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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 | Justin Verlander |
| C/1B | Wilson Ramos |
| 2B | César Hernández |
| SS | Javier Báez |
| 3B | David Freese |
| OF One | Jake Marisnick |
| OF Two | Delino DeShields |
| OF Three | Rhys Hoskins |
| Util | Nolan Arenado |
| Salary | $34,900 |
| Expected Points | 136.95 |
Player expected costs and values are calculated every thirty minutes throughout the day.
Pitchers
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $11,600 | 44.35 | 3.82 |
| Corey Kluber | LAA | $12,300 | 40.21 | 3.27 |
| J.A. Happ | KC | $10,400 | 35.35 | 3.40 |
| Alex Wood | STL | $8,700 | 32.03 | 3.68 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sean Newcomb | NYM | $6,900 | 30.29 | 4.39 |
| Kyle Gibson | OAK | $6,700 | 25.93 | 3.87 |
| Justin Verlander | PIT | $11,600 | 44.35 | 3.82 |
| Alex Wood | STL | $8,700 | 32.03 | 3.68 |
Catcher/First Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler White | PIT | $4,200 | 12.20 | 2.90 |
| José Abreu | MIN | $3,500 | 11.30 | 3.23 |
| Carlos Santana | HOU | $2,900 | 11.10 | 3.83 |
| Freddie Freeman | NYM | $4,100 | 10.76 | 2.62 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carlos Santana | HOU | $2,900 | 11.10 | 3.83 |
| Matt Wieters | CHC | $2,200 | 8.35 | 3.80 |
| Nick Hundley | SF | $2,800 | 9.91 | 3.54 |
| Welington Castillo | MIN | $2,300 | 8.07 | 3.51 |
Second Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Altuve | PIT | $4,100 | 11.90 | 2.90 |
| César Hernández | HOU | $2,400 | 11.35 | 4.73 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $3,600 | 10.95 | 3.04 |
| Whit Merrifield | NYY | $3,600 | 10.95 | 3.04 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| César Hernández | HOU | $2,400 | 11.35 | 4.73 |
| Wilmer Difo | CHC | $2,300 | 8.97 | 3.90 |
| Wilmer Difo | CHC | $2,300 | 8.97 | 3.90 |
| Logan Forsythe | STL | $2,200 | 8.54 | 3.88 |
Short Stop
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Javier Báez | ATL | $3,900 | 12.78 | 3.28 |
| Javier Báez | ATL | $3,900 | 12.78 | 3.28 |
| Trevor Story | TB | $4,400 | 12.61 | 2.86 |
| Manny Machado | BAL | $4,200 | 12.23 | 2.91 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Addison Russell | ATL | $2,100 | 7.94 | 3.78 |
| Alcides Escobar | NYY | $2,100 | 7.46 | 3.55 |
| Tim Anderson | MIN | $2,800 | 9.60 | 3.43 |
| Jonathan Schoop | BAL | $2,700 | 8.98 | 3.32 |
Third Base
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolan Arenado | TB | $4,500 | 14.16 | 3.15 |
| Alex Bregman | PIT | $4,700 | 13.79 | 2.93 |
| Alex Bregman | PIT | $4,700 | 13.79 | 2.93 |
| Justin Turner | STL | $4,300 | 13.07 | 3.04 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| David Freese | LAD | $2,200 | 10.33 | 4.70 |
| David Freese | LAD | $2,200 | 10.33 | 4.70 |
| Maikel Franco | HOU | $2,700 | 10.90 | 4.04 |
| Eduardo Escobar | OAK | $3,900 | 12.84 | 3.29 |
Outfield
Best Rating
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Harper | CHC | $4,500 | 14.98 | 3.33 |
| Rhys Hoskins | HOU | $3,400 | 14.45 | 4.25 |
| Mike Trout | MIL | $5,100 | 13.63 | 2.67 |
| Charlie Blackmon | TB | $4,100 | 13.52 | 3.30 |
Best Values
| Name | Team | Cost | Expected | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jake Marisnick | PIT | $2,100 | 9.51 | 4.53 |
| Delino DeShields | TOR | $2,000 | 8.83 | 4.41 |
| Nick Williams | HOU | $2,300 | 10.10 | 4.39 |
| Odúbel Herrera | HOU | $2,300 | 10.07 | 4.38 |
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.