DFS MLB Picks (August 19, 2017)

Cubs pitcher Jose Quintana has allowed 6 or fewer
hits in 13 consecutive starts.

Pitchers:

Michael Wacha - St. Louis Cardinals: Wacha is 6-2 with a 2.68 ERA in last eight starts (6/26-present), 8th-best ERA among NL pitchers over that span. His six wins pace the NL with five others.

Jose Quintana - Chicago Cubs: Quintana has allowed six or fewer hits in 13-consecutive starts, the longest active streak in the majors and third-longest this season.

First Baseman:

Josh Bell - Pittsburgh Pirates: Bell has 9 RBIs in his last 7 games. His 68 RBIs are the most by a Pirates rookie since Jason Bay collected 82 in 2004. Bell has gone 11-for-26 (.423) with three doubles, two triples, a home run and nine RBI in his last nine games.

Second Baseman:

Javier Baez - Chicago Cubs: Javy, who yesterday had two hits and three RBI (including a two-run homer in the eighth), is hitting .311 (19-for-61) with seven homers, 18 RBI and a 1.049 OPS in 16 August games.

Shortstop:

Paul DeJong - St. Louis Cardinals: DeJong hit team-high 19th HR in 3-hit game (7th, 2nd STL) last night, and he is tied for 4th in Cardinals' rookie HR’s (Mize, 1936).

Third Baseman:

Kris Bryant - Chicago Cubs: Bryant has batted .378 (28-for-74) with six doubles, four homers, 12 RBI and a .460 OBP in his last 19 games since July 29. He has reached base in 15-straight games, his second-longest stretch of the season.

Catcher:

Alex Avila - Chicago Cubs: Avila was 2-for-4 with a double, homer, run scored and three RBI Thursday. He has eight RBI in his last eight games.

Outfielders:

Dexter Fowler - Chicago Cubs: Fowler has a .444 BA (12-27) with 12 RBIs and 1.419 OPS in 8 games batting 4th (.417; 5-12 w/RISP). He leads NL with 18 RBIs in interleave play, and he is 4th in BA (.382) and OBP (.475).

Jon Jay - Chicago Cubs: Jay has reached base multiple times in seven of his last 11 starts. He was 0-for-4 with a walk Thursday and has reached safely in his last seven games.

Starling Marte - Pittsburgh Pirates: Marte went 2-for-4 last night vs. St. Louis, and has gone 8-for-17 (.471) in his last four games after a 1-for-10 stretch. Plus, he is hitting .271 (32-for-118) since returning to action on July 18.

DFS MLB Picks (August 4, 2017)

Boston Red Sox OF Mookie Betts has eight RBIs in his
last six games.

Pitchers:

Kyle Hendricks - Chicago Cubs: Hendricks has gone 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA (19 ER/55.0 IP) in his last 10 starts after going 1-1 with a 6.19 ERA (11 ER/16.0 IP) in his first three starts.

Jacob deGrom - New York Mets: deGrom is 8-1 with a 1.73 ERA (13 earned runs/67.2 innings) in his last nine starts. He is 22-12 with a 2.02 ERA (70 earned runs/312.0 innings) in 48 career starts at home. His 2.02 home ERA is second-best in the majors since 2014 (min. 250.0 innings), trailing Clayton Kershaw (1.71 home ERA).

First Baseman:

Eric Hosmer - Kansas City Royals: Hosmer extended his current hitting streak to eight games with a 1-for-4 effort at Camden Yards last night (.441 BA during streak). Dating to last season, Hosmer is batting .400 in his last four games against the Mariners.

Second Baseman:

Chad Pinder - Oakland Athletics: Pinder went 2 for 4 Thursday as the A's lost to the Giants 11-2. He ended the game with a .247 batting average.

Shortstop:

Didi Gregorious - New York Yankees: Gregorius went 1-for-4 yesterday, garnering at least one hit for the 12th time in his last 14 games (.396 BA during span). Gregorius is 7-for-20 (.350 BA) with two homers and three RBI during his current five-game hitting streak against the Indians at Progressive Field.

Third Baseman:

Miguel Sano - Minnesota Twins: Sano went 2-for-4 with his 25th home run of the season yesterday in San Diego, extending his hitting streak to five games (.250 BA during streak). Sano is batting .400 with five homers and 15 RBI in 13 career games against the Rangers.

Catcher:

Kevan Smith - Chicago White Sox: Smith went 2-for-3 yesterday, and is now batting .500 (6-for-12) with a home run and two RBI during his current four-game hitting streak. Smith is 3-for-9 in three career games against the Red Sox.

Outfielders:

Yoenis Cespedes - New York Mets: Cespedes is 47-165 (.285) with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs (one grand slam) and 20 RBIs in 43 games since returning from the Disabled List.

Mookie Betts - Boston Red Sox: Betts went 1 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs Thursday as the Boston Red Sox topped the Chicago White Sox 9-5. The homer was his 18th of the season. He ended the game with a .272 batting average. He has eight RBIs in six games.

Rajai Davis - Oakland Athletics: Davis went 1 for 4 with a home run and an RBI Thursday as the Oakland Athletics lost to the San Francisco Giants 11-2. The homer was his fifth of the season. He ended the game with a .232 batting average. Davis is 7 for 17 with two doubles and two homers in his last five games, but he isn't part of the starting lineup on a regular basis so be careful about using him depending on the matchup.

