Daily Fantasy Baseball 2015: MLB DraftKings Ideal Lineup Picks for April 23
Don't get caught up in Throwback Thursday by playing old-school fantasy baseball. Instead, taking the plunge on DraftKings has a chance to truly pay off if lineups are set correctly.
Of course, those lineups have to be perfectly crafted to win any games on Thursday. Before the opening pitch in any contest, let's take a look at the top players who can be targeted at any point throughout the day.
Pitcher: Jake Odorizzi, Tampa Bay Rays ($8,200)
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Betting on young pitchers is not always the brightest idea in daily fantasy. One pitcher to rely on in that category is Jake Odorizzi, who has gotten off to a phenomenal start in 2015.
Over three outings, Odorizzi has more than 21 fantasy points in every game. He has the second-best WHIP in the American League (0.68) behind only teammate Chris Archer, a 1.74 ERA and, more importantly for daily owners, an 8.27 strikeouts-per-nine-innings rate.
Oh, then there's the fact that he's facing the Boston Red Sox with Clay Buchholz on the mound. If he can simply limit the damage against Boston's lineup, Buchholz might implode again to earn Odorizzi an easy win.
First Baseman: Chris Davis, Baltimore Orioles ($4,700)
Crush Davis has lived up to his name since his return, even with a poor average. His power clearly hasn't taken a dip, and his on-base percentage is also higher than his career average at this point in the season.
Facing a right-handed pitcher in Drew Hutchison on Thursday night, daily owners might see a throwback version of Davis from 2013. After giving up 11 earned runs over his last nine innings pitched, Hutchison should be no match for the lefty slugger.
Third Baseman: Josh Donaldson, Toronto Blue Jays ($4,600)
He may be in a new location this year, but the pop in Josh Donaldson's bat came to Toronto with him. Boasting a 1.003 OPS in the early portion of the season, Donaldson has been the hottest hitter in the Blue Jays lineup recently.
Yes, that Blue Jays lineup. That's how scorching Donaldson is at the plate.
He didn't look as sensational against the Orioles on Wednesday, but he'll get another shot against Chris Tillman on Thursday. After the Jays bounced Tillman after just 2.2 innings after scoring seven earned runs the last time they faced him, look for Donaldson to have another strong outing.
Shortstop: Marcus Semien, Oakland Athletics ($3,600)
Marcus Semien has boom-or-bust potential written all over him. But when the Oakland Athletics infielder is on, he can be a massive boost for DraftKings owners.
On Thursday night, Semien will be facing off with a Triple-A call-up in Nick Tropeano. The 24-year-old pitcher will take the place of C.J. Wilson, per Rahshaun Haylock of Fox Sports West, and make only his fifth start of his career.
With both of his home runs coming on the road this season and averaging eight points against the Angels, Semien should thrive against Tropeano.
Outfielder: Kole Calhoun, Los Angeles Angels ($4,600)
Speaking of replacement pitchers, Kole Calhoun will get a chance to take on Jesse Chavez. With Chavez stepping up to replace Jesse Hahn, Calhoun has a chance to take advantage of a pitcher who has limited experience as a starter.
Calhoun has raked this season and had one of his best games of the year on Tuesday with a 4-for-5 night with a homer and three RBI. Having Mike Trout and Albert Pujols behind him, Chavez can't hide his pitches against that top half of the lineup.
Along with Calhoun, Steven Souza is another player to target. If he makes another start after suffering a forearm cramp on Wednesday, via the Rays' official account, Calhoun will continue his power surge against the Red Sox.
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Follow R. Cory Smith on Twitter for more MLB DraftKings advice.
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