controlled home run haven. The Cubs bullpen is shaky.
Also Consider: Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Andrew Benintendi
