Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Studs and Duds for April 9

The MLB season is now in full swing, with several opening series coming to a close on Thursday afternoon and evening. With nine games on tap for DraftKings players, the margin for error at any time slot is slim.

Luckily, we're here to help pick out the best sluggers and arms for Thursday. Here's a look at the studs and duds to target for April 9 at the early and late start times.

Advice for Early Games

Best Bat: Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox ($4,900)

There's really no need for explanation with Jose Abreu as a player to target. When Abreu is on, he's a monster at the plate. On Opening Day, the White Sox were blown out by the Kansas City Royals, but Abreu still made his statement with a solo blast for Chicago's only run of the game.

Going up against Edinson Volquez, look for Abreu to continue producing extra-base hits. He might not touch 'em all off Volquez, who only gave up 17 homers last year, but the MVP candidate will put up solid numbers for fantasy owners against the journeyman pitcher.

Value Arm: Trevor Bauer, Cleveland Indians ($7,200)

Jason Miller/Getty Images

This choice is more about the matchup than any other variable. The Houston Astros may have earned a win against Corey Kluber, but they did so without putting up huge offensive numbers. Also, not every pitcher is Dallas Keuchel for the Astros, either.

On Thursday, Trevor Bauer will be facing off with Asher Wojciechowski, who is making his MLB debut. Both young pitchers fought for their positions in the rotation, but the Indians will look to feast on the 26-year-old starter.

George Springer and Chris Carter can hit home runs, but they are also strikeout machines. Bauer should be in line for a win and a great fantasy outing if he can find his stuff against a boom-or-bust Astros lineup. 

Biggest Dud: Jay Bruce, Cincinnati Reds ($4,400)

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Jay Bruce got off to a strong start on Opening Day, but he's bound to cool off against A.J. Burnett. Not only does Burnett have Bruce's number during his career, he's stymied him on multiple occasions and never allowed him to hit a home run.

Over his career, Bruce has gone 3-for-27 against Burnett with 10 strikeouts and just one extra-base hit. Those aren't exactly promising numbers for the price owners will be paying for Bruce.

Advice for Late Games

Best Bat: Hanley Ramirez, Boston Red Sox ($4,800)

He might have fallen back to earth on Wednesday night, but Hanley Ramirez is still a lethal player when healthy. Going hitless in the second game of the year doesn't mean his power has decreased after hitting two home runs and five RBI on Monday.

Those numbers weren't replicated in Game 2, but Jared Carrabis of Barstool Sports notes he nearly had another homer:

Ramirez likely won't go off for two more homers on Thursday, but he faces a second-year pitcher in David Buchanan. Eligible at shortstop or an outfield position, Ramirez's bat should be in every owner's lineup against the inexperienced pitcher.

Value Arm: Justin Masterson, Boston Red Sox ($7,200)

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

Coming off one of the worst seasons of his career, there's no reason to really trust Justin Masterson. But with a new team and a fresh situation, the 2013 All-Star might be able to regain his form against the Phillies.

Philadelphia got to the Red Sox in the late innings on Wednesday, but it has been mostly held in check by Boston. Facing a porous offense, look for Masterson to outproduce his value as a No. 2 pitcher on Thursday.

Biggest Dud: Mark Teixeira, New York Yankees ($4,100)

Elsa/Getty Images

Sure, Mark Teixeira might eventually become a fantasy star again, but that hasn't come to fruition to this point. The New York Yankees' big bat has struggled again thus far in 2015 and will be facing a hurler who might emerge as the Toronto Blue Jays' best pitcher.

Daniel Norris will be putting his full repertoire on display on Thursday, one that Teixeira has never seen before. Stepping into the box against the hard-throwing lefty, don't expect Teixeira to hit any dingers from the right side of the plate—something he did only four times in 2014.

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