DFS MLB Picks (July 27, 2017)

Pitchers:

Michael Blazek - Milwaukee Brewers: Blazek is 0-0 with a 3.18 ERA in 5 relief appearances (5.2IP, 2ER). His only career outing at Nationals Park came on July 6, 2016 (1.2IP, 1H, 2K). Blazek, 28, is making his fifth appearance for the Brewers this season and first Major League start after 108 career games out of the bullpen.

Max Scherzer - Washington Nationals: Scherzer is 1-2 with a 1.91 ERA (7 ER/33.0 IP) in five career starts against Milwaukee. He last faced them on July 4, 2p16 (6.0 IP, 4 H, ER, HR, 3 BB, 7 SO).

First Baseman:

Yonder Alonso - Oakland Athletics: Alonso is 26-for-127 (.205) with 20 walks over his last 38 games. He is batting .222 (16-for-72) in the month of July, which his lowest batting average of any month this season.

Second Baseman:

Daniel Murphy - Washington Nationals: Murphy is 22-for-59 (.373) with eight 2Bs, three HRs, and 18 RBIs in his last 15 games.

Shortstop:

Eric Sogard - Milwaukee Brewers: In 46 games so far in 2017, Sogard is batting .313 with 3 HRs, 14 RBIs, and 3 SBs.

Third Baseman:

Anthony Rendon - Waahington Nationals: Rendon has hit safely in 16 of 18 games, going 24-for-60 (.400) with 6 2B, 4 HR, and 17 RBI.

Catcher:

Bruce Maxwell - Oakland Athletics: Maxwell was recalled from Triple-A Nashville June 22 for his third stint with the A’s this year and is batting .243 (17-for-70) with 12 walks (.354 on-base percentage) in 24 games since his return.

Outfielders:

Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals: Harper has scored at least one run in nine of 11 games and at least two runs in six of the 11.

Domingo Santana - Milwaukee Brewers: Santana is batting .321 (89-for-277, 15 HRs, 50 RBIs) since Apr. 28 (76 games), which ranks eighth in the National League.

Khris Davis - Oakland Athletics: Davis has homered seven times in the month of July and now has 28 home runs for the season, which is tied for third in the American League and matches the second best total of his career (2015). His career high is 42 last year.

DFS MLB Picks (July 16, 2017)

Pitchers:

Rich Hill - Los Angeles Dodgers: Jn three career games (two starts) against Miami, Hill has gone 1-1 with a 5.84 ERA (8 ER/12.1 IP) and has struck out 17 against a lone walk in 12.1 innings (17.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio), while limiting hitters to a .234 average and posting a 0.97 WHIP.

Masahiro Tanaka - New York Yankees: Tanaka will make his 19th start of the season in the second game of today's doubleheader. He is 6-3 with a 3.89 ERA (74.0IP, 32ER) in 12 career starts vs. Boston.

First Baseman:

Cody Bellinger - Los Angeles Dodgers: Last night, Bellinger belted his 26th homer of the year in the second inning and then completed the third cycle in Los Angeles Dodger history (Wes Parker-1970, Orlando Hudson-2009) with a triple in the seventh.

Second Baseman:

DJ LeMahieu - Colorado Rockies: LeMahieu has batted .416 since June 15, going 32-for-77. Among players with 75 or plate appearances, that span is tied for first in the National League. LeMahieu hit safely in 17 of this 20 games.

Shortstop:

Jose Reyes - New York Mets: Reyes is hitting .404 (19-47) with five doubles, one triple, three home runs and seven RBI in his last 13 games. He has seven multi-hit games in his last 12 contests.

Third Baseman:

Nolan Arenado - Colorado Rockies: Arenado is hitting .380 since June 27, hitting safely in 12 of 13 games. He is 8-for-19 his past five games. Arenado leads Major League Baseball with 51 extra-base hits and is tied for second in the Majors with 70 RBI (tied for first in NL). He is tied for second in the Majors with 29 doubles.

Catcher:

Gary Sanchez - New York Yankees: Sánchez has 4HR off David Price in his career, matching his most off a single pitcher (4HR off Marco Estrada).

Outfielders:

Charlie Blackmon - Colorado Rockies: Blackmon currently leads the Major Leagues in hits (120) and triples (11) and ranks fifth in runs (73). He ranks fifth in the National League in batting average (.320), fourth in slugging percentage (.582) and third in extra-base hits (49). His 20 home runs while batting first in the lineup are the second-most in MLB (Springer, 27) and the most in the National League by eight (Conforto, 12).

Aaron Judge - New York Yankees: Judge has reached base safely in each of his last 41 starts since 5/28, the Majors' longest streak in 2017 and third-longest since the start of 2016 (Freddie Freeman-46G and Jayson Werth-45G).

Yasiel Puig - Los Angeles Dodgers: Puig collected his fourth career multi-homer game of his career on Friday, stroking a solo home run in the fourth inning and a three-run shot in the ninth inning and drove in a season-high tying four runs for the fourth time this year.

DFS MLB Picks (July 15, 2017)

Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale has won 10 of his past 12
decisions.

Pitchers:

Chris Sale - Boston Red Sox: Sale has won 10 of his last 12 decisions. The Sox have won 7 of his last 9 starts since May 24. Plus, he has tossed 7.0+ IP in 5 of his last 6 starts, and he is 4-2 with a 2.47 ERA (12 ER/43.2 IP) in those. Sale allowed 3 or fewer ER over 7.0+ IP in 7 of his last 11 starts (11 BB, 105 SO).

