Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Strategy, Primer for May 23 – Bleacher Report

A full day of action with some big names on the board can lead to tough choices for your daily fantasy baseball team. Whether you plan on entering contests during the day, night or both, here is a look at some of the best and worst options for Saturday.

Pitchers to Draft

Corey Kluber, Cleveland Indians ($11,300)

Of all the top names available (Kluber, Matt Harvey, Cole Hamels, Chris Sale), Hamels is likely the only one who isn’t a great option due to a tough matchup with the red-hot Washington Nationals. If you have to pick one of these aces, though, Kluber is likely the best option thanks to his recent strikeout run.

Over the last two starts, Kluber has an insane 30 strikeouts and one walk, which equals a lot of fantasy points. He is also trusted to a higher pitch count than Harvey, which could mean more innings pitched.

Shelby Miller, Atlanta Braves ($9,300)

He is one of the hottest pitchers in baseball right now and not showing any signs of slowing. Over the past three starts, Shelby Miller has allowed just one total run and eight hits in 25 innings.

With the Milwaukee Brewers striking out at a high rate all year, Miller’s success should continue Saturday.

Mike Wright, Baltimore Orioles ($6,100)

It’s obvious Mike Wright won’t end his career with a 0.00 ERA and it’s possible his 7.1 shutout innings in his major league debut will be as good as it gets. Still, the Orioles coaching staff was impressed with what they saw last week from the rookie.

“I think he just handled himself so well,” pitching coach Dave Wallace explained, via Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. “His anxiety level wasn’t what one would think for first start in the big leagues. He was pretty much under control emotionally and knew the pitches he had to make.”

Combining Wright’s confidence and control (six strikeouts and no walks last start) with an opponent in the Miami Marlins that has been awful lately, the 25-year-old pitcher has a chance to replicate his success.

Pitcher to Avoid

Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals ($9,500)

At some point, Stephen Strasburg will come out of his funk and pitch an absolute gem. This might even come Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

However, there is no reason to waste this much money on such a big risk, especially considering his 5.98 ERA and the fact he has made it through six innings just twice in eight starts in 2015. Waiting for better days seems like a smarter decision.

Hitters to Draft

Nelson Cruz, OF, Seattle Mariners ($5,400)

While Nelson Cruz has been great against just about everyone this season, he has been truly outstanding against lefties, hitting over .500 with six home runs. This is not good news for Mark Buehrle, a southpaw with a 5.46 ERA this year and has struggled against everyone. 

Even though Cruz has struggled in the past against Buehrle, he should be able to take advantage of a favorable matchup in a hitter’s park.

Justin Upton, OF, San Diego Padres ($4,500)

It took a while but Justin Upton is now getting comfortable with his surroundings, matching his power and speed with a great approach at the plate as well. He is consistent enough to provide your team with at least a few points while always being capable of a huge game.

This reasonable price against an inexperienced pitcher makes it a good play.

Chase Utley, 2B, Philadelphia Phillies ($3,400)

For most of the season, Chase Utley has seemed like the worst hitter in baseball. If he hadn’t proved himself in the past, the second baseman would be sitting on a couch watching on TV by now.

However, Utley has started to turn things around with a few multi-hit games over the past week. This could end up being a good sleeper who allows you to spend big on other positions.

Hitter to Avoid

Jose Abreu, 1B, Chicago White Sox ($5,100)

A year ago, Jose Abreu was one of the most feared hitters in the game. The Cuban simply hasn’t replicated this success in 2015 with very few extra-base hits in the first two months of the year.

Although he has gotten consistent at the plate with his singles, he is not worth the lofty price until he starts showing more power.

Team to Stack

San Francisco Giants

Not counting his May 3 start against the Los Angeles Angels were he left with a hand injury in the second inning, Colorado Rockies starter Jordan Lyles has allowed at least four earned runs in three straight starts. All told the Rockies have lost six of the last seven games the right-hander has started.

This presents a good chance for the Giants to continue their recent hot streak. Although this lineup doesn’t consist of many power hitters, playing at Coors Field should provide an opportunity for a few long balls Saturday.

Note: All prices courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Baseball-Reference.com. 

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