The MLB season continues with a full slate of games on Friday and that means plenty of options to choose from in DraftKings daily fantasy league competitions. The best approach to Friday’s slate is to lock in a group of star players and build around them with some smart value picks. Here is a look at the optimal lineup for Friday’s DraftKings MLB daily fantasy leagues.
P: Jacob deGrom, New York
Salary: $10,600
The Mets welcome the Nationals for an intriguing early season series that will have major implications over the long term in regards to the National League East. deGrom has been lights out so far this season with a 1.89 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP. He will need to be at his best against rival Washington. While he is the most expensive option on the board for Friday, deGrom is definitely worth the investment as our top pitcher.
P: Wily Peralta, Milwaukee
Salary: $5,300
After spending big on deGrom, it makes sense to roll with Peralta as our second starting pitcher. Peralta is available for half the price of deGrom, but can be very effective. Peralta is 3-0 with a 2.65 ERA this season and he draws a decent matchup at home against the Cardinals. Adam Wainwright has really struggled this season so Peralta should get some decent run support in this game.
C: Wellington Castillo, Baltimore
Salary: $3,900
The Orioles return home for an important early season series with Boston and Castillo should be locked in. The veteran catcher is off to a hot start hitting .326 through 43 at-bats. At just under $4K, Castillo should be a strong option at the catcher position for Friday’s matchup.
1B: Eric Thames, Milwaukee
Salary: $3,800
Nobody is wondering about Thames’ power anymore after he hit seven home runs in his first 12 games. The veteran first basemen packs a ton of power and he should feel pretty confident at home with Adam Wainwright on the mound for St. Louis.
2B: Jonathan Villar, Milwaukee
Salary: $4,500
Wainwright has allowed nine earned runs in his last 8.2 innings of work. His 7.24 ERA has inspired us to load up with at least a couple of Brewers. Villar has struggled early on this season but it is only a matter of time before he breaks out. At $4.5K, Villar is the most expensive second basemen on the board but he is worth taking a shot on here.
3B: Manny Machado, Baltimore
Salary: $4,600
Machado has struggled out of the gate hitting just .170 with two home runs. However, he is still one of the most dangerous hitters at his position and it’s only a matter of time before he comes around. With Baltimore opening a weekend series against Boston on Friday, we will take a chance on him in our DraftKings lineup.
SS: Elvis Andrus, Texas
Salary: $4,000
Andrus is off to a solid start to the 2017 season and there is every reason to think he can keep it up. Andrus has hit .300 with three home runs through his first 60 at-bats and he should continue to see consistent playing time. With plenty of support around him in a deep Texas lineup, Andrus should continue to thrive in fantasy formats.
OF: Bryce Harper, Washington
Salary: $5,000
After a poor 2016 season compared to his lofty standards, Harper has opened the 2017 season on fire. Harper has hit .404 with six home runs and 18 RBI already this season. He is also getting more help as the Nationals lineup has been that much more consistent early on. Harper is the top outfield option on the board for Friday night so lock him in to this spot.
OF: Nomar Mazara, Texas
Salary: $3,900
While Texas has struggled out of the gates, Mazara has been better than advertised with some impressive numbers. Mazara has hit .306 with four home runs and 17 RBI while hitting in the heart of the Rangers order. Texas has a decent matchup opposite Nathan Karns for Kansas City so Mazara should be in for a strong performance.
OF: Mitch Haniger, Seattle
Salary: $3,600
Haniger has been one of the best sleeper picks early on this year. The 26-year-old has hit .323 with four home runs and 15 RBI to earn an even bigger role in the Mariners lineup. With Jean Segura out for Seattle, Haniger should continue to get more opportunities this weekend. At just $3.6K in DraftKings tournaments, Haniger is still an outstanding sleeper value pick.
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