Michael Fulmer - Detroit Tigers: Fulmer's only career start against the Blue Jays came on June 6, 2016 in Detroit, when he earned the win a!er throwing 6.0 shutout innings with two hits allowed, three walks and five strikeouts.

First Baseman:

Mitch Moreland - Boston Red Sox: Moreland drew 38 BB in 336 first-half PA, his most since a career-high 45 in 2013 (in 518 PA). He has a career-best 8.89 PA/BB rate, and has been walked in 6 of his last 9 games. His .349 OBP is higher than his full-season career high.

Second Baseman:

Dustin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox: Pedroia recorded multiple hits last night for the 27th time this season and 14th in his last 26 games. He has reached multiple times in 11 of his last 14 games (.485 OBP).

Shortstop:

Alcides Escobar - Kansas City Royals: Escobar hit a two-run home run off the left-field foul pole in the second inning, extending his home hitting streak to 11 games, in which he’s batting .400 (16-for-40).

Third Baseman:

Adrian Beltre - Texas Rangers: Beltre hit a game-tying, three-run home run in the sixth inning, the 453rd of his career to break a tie with Carl Yastrzemski for 38th all-time.

Catcher:

Gary Sanchez - New York Yankees: Sanchez hit two-run HR (#14) in the fifth and was 2-for-4 with 3RBI in Friday's loss at Boston.

Outfielders:

Aaron Judge - New York Yankees: Judge leads the Majors with 30HR, three ahead of Houston's George Springer (27), and he has held the outright MLB HR lead for 47 straight days (since May 29), the longest stretch by a Yankee since Alex Rodriguez (84d in 2007), per Elias.

Mookie Betts - Boston Red Sox: Betts recorded his 6th multi-hit game last night and stole his 16th base (T-6th in the AL). He ranks 2nd in the AL since last year in SB% (87.5) and 5th in SB (42).

Jorge Bonifacio - Kasas City Royals: Bonifacio had an RBI single with one out in the fifth inning last night, his first RBI since June 27. But he was thrown out 8-3-6 trying to stretch it into a double.

DFS MLB Picks (June 21, 2017)

Marlins pitcher Dan Straily has held opponents to a
.215 batting average this season.

Pitchers:

Ian Kennedy - Kansas City Royals: Kennedy is 1-1 with a 5.29 ERA (10 ER in 17.0 IP) in three career starts vs. the Red Sox. He’s allowed just four walks and fanned 23, including eight K’s in 5.1 innings last August 26 at Fenway Park in a 6-3 triumph. He went 1-1 with a 3.67 ERA in seven outings vs. A.L. East foes a year ago.

Dan Straily - Miami Marlins: Straily has held opponents to a .215 (62x288) batting average this season, which ranks seventh among National League starters. He is also seventh among NL starters in hits allowed per 9.0 innings (7.15).

First Baseman:

Ryan Zimmerman - Washington Nationals: This season, Zimmerman ranks in MLB in AVG (1st, .347), SLG (2nd, .661), OPS (2nd, 1.048), extra-base hits (T3rd, 39), total bases (5th, 162), RBI (T3rd, 57), and HR (T8th, 19).

Second Baseman:

Jose Peraza - Cincinnati Reds: Peraza has hit safely in 9 of his last 11 starts (13-41, .317, 1 RB, 1HR, 5RBI).

Shortstop:

Xander Bogaerts - Boston Red Sox: Bogaerts is 7-for-14 with 6 RBI in his last 3 games. He ecorded his 1st career multi-HR game on Sunday at Houston.

Third Baseman:

Evan Longoria - Tampa Bay Rays: Since May 5, Longoria is batting .278/.338/.449 (49-for-176) with 15 multi-hit games. Prior to that, he was batting .202/.282/.367 with 3 multi-hit games.

Catcher:

J.T. Realmuto - Miami Marlins: Realmuto Leads the MLB in hits (63) as a catcher, is 3rd in AVG (.293) and 5th in OBP (.356). His 12 CCS rank 3rd in the MLB, behind Yan Gomes (14) and Tucker Barnhart (14).

Outfielders:

Andrew Benintendi - Boston Red Sox: Benintendi has 4 HR in his last 14 games since June 4. In that time, he has hit .333 (17-for-51) with a 1.007 OPS.

Corey Dickerson - Tampa Bay Rays: Yesterday vs. Cincinnati, Dickerson's homer off of Amir Garrett was his third vs. LHP this season, matching a career high (2014).

Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals: Harper has hit 22 home runs against the Marlins, more than any other team in his young career.

DFS MLB Picks (May 21, 2017)

Pitchers:

CC Sabathia - New York Yankees: CC is 6-8 with a 3.84 ERA (140.2IP, 60ER) in 21 career starts at Tropicana Field. Although his eight losses mark his most as a visitor at any ballpark, he is 3-0 with a 1.40 ERA (25.2IP, 4ER) with 23K in his last four starts at Tropicana (since April 17, 2014).

Jesse Chavez - Los Angeles Angels: In five career games against the Mets (all in relief), Chavez is 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA (4.2 IP – 2 ER). His last appearance vs. New York came on Aug. 20, 2014 for Oakland (2 IP, 2 ER, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 SO) at the Coliseum.

First Baseman:

Ryan Zimmerman - Washington Nationals: Zimmerman ranks in Major League Baseball in total bases (1st, 109), extra-base hits (1st, 29), slugging percentage (2nd, .736), RBI (2nd, 38), batting average (2nd, .365), OPS (3rd, 1.146), home runs (T3rd, 13), and hits (4th, 53).

