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Optimal Lineup
Updated Throughout the Day
Optimal lineups are generated to demonstrate groups of players that work well together. This should be used only as a thought-starter for your lineups. This lineup may not conform to exact requirements of DraftKings (ie. players from one team), and may cross over multiple slates. For more detailed and customizable lineup generation, please use the MLB FanDuel Optimizer.
| P | Alex Wood |
| C/1B | Ian Desmond |
| 2B | Whit Merrifield |
| SS | Trevor Story |
| 3B | Nolan Arenado |
| OF One | Avisaíl García |
| OF Two | Joc Pederson |
| OF Three | Dustin Fowler |
| Util | Eric Thames |
| Salary | $34,200 |
| Expected Points | 140.73 |
Player expected costs and values are calculated every thirty minutes throughout the day.
Pitchers
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Newcomb | NYM | $8,900 | 36.63 | 4.12 |
| Sean Manaea | SEA | $7,900 | 35.38 | 4.48 |
| Alex Wood | STL | $7,400 | 34.41 | 4.65 |
| José Quintana | ATL | $8,200 | 34.27 | 4.18 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Wood | STL | $7,400 | 34.41 | 4.65 |
| Sean Manaea | SEA | $7,900 | 35.38 | 4.48 |
| Chris Stratton | SF | $7,200 | 31.37 | 4.36 |
| Jon Gray | TB | $6,800 | 29.58 | 4.35 |
Catcher/First Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Desmond | TB | $4,100 | 13.90 | 3.39 |
| Ian Desmond | TB | $4,100 | 13.90 | 3.39 |
| Eric Thames | CLE | $3,400 | 13.61 | 4.00 |
| Freddie Freeman | NYM | $4,400 | 13.35 | 3.03 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Zunino | TEX | $2,200 | 9.77 | 4.44 |
| Max Stassi | PIT | $2,300 | 9.64 | 4.19 |
| Austin Barnes | STL | $2,000 | 8.13 | 4.06 |
| Austin Barnes | STL | $2,000 | 8.13 | 4.06 |
Second Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ LeMahieu | TB | $4,100 | 15.03 | 3.67 |
| José Altuve | PIT | $4,300 | 13.74 | 3.20 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $3,300 | 12.14 | 3.68 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $3,300 | 12.14 | 3.68 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Zobrist | ATL | $2,500 | 10.78 | 4.31 |
| Ben Zobrist | ATL | $2,500 | 10.78 | 4.31 |
| Sean Rodríguez | LAD | $2,000 | 8.49 | 4.25 |
| Sean Rodríguez | LAD | $2,000 | 8.49 | 4.25 |
Short Stop
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trevor Story | TB | $4,400 | 15.98 | 3.63 |
| Francisco Lindor | LAA | $5,000 | 14.05 | 2.81 |
| Trea Turner | CHC | $3,700 | 12.30 | 3.32 |
| Carlos Correa | PIT | $4,000 | 11.78 | 2.95 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tim Anderson | MIN | $2,400 | 10.65 | 4.44 |
| Ehire Adrianza | OAK | $2,300 | 9.83 | 4.27 |
| Franklin Barreto | SEA | $2,300 | 8.70 | 3.78 |
| Charlie Culberson | NYM | $2,400 | 8.96 | 3.73 |
Third Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolan Arenado | TB | $5,100 | 17.43 | 3.42 |
| Alex Bregman | PIT | $4,200 | 12.76 | 3.04 |
| José Ramírez | LAA | $5,100 | 12.49 | 0.00 |
| Brian Anderson | ARZ | $3,700 | 12.12 | 3.27 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luis Valbuena | MIL | $2,100 | 8.93 | 4.25 |
| Luis Valbuena | MIL | $2,100 | 8.93 | 4.25 |
| Alex Blandino | PHI | $2,000 | 8.15 | 4.08 |
| Alex Blandino | PHI | $2,000 | 8.15 | 4.08 |
Outfield
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mike Trout | MIL | $5,300 | 15.31 | 2.89 |
| Mookie Betts | BOS | $4,800 | 14.62 | 3.05 |
| Charlie Blackmon | TB | $4,600 | 13.79 | 3.00 |
| Bryce Harper | CHC | $4,100 | 13.54 | 3.30 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avisaíl García | MIN | $2,000 | 10.92 | 5.46 |
| Joc Pederson | STL | $2,400 | 12.25 | 5.10 |
| Dustin Fowler | SEA | $2,100 | 10.09 | 4.80 |
| Steve Pearce | KC | $2,200 | 10.21 | 4.64 |
Picks are based on historical performance and match-up. Picks are updated regularly, but we advise that you keep up to date on late-day roster moves and injuries – those are not taken into consideration. Sports from the Basement provides no warranty on these suggestions and readers should make picks at their own risk. Sample lineups are provided as thought-starters, and are not intended for direct use.

