Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: Best MLB DFS DraftKings Lineup for April 12

Although we are just a week into the MLB regular season, we are already starting to see some impressive performances both on the mound and at the plate. If you want to be successful in daily fantasy, you have to find a way to get these big-time efforts onto your team at the right time.

There are multiple ways to be successful each day, but here is a look at an optimal lineup for Sunday's action along with a few other top choices at each spot.

Note: Remember to check lineups when they are available to make sure each player is starting. All prices are courtesy of DraftKings. Unless otherwise noted, all stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.

Starting Pitchers

Yordano Ventura, Kansas City Royals ($8,200)

Ed Zurga/Getty Images

While plenty of fans were scared Yordano Ventura had suffered a serious injury in his last start, it turned out to only be a cramp. Manager Ned Yost explained why this isn't a problem to worry about in the future, via Andy McCullough of The Kansas City Star:

"

You’re focused and you forget to hydrate,” Yost said. “And, again, part of opening day, it just takes you out of your routine. And once your routine gets going, you’re hydrating, you’re doing all your stuff that you normally do. But there’s so much stuff that goes into it, there’s so much excitement. He probably just didn’t hydrate enough.

"

When healthy, Ventura has the talent to be a dominant pitcher and should have success even against a solid Los Angeles Angels lineup.

Clay Buchholz, Boston Red Sox ($6,800)

The New York Yankees always want to beat the Red Sox, but this is not the same lineup that scares opposing pitchers. After pitching seven scoreless innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in his first start, Clay Buchholz should be able to keep up his solid play with another strong performance Sunday night.

• Felix Hernandez, Seattle Mariners ($11,400)
• Alex Wood, Atlanta Braves ($9,300)
• Chris Tillman, Baltimore Orioles ($7,100)
• Hector Alvarez, Miami Marlins ($6,400)

Catcher

Carlos Santana, Cleveland Indians ($4,600)

No matter what position he actually plays for the Cleveland Indians, DraftKings allows you to start Carlos Santana as a catcher, and you should take advantage of this opportunity. The power hitter is consistent at the plate with both hits and walks and is always capable of knocking one out of the park.

• Devin Mesocraco, Cincinnati Reds ($4,400)
• Buster Posey, San Francisco Giants ($4,000)

First Base

Adam Lind, Milwaukee Brewers ($4,700)

Jeffrey Phelps/Getty Images

Off to a great start and has a great matchup against inexperienced Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander Casey Sadler. For those looking to stack a lineup and have money to spare, the Milwaukee Brewers might be a smart option starting with Adam Lind.

• David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox ($4,400)
• Freddie Freeman, Atlanta Braves ($4,300)

Second Base

Dee Gordon, Miami Marlins ($4,800)

Whenever he gets on base, Dee Gordon is always a threat to be on the move with a stolen base or two. He already has three steals this season and should have a good chance to add more with a favorable matchup against Nathan Karns of the Tampa Bay Rays.

• Scooter Gennett, Milwaukee Brewers ($4,400)
• Ian Kinsler, Detroit Tigers ($4,500)

Shortstop

Troy Tulowitzki, Colorado Rockies ($6,000)

Obviously this selection takes away a big portion of your payroll, but Troy Tulowitzki has been worth it this season. He is clearly the most consistent option at shortstop and should be able to keep it up with another home game against the Chicago Cubs.

The difference between him and any other player at the position makes this worth the price.

• Starlin Castro, Chicago Cubs ($4,900)
• Wilmer Flores, New York Mets ($3,600)

Third Base

David Wright, New York Mets ($3,900)

Alex Wood is a solid pitcher, but David Wright has crushed lefties in his career to the tune of a .341 batting average and 1.008 OPS. There is no reason to expect anything less from the talented third baseman on Sunday.

• Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds ($4,600)
• Pablo Sandoval, Boston Red Sox ($4,400)

Outfielders

Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals ($4,700)

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Washington Nationals should be able to have a big day offensively against journeyman pitcher Sean O'Sullivan. This starts with Bryce Harper, who is clearly the team's best hitter at this point of the year and could be a threat to go deep a few times.

Anthony Gose, Detroit Tigers ($3,300)

While the recent strong play is likely going to wear off eventually, Anthony Gose has been impressive this season. CBS Sports described his highlight from Saturday's game:

"

Corey Kluber's second pitch of the afternoon is a solo homer by Anthony Gose. Gose is off to a ridiculous start this year.

— CBS Sports MLB (@CBSSportsMLB) April 11, 2015"

Home runs against reigning Cy Young award winners isn't all he can do. He also has a .450 batting average this year and should get plenty of more chances to remain near the top of the quality Detroit Tigers lineup.

Brock Holt, Boston Red Sox ($2,900)

In Saturday's win over the New York Yankees, Brock Holt went an impressive 4-for-5 with three RBI from the leadoff position. Don't be surprised to see the young player get more chances to shine somewhere on the field for the Boston Red Sox.

Considering Masahiro Tanaka's struggles in his first start (four earned runs allowed in four innings), he is not as intimidating of an option as early last season.

• Corey Dickerson, Colorado Rockies ($6,000)
• Khris Davis, Milwaukee Brewers ($4,700)
• Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds ($4,600)
• Steve Pearce, Baltimore Orioles ($4,200)

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