Second Baseman:

Jonathan Schoop - Baltimore Orioles: Schoop is tied with Welington Castillo for the Orioles team lead with 8 RBI in the seventh inning or later this season.

Shortstop:

Andrelton Simmons - Los Angeles Angels: In 61 career games vs. the Mets, Simmons is batting .335 (79/236) with 15 doubles, two triples, three home runs and 26 RBI. The .335 clip is his highest vs. any single opponent (min. 100 PA).

Third Baseman:

Eugenio Suarez - Cincinnati Reds: Suarez has a 4-game hitting streak, including 2 hits on Thu at Chicago (NL) and 3 on hits Fri vs Colorado (7-15, .467, 3 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI).

Catcher:

TJ Rivera - New York Mets: Rivera ranks third among National League rookies with .333 on-base percentage, third in doubles (seven), sixth with a .267 batting average, seventh in runs scored (13), eighth with a .407 slugging percentage and 10th in RBI (10).

Outfielders:

Mike Trout - Los Angeles Angels: Trout is leading the AL with a .730 slugging percentage and is tied for the A.L. lead with 25 extra-base hits.

Brett Gardner - New York Yankees: Gardner has 7HR over his last 19G while hitting .351 (26-for-74) with 20 R and 16 RBI.

Bryce Harper - Washington Nationals: Harper is hitting .371 (39-for-105) with 8 2B, 11 HR, 28 RBI, 20 BB and 32 R in his last 28 games.

DFS MLB Picks (May 19, 2017)

Pitchers:

Eddie Butler - Chicago Cubs: Eddie pitched 6.0-scoreless innings in his Cubs debut, May 12 at St. Louis, allowing just two hits while fanning five.

Luis Severino - New York Yankees: Severino will pitch on regular four days' rest...last pitched in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader vs. Houston,
taking a no-decision despite matching his shortest non-ejection start of his career

First Baseman:
Anthony Rizzo - Chicago Cubs: Rizzo reached base three times yesterday. He went  2-for-4 with a homer and two runs Tuesday night.

Second Baseman:

Ben Zobrist - Chicago Cubs: Zobrist has reached base in 17-straight games, including a 2-for-4 effort yesterday.

Shortstop:

Zack Cozart - Cincinnati Reds: Cozart (2-for-5, RBI) has three-straight multi-hit games.

Third Baseman:

Kris Bryant - Chicago Cubs: Bryant hit a solo homer yesterday and has six homers in his last 16 games. He went 2-for-4 with a walk, double and RBI Tuesday night.

Catcher:

Wilson Contreras - Chicago Cubs: Contreras went 2-for-4 with a two-RBI double Tuesday night.

Outfielders:

Ben Zobrist - Chicago Cubs: Zobrist extended his on-base streak to 17-straight games last night. He hit an RBI single in the fifth inning after batting leadoff for the third time this season. The Cubs are 2-1 when he bats first.

Billy Hamilton - Cincinnati Reds: Hamilton extended his career-best on-base streak to 18 games last night. He drove in a run with an RBI double in the Reds’ four-run seventh inning.

Jon Jay - Chicago Cubs: Jay started Wednesday and went 1-for-3 with a run, RBI and HBP.

FANTASY PLAYS: Young bats and tough bullpen situations

By JAKE CIELY
Fantasy Sports Network

Two youngsters are impressing and have everyone talking in fantasy baseball. Meanwhile, two closer situations took big hits that will ripple through lineups. How should you value the young players and handle the bullpen situations?

CHEERS

Cody Bellinger, LAD - It's safe to say that Bellinger has been impressive in his first taste of the majors. The question fantasy baseball owners have is how to value Bellinger. To answer that, we need to talk about Bellinger's ability and projected year-end numbers. The kid is the real deal talent-wise with the ability to hit 25-plus home runs while adding in double-digit steals. In the right lineup and position in the batting order, Bellinger can score and drive in 90-plus runs. That puts Bellinger on par with George Springer's 2016 season (fewer runs, more RBIs), and Springer was a top 15 outfielder. While it's rare to see rookies reach those marks, Bellinger has the talent to do so even with a dip in average (.280-ish hitter). Unfortunately for Andrew Toles, but good for Bellinger, Toles tore an ACL, which alleviates the worry of Bellinger not having an everyday job. Bellinger will play most days even when Adrian Gonzalez returns, splitting time between first base and the outfield. Be thrilled that you own Bellinger, and if you don't, test the waters from his owner to see if he thinks he's selling high. He won't be, and you will reap the reward.

Aaron Altherr, PHI - Like Bellinger, the main question with Altherr this season isn't his talent; it's whether he will see playing time. As with the Dodgers, injuries have provided Altherr with the opportunity, and the way Altherr is playing, the Phillies will keep him in the lineup - sorry, Howie Kendrick. Altherr doesn't quite have the power that Bellinger has, but Altherr has more speed and can hit for a good average as well. The Phillies lineup is going to limit Altherr's numbers, but Altherr can still score and drive in 70-plus runs while hitting around 20 home runs and stealing 15-20 bases. That puts Altherr in the OF3 conversation, which makes him a must-own and must-start option in all fantasy baseball formats.

