The weekend kicks off with 14 games on the schedule on Friday night. The New York Yankees and Chicago Cubs are set to kick off the weekend on Friday afternoon but after that there will be plenty of options to choose from on the evening slate. With so many rosters to choose from in DraftKings competitions we will really be able to lock in on a strong balance of star talent and quality value options. Here is a look at the optimal lineup for Friday’s DraftKings MLB fantasy leagues.
SP: Eduardo Rodriguez, Boston Red Sox
Salary: $7,800
Rodriguez is coming off an absolutely phenomenal performance against the Chicago Cubs. The left-hander held the defending World Series champions to one run on five hits while recording nine strikeouts in a no-decision. Rodriguez owns a 2.70 ERA and 1.23 WHIP and after slowing down the Cubs it’s hard to ignore him in this spot. Rodriguez should have no problem against the Minnesota Twins on Friday night and as long as he gets some run support he should be able to pick up the victory.
SP: Andrew Triggs, Oakland Athletics
Salary: $6,800
Triggs bounced back from a rough loss to the Seattle Mariners by absolutely shutting down the Houston Astros in his last start. Triggs gave up just five hits over seven scoreless innings while striking out nine to improve to 4-1 this season. He has produced a 1.84 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP through his first five starts. Triggs will get another opportunity to add to his excellent start when Oakland hosts the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. The fact that we can lock in two quality pitchers at under $15K is an absolute steal in DraftKings competitions.
C: J.T. Realmuto, Miami
Salary: $3,700
Realmuto has been the best catcher in MLB fantasy so far this season. Realmuto has hit .318 with two home runs, 11 runs and 13 RBI. The Marlins have moved Realmuto to the top of their lineup in recent games. He should be a strong pick on Friday with Rafael Montero on the mound for the New York Mets.
1B: Eric Thames, Milwaukee
Salary: $4,900
Thames has been an absolute monster for Milwaukee so far this season. That trend should continue on Friday night. Thames has hit .326 with 11 home runs and 29 runs. He should be in line for another strong performance when the Brewers visit Chad Kuhl and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
2B: Jonathan Villar, Milwaukee
Salary: $4,400
Villar hasn’t been nearly as productive as his Milwaukee teammate so far this season but he definitely has the potential to produce. Villar is hitting just .211 on the year but he has 15 runs, 16 RBI and five steals. A strong performance at the plate could lead to some runs and stolen bases versus Pittsburgh on Friday night.
3B: Kyle Seager, Seattle
Salary: $4,300
Seager is another talented batter that has been inconsistent out of the gate this season. The star third basemen has hit just .241 with only one home run. Seattle is in a tough spot against Yu Darvish for Texas on Friday night. However, Seager is a career-.333 hitter against Darvish so perhaps he delivers again.
SS: Jean Segura, Seattle
Salary: $4,600
Segura has never faced Darvish but we like him as another Mariners hitter that should be locked in at home. Segura has hit .314 with 13 runs scored despite missing time this season. His five stolen bases add another dimension to his MLB fantasy potential for Friday night’s game with the Rangers.
OF: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami
Salary: $4,600
Stanton has been relatively quiet of late but that could mean he is overdue for an offensive explosion. Stanton has hit .250 with seven home runs and 19 RBI so far this year but he hasn’t hit a home run since a multi-homer game on April 22nd so he is definitely overdue.
OF: Mark Trumbo, Baltimore
Salary: $4,300
Speaking of overdue, Trumbo has hit .200 with a disappointing two home runs so far this season. It’s only a matter of time before the Orioles slugger is locked in and we hope it happens soon. Baltimore should have an edge at home against Miguel Gonzalez of the Chicago White Sox on Friday night so we will give the nod to Trumbo.
OF: Ender Inciarte, Atlanta
Salary: $4,200
Inciarte has been absolutely on fire for the Braves as he has hit .241 with 10 runs, eight RBI and six stolen bases over the last two weeks. Atlanta is in a decent spot at home against Lance Lynn and the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday night so look for Inciarte to stay hot in MLB fantasy competitions.
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