This article outlines the best daily fantasy MLB plays of the day at every position. We take a comprehensive look 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.
We will be looking at the five-game slate starting at 12:08 ET.
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PITCHER
Clayton Kershaw - LA Dodgers (vs. Milwaukee) - DK: $9,800 FD: $9,400 Yahoo: $51
Kershaw has been brilliant this season, and I’m expecting him to take that momentum into the playoffs. Sure, some people will be hesitant because of his postseason struggles in previous years, but I’ll be looking towards Kershaw for six-to-seven strong innings tonight. His opponent, Milwaukee, ranks 25th in wRC+ this season while holding the third-highest strikeout rate at 26.6%. Kershaw is cheaper than the likes of Yu Darvish tonight (especially on FD), and I’ll be rolling with the Dodgers’ superstar in my lineups.
Also Consider: Yu Darvish, Ian Anderson
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CATCHER
Yadier Molina - St. Louis (at San Diego) - DK: $3,900 FD: $2,400 Yahoo: $9
Molina has an acceptable salary on DraftKings and Yahoo while heading into a comfortable matchup. He’ll step in against San Diego RHP Zach Davies, who holds an extremely high contact-rate. For reference, Davies strikes out just 6.54 batters per nine innings. Molina came through with a nice 3-5 showing in a St. Louis victory yesterday, and he could post multiple hits again tonight.
Also Consider: Yasmani Grandal, Willson Contreras
FIRST BASE
Jose Abreu - Chicago White Sox (at Oakland) - DK: $4,800 FD: $3,900 Yahoo: $22
At the time of writing this article, Oakland hasn’t named a starter for Thursday’s game. I like Abreu regardless of who the A’s send to the mound. Chicago’s AL MVP candidate has been an absolute beast this season with 19 homers and 60 RBI on a .319 average. It’s between Abreu and Goldschmidt as the best first baseman of the day, and I’m leaning towards Abreu’s confident floor/ceiling combination.
Also Consider: Mitch Moreland, Paul Goldschmidt
SECOND BASE
Jason Kipnis - Chicago Cubs (vs. Miami) - DK: $2,500 FD: $2,500 Yahoo: $7
Kipnis is dirt-cheap across all three DFS sites, and that will help you fit the other top-dollar superstars of this article. I’m not overly impressed with the second base position, so this is a good opportunity to select a “cheap punt” and hope for the best. Miami RHP Sixto Sanchez has been decent through 39 major league innings, but maybe the pressure of the postseason will get to him. Meanwhile, Kipnis is a grizzled veteran who will not be afraid of the moment.
Also Consider: Mike Moustakas, Tommy La Stella (better on FD)
THIRD BASE
Kris Bryant - Chicago Cubs (vs. Miami) - DK: 4,000 FD: $3,000 Yahoo: $12
Bryant represents a smart value selection on all three sites today. As mentioned in the previous write-up, we aren’t sure of Miami RHP Sanchez will respond to the big stage. On top of that, the Marlins’ bullpen has the second-highest FIP (5.81) of any team this season. Bryant collected three hits with two homers in the final two games of the season, and he’ll be looking to inflict similar damage with the Cubbies facing elimination.
Also Consider: Yoan Moncada, Justin Turner
SHORTSTOP
Marcus Semien - Oakland (vs. Chicago White Sox) - DK: $4,100 FD: $3,300 Yahoo: $14
This is one of the most anticipated matchups of the day, as the A’s and White Sox will battle for the right to advance. We can expect plenty of pitching changes from both sides, so it’s difficult to nail down certain matchups for DFS analysis. However, Semien represents a strong fantasy play while holding a premium lineup spot in this Oakland offense. After hitting a crucial homerun yesterday, I’m expecting the A’s infielder to come through once again.
Also Consider: Javier Baez, Tim Anderson
OUTFIELD
Kyle Schwarber - Chicago Cubs (vs. Miami) - DK: $3,700 FD: $3,000 Yahoo: $10
As mentioned earlier, I’m expecting the Cubs to bounce-back after a tough loss yesterday. Schwarber should be able to get in on the action, and he carries a modest salary on all DFS platforms. Chicago holds one of the highest run-scoring projections of the day, so it’s probably smart to stack a few Cubbies in your lineup. Schwarber represents a convenient, yet promising way to make that happen.
Corey Dickerson - Miami (at Chicago Cubs) - DK: $2,800 FD: $2,800 Yahoo: $10
Dickerson is very inexpensive (especially on DK) despite holding some realistic DFS upside. That was on display yesterday while slapping a three-homer to flip the game for Miami. Most people will avoid him against the Cub’s ace today, but RHP Yu Darvish has been somewhat vulnerable to lefty power in the past. Dickerson is a sneaky-good fantasy asset in tournaments, and he’s borderline cash playable as a bargain filler.
Also Consider: Ian Happ, AJ Pollock, Ramon Laureano, Tommy Pham