FEARS

Mark Melancon, SF - Melancon hit the 10-day DL this week, and now we have a situation like that of the Tigers last week. However, Melancon's replacement doesn't have the numbers that Justin Wilson does, nor the potential for as many saves given the Giants' ineptitude. Melancon's replacement is Derek Law... for now. Law's best pitch is his curveball, meaning he's not as overpowering as many top-end closers and doesn't strike out as many batters. In addition, because he likes the off-speed stuff, Law walks too many batters, creating a high WHIP. Law pitched better last year, but before you rush to your waiver wire and/or blow a large portion of your free agent acquisition budget, know that Hunter Strickland has more strikeout upside and that Melancon could be back in short time. The talk is that Melancon needs just two weeks. You're better served looking to the east coast.

TEARS

Jeurys Familia, NYM - This refers to the Mets situation generally. Familia has an arterial clot in his throwing shoulder. There isn't a large history of these, but David Cone missed four months with a similar clot (and surgery to fix it) back in his playing days. You can't drop Familia yet, but you need to run to the waiver wire and grab Addison Reed ... and don't be stingy. Reed has shown the ability to be a great setup man and closer for the Mets. If Familia has surgery, Reed could be the most valuable waiver addition for the rest of the year. You simply don't find closers with the ability to post top 12 numbers on waivers. As seen with the Tigers, Giants, Nationals and Phillies, it's rare to have a clear, rock-solid, high-quality replacement at the closer position. If you need saves, you have to go all in and spend 80 percent or more of your budget. This could be your best opportunity for "free" saves this year.

STREAMING PITCHERS

Looking ahead to Week 7, the Padres continue to be one of the weakest offenses while having the highest SOBB (strikeout percentage minus base on balls percentage) of 16.9. That makes Chase Anderson and Zach Davies of the Brewers, and Taijuan Walker and Robbie Ray of the Diamondbacks strong options, especially the Diamondbacks starters. The Rockies aren't far behind the Padres (16.3) and thankfully are on the road, giving Ervin Santana of the Twins and Tim Adleman of the Reds some streaming appeal. Yes, Santana's season likely has everyone starting him anyway, but regression is coming; you just don't have to worry about it next week. Lastly, the Rays strike out more than any other team currently, making Luis Perdomo and Trevor Cahill solid streaming plays.

---

This column was provided to The Associated Press by Jake Ciely of the Fantasy Sports Network, http://FNTSY.com

DFS MLB Picks (May 11, 2017)

Pitchers:

Jake Odorizzi - Tampa Bay Rays: On Sat vs. TOR, Odorizzi lasted 7 IP, his longest start since Sep 12, 2016 at TOR (7 IP). He retired 10 of his last 11 BF.

Jason Vargas - Kansas City Royals: Vargas enters today with a Major League leading 1.19 ERA (5 ER in 37.2 IP) through six starts.

First Baseman:

Eric Thames - Milwaukee Brewers: Thames has safely reached base in 28 of his 32 games this season. He has reached base twice in a game in 22 of his 32 games this year.

Second Baseman:

Brad Miller - Tampa Bay Rays: Miller is 3-for-his-last-31. On Tue vs. KC, he snapped a 73 AB homerless drought in the 6th, his first extra-base hit since April 23 vs. HOU (triple) and first home run since April 14 at BOS, off Rick Porcello.

Shortstop:
Xander Bogaerts - Boston Red Sox: Bogaerts has hit safely in each of his last 13 games, which is the longest by a Red Sox player in 2017.

Third Baseman:

Travis Shaw - Milwaukee Brewers: Shaw has safely hit in 3 straight games.

Catcher:

Christian Vazquez - Boston Red Sox: Vazquez recorded his fourth multi-hit game of the season last night.

Outfielders:

Keon Broxton - Milwaukee Brewers: Broxton has reached base safely in 10 straight games and owns a .487 OBP in that span since Apr. 28.

Corey Dickerson - Tampa Bay Rays: Dickerson ranks among AL leaders in hits (42, T-2nd), doubles (10, T-4th), XBH (17, T-4th), total bases (72, T-4th) and multi-hit games (15, T-1st).

Kevin Kiermaier - Tampa Bay Rays: All 7 of Kiermaier's RBIs this season have come at home, where he is batting .284/.376/.392 (21-for-74) in 21 games (20 starts).

DFS MLB Picks (May 10, 2017)

Pitchers:

Zach Eflin - Philadelphia Phillies: Through his first 15 starts in the majors, Eflin has recorded 9 quality starts, in 6 of which he allowed 2 ER or fewer.

Matt Cain - San Francisco Giants: Opponents are 8-for-14 (.571) off Cain with RISP over his last two starts.

First Baseman:
Tommy Joseph - Philadelphia Phillies: Joseph is hitting .350 (7-20) with RISP since starting the season 0-for-5.

Second Baseman:

Brandon Phillips - Atlanta Braves: Phillips has hit in 20 of his last 24 games, going 28-for-88 (.318) with 10 RBI, two home runs, all five of his stolen bases and 11 runs scored.

Shortstop:

Carlos Correa - Houston Astros: Correa hit a 3-run homer in the 1st inning off RHP Bartolo Colón last night. He went back-to-back with Carlos Beltrán in the inning.

Third Baseman:

Kris Bryant - Chicago Cubs: Bryant went 2-for-4 with a solo homer in yesterday’s nightcap. However, he went 0-for-3 in the first game yesterday to snap his streak of reaching base safely at 18 games. However, he has reached safely in 19 of his last 20 games.

Catcher:

Kyle Schwarber - Chicago Cubs: Schwarber hit two doubles and walked twice Sunday night. He hit a solo homer Friday as well.

Outfielders:

Carlos Beltran - Houston Astros: Beltran hit a solo homer and a double last night.

Daniel Nava - Philadelphia Phillies: Nava is hitting .257 (9-35), 2 HR, 6 RBI, 10 BB, .435 OBP, .429 SLG %, .863 OPS in his 10 starts this season.

Jon Jay - Chicago Cubs: Jay has reached base in 12 of his 14 starts, batting .289 (13-for-45) in those games.

DFS MLB Picks (May 4, 2017)

Pitchers:

Ivan Nova - Pittsburgh Pirates: Nova 3-3 with a 3.92 ERA (39.0ip/17er) in six career starts against the Reds, who he faces today. However, he is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in one start against them this season.

Jharel Cotton - Oakland Athletics: Cotton leads the American League rookies in games started (5) and innings pitched (27.0) and ranks second in wins (2) and strikeouts (19).

First Baseman:

Mike Napoli - Texas Rangers: Napoli is 4-for-30 (.133) with 13 K in his last 8 games and is batting .143 (10-70) last 19 games to drop from .194 to .158.

Second Baseman:

Jed Lowrie - Oakland Athletics: Lowrie is 15-for-44 (.341) over his last 12 games after going 7-for-41 (.171) over his previous 12 contests.

Shortstop:

Jordie Mercer - Pittsburgh Pirates: Murcer eached base safely three times in four plate appearances Wednesday after doubling and walking twice.

Third Baseman:

Mike Moustakas - Kansas City Royals: Moustakas has at least one hit in 15 of his last 16 games, including an 11-game hitting streak from April 12-25.

Catcher:

Willson Contreras - Chicago Cubs: Contreras hit a game-winning, two-RBI single last night as a pinch-hitter. He has thrown out six baserunners attempting to steal, tied for third-most in the majors.

Outfielders:

Shin-Soo Choo - Texas Rangers: Choo has gone 1-for-11 in this series, but he is still batting .306 (11-36) since April 22 to rise from .208 to .250.

Matt Joyce - Oakland Athletics: Joyce s a .295 (44-for-149) hitter with eight homers and 35 RBI in 51 games against Minnesota.

Carlos Gomez - Texas Rangers: In last 10 games, Gomez is batting .361 (13-36) with a HR, 3 2Bs, a 3B, 5 RBIs, 3 BBs, and 3 SBs to rise from .164 to .233.

DFS MLB Picks (April 30, 2017)

Pitchers:

Tom Koehler - Miami Marlins: Koehler is making fifth start of season and second at Marlins Park. Has gone 1-1 with a 5.14 ERA (21.0 ip/12 ER) in four starts this season. In six spring appearances (four starts), posted a 2-2 record and 4.67 ERA (17.1 ip/9 er).

Josh Tomlin - Cleveland Indians: Tomlin is set to make his 7th career start against the Seattle Mariners. he owns a life-time record of 4-1 with a 3.32 ERA (15ER/40.2IP) vs. Seattle.

First Baseman:

Jose Ramirez - Cleveland Indians: Ramirez ranks in tbe top in in AL Home Batting Average (.475).

Second Baseman:

Robinson Cano - Seattle Mariners: Lately. Cano is 9-for-last-49 (.310) w/7 R, 2 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI & 2 BB in last 7 G (4/17-c).

Shortstop:

Didi Gregorious - New York Yankees: Gregorius returned from the 10-day D.L. on Friday and is 4-for-9 (.444) with 2R, 2 doubles and 2RBI in 2G (missed team’s first 20G w/ a right shoulder strain).

Third Baseman:

Chase Headley - New York Yankees: Headley is hitting .308 (24-for-78) with 17R, 7 doubles, 3HR, 7RBI and 13BB in 22 games this season. He has reached safely in 19-of-22 games.

Catcher:

Travis d'Arnaud - New York Mets: d'Arnaud ent 2-3 with his fi rst multi-homer game and a career-high five RBI on April 28 at Washington.

Outfielders:

Jay Bruce - New York Mets: Bruce's six home runs are tied for 13th-most in the National League.

Giancarlo Stanton - Miami Marlins: Stanton hs .354 (23x65) AVG in 19 career G at home vs. the Pirates, and has hit 5 of his 7 career HR vs. Pittsburgh and 13 of his 18 RBI.

Brett Gardner - New York Yankees: Gardner hit the leadoff  HR (#1) and three-run HR (#2) in the second and was 2-for-4 in Saturday's win vs. Baltimore

DFS MLB Picks (April 27, 2017)

Freddie Freeman ranks 2nd in the MLB with a .500 on-base percentage.

Pitchers:

Noah Syndergaard - New York Mets: Syndergaard has faced 133 batters without allowing a home run dating to last year. That is the second-longest current streak as a starting pitcher (among pitchers who have made a start this year), behind St. Louis' Mike Leake (169 batters).

Edinson Volquez - Miami Marlins: Volquez is making his fifth start with Miami, and fourth road start of 2017, posting a season record of 0-2 with a 4.82 ERA (18.2 ip/10 er). In five Grapefruit League appearances, he went 0-1 with a 3.77 ERA (14.1 ip/6 er).

First Baseman:
Freddie Freeman - Atlanta Braves: Freeman ranks second in MLB with a .500 on-base pct. and fourth with a .791 slugging pct. He is third in batting average with a .388 mark. He is T3rd in home runs (8) and T4th in the NL in walks (15).

Second Baseman:

Cesar Hernandez - Philadelphia Phillies: The Phillies are 7-3 (.700) when Hernandez gets 2 or more hits in a game.

Shortstop:

Jean Segura - Seattle Mariners: Segura is 6x12/.500, w/4 R, 2B, HR, 5 RBI in 1st 2 games back of the DL.

Third Baseman:

Mikael Franco - Philadelphia Phillies: Franco had a HR and four RBI last night vs. the Marlins.

Catcher:

J.T. Realmuto - Miami Marlins: Realmuto's current 6-G hitting streak is tied with Justin Bour for longest on the team.

Outfielders:

Jay Bruce - New York Mets: Bruce has nine home runs and 21 RBI in his last 24 games with the Mets dating to September 27, 2016. In his last 13 contests, Bruce is batting .308 (16-52) with four homers and 11 RBI.

Marcell Ozuna - Miami Marlins: Ozuna is 2nd in MLB in RBI with RISP (18) and AVG with RISP (.556/10x18), and is T-2 in HR with RISP (3), and T-5 in hits with RISp.

Christian Yelich - Miami Marlins: Yelich is batting .306 (11x36) over his last 9 G, with 3 HR, 9 RBI.

DFS MLB Picks (April 20, 2017)

Pitchers:
Chris Sale - Boston Red Sox: Sale has pitched 7.0+ IP and allowed 2 or fewer R in each of his 3 starts this year. Since 1962, the only other pitchers to begin their Boston careers with such a streak are Josh Beckett (3 GS, 2006), Pedro Martinez (4 GS, 1998), and Tim Wakefield (4 GS, 19950. Sale is the only pitcher in that group to also allow 5 H or fewer in each of his first 3 starts as a Red Sox.

Noah Syndergaard - New York Mets: Is 4-0 with a 1.37 ERA (four earned runs/26.1 innings pitched) in four career starts against Philadelphia, striking out 30 and walking six.

First Baseman:

Carlos Santana - Cleveland Indians: Santana extended his on-base streak at Target Field to 13 games last night.

Second Baseman:

Dustin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox: Pedroia has reached base safely in 12 of his first 14 games to begin the season, hitting in 11.

Shortstop:
Francisco Lindor - Cleveland Indians: Lindor (2-for-5) extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games with a single in the first inning of last night's game.

Third Baseman:

Pablo Sandoval - Boston Red Sox: Sandoval has 5 hits in his last 2 games, his first pair of consecutive multi-hit efforts since 7/26-28/15 (3).

Catcher:

Jason Castro - Minnesota Twins: Castro (3-for-4) snapped a personal 0-for-14 collecting a season-high three hits last night.

Outfielders:
Andrew Benintendi - Boston Red Sox: Benintendi has reached base multiple times in each of his last 4 games (.529/9-for-17, 3 R, 3 2B, 3 RBI), and 5 of his last 6 (.440/11-for-25, 4 R, 4 2B, 4 RBI).

Max Kepler - Minnesota Twins: Kepler (1-for-3) extended his current hit-streak to seven games with a single in the fourth inning of last night's game.

Michael Brantley - Cleveland Indians: Brantley is hitting .381 (8-for-21) with three doubles and two home runs over his last five games.

DFS MLB Picks (April 19, 2017)

Pitchers:

Masahiro Tanaka - New York Yankees: Tanaka will make his fourth start of the season in Wednesday's series fi nale vs. Chicago-AL. He recorded his fi rst win of the season in the Yankees' 4-3 victory on Friday vs. St. Louis (6.1IP, 5H, 3ER, 2BB, 5K, 1HR). The 28-year-old will start on regular four days' rest.

Martin Perez - Texas Rangers: Perez is scheduled to make his 4th start and appearance of the season in today’s series and road trip finale in Oakland. He has allowed just one run in 10.1 IP his last 2 starts, and his 2.20 ERA is lowest among Texas starters.

First Baseman:

Mike Napoli - Texas Rangers: Napoli is 2-for-23 in his last 6 games to drop from .194 to .148. He had a season-best 2 RBIs on Monday at Oakland.

Second Baseman:

Starlin Castro - New York Yankees: Castro was the first Yankee to reach base on Tuesday night , singling to lead off the fifth. He also drove in the Yankees’ only run with a bases loaded walk with two outs in the ninth.

Shortstop:

Orlando Arcia - Milwaukee Brewers:  Arcia has appeared in 13 games, all starts at shortstop. He has not committed an error over his last 37 games dating back to last season.

Third Baseman:

David Freese - Pittsburgh Pirates: Freese snapped an 0-for-11 with a double in the 4th inning and his 4th multi-hit game of the season.

Catcher:

Robinson Chirinos - Texas Rangers: Chirinos has 2 Hs, 2 Rs, and 3 RBIs in consecutive starts (4/9 vs. OAK; Thurs. at LAA).

Outfielders:

Adam Frazier - Pittsburgh Pirates: Frazier has scored four runs total over his last four games.

Jacoby Ellsbury - New York Yankees: Ellsbury has reached base safely in each of his last 20 games with an official plate appearance (since 9/26/16).

Andrew McCutchen - Pittsburgh Pirates: McCutchen has hit safely in his last nine games (12-36, .333, 2 HR).

DFS MLB Picks (April 8, 2017)

Pitchers:

Jordan Zimmerman - Detroit Tigers: Zimmermann has made three career starts against the Red Sox and has a 1-1 record with a 6.06 ERA (16.1IP/11ER) and 13 strikeouts.

Adalberto Mejia - Minnesota Twins: Mejía made six appearances (1 start) in spring training, going 1-0, 1.88 ERA (14.1 IP, 3 ER) with four walks and 14 strikeouts. he was named the club's fifth starter on March 30, making his first-career Opening Day roster.

First Baseman:

Joey Votto - Cincinnati Reds: In his last 13 appearances vs. the Cardinals beginning on Aug. 2, 2016, Votto is hitting .415 (22-53, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2HR, 9RBI). His 22 hits are the most by any player vs. St. Louis in that span.

Second Baseman:

Brian Dozier - Minnesota Twins: Dozier us currently tied for the MLB lead with three stolen bases in 2017 (Eduardo Nuñez, Raúl Mondesi). He is a career .269 (85-for-316) hitter with 17 HR, 48 RBI in 81 games vs. the White Sox. His17 HR vs.them are tied for the most vs. any team (also 17 vs. Cleveland).

Shortstop:

Tim Anderson - Chicago White Sox: Anderson has three hits in his last eight at-bats after starting the season hitless in his first five plate appearances.

Third Baseman:

Nicholas Castellanos - Detroit Tigers: Castellanos went 1-for-3 with one run, a triple and a walk in his last game.

Catcher:

Jason Castro - Minnesota Twins: Castro is tied for the MLB lead with six walks in 2017. He is hitting .266 (17-for-64) with 5 HR, 12 RBI in 17 career games vs. the White Sox.

Outfielders:

Byron Buxton - Minnesota Twins: Buxton is a career .256 (20-for-78) hitter with 5 HR, 14 RBI in 26 games vs. the White Sox.

Jose Peraza - Cincinnati Reds: During spring training, Peraza led the team in hits (23) and at bats (27).

Robbie Grossman - Minnesota Twins: Grossman has a hit in 7 of his last 8 games (10-for-30) at Guaranteed Rate Field.

DFS MLB Picks (April 7, 2017)

Pitchers:

Ivan Nova - Pittsburgh Pirates: NOva faces Atlanta today. Against them, he is 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in one career start. He pitched 7.0 scoreless innings and struck out six batters while winning a 3-0 decision over Randall Delgado at Turner Field on 6/11/12.

Mike Foltynewicz - Atlanta Braves: Foltynewicz enters today’s start vs. Pittsburgh with a career-best five-game winning  streak. He has compiled a 3.88 ERA (22 ER/51.0 IP) during his run, which spans nine games and dates to 8/7/16. His streak is tied for the third-longest active winning streak among starting pitchers.

First Baseman:

Freddie Freeman - Atlanta Braves: Freeman posted a .489 (23-for-47) batting average in 18 spring games in 2017. He had three XBH, including two HR and 14 RBI. He poked a three-run home run last Friday night in an exhibition game vs. the Yankees at SunTrust Park.

Second Baseman:

Dustin Pedroia - Boston Red Sox: Pedroia played his 1,400th career game Wednesday, passing Dom DiMaggio (1,399) for 11th on the Sox’ all-time games played list. He reached in his 11th straight Opening Day start at 2B on Monday. The only Red Sox to start as many consecutive Opening Days at any position for the Red Sox is Carl Yastrzemski, who started 12 straight years in LF from 1961-72. Pedroia ranks among franchise leaders in hits (9th, 1,685), 2B (7th, 375), XBH (9th, 523), runs (10th, 875),
 SB (T-6th, 134), and TB (8th, 2,489).

Shortstop:

Jose Iglesias - Detroit Tigers: Iglesias finished Spring Training with a .314 (16x51) batting average with three runs scored, three doubles and four RBI in 21 games.

Third Baseman:

Nicholas Castellanos - Detroit Tigers: Yesterday against the White Sox, Castellanos went 1-for-4 with a double and a run earned. He hit the first Opening Day home run of his major league career on Tuesday against the White Sox.

Catcher:

Sandy Leon - Boston Red Sox: Leon fell a triple shy of the cycle Wednesday, ending the game with a 3-run walk-off HR in the 12th inning. According to Elias, he became the first catcher in Red Sox history to hit a walk-off HR in a shutout win. Elias also notes he was just the 4th Red Sox hitter with an extra-inning walk-off homer to end a shutout (first since Dave Stapleton in 1980). Leon was also the last player to hit such a HR and catch all 12+ innings of a shutout was STL's Del Rice in 1950 (4/30 vs. CHC, source: Elias).

Outfielders:

Emilio Bonifacio - Detroit Tigers: Bonifacio batted .278 (15-for-54) in 23 spring games, with two doubles and five RBIs.

Mookie Betts - Boston Red Sox: Betts has 24 hits in his last 15 games vs. AL Central opponents (.375/.403/.609), having reached safely in his last 10 such games, hitting in 9.

Jackie Bradley Jr. - Boston Red Sox: Bradley singled twice on Wednesday, including his 300th career hit, and stole his first base of 2017, improving to 23-for-25 (92%) in his career.

DFS MLB Picks (April 6, 2017)

Pitcher:

Jason Hammel - Kansas City Royals: Hammel earned a career-high 15 wins in 2016 with the Chicago Cubs, five more than his previous career high done four times (2009, ‘10, ‘14, ‘15). He had a 0.75 ERA (2 ER in 24.0 IP) through his first four starts, the second-best mark by a Cubs’ starter through four starts since 1920, according to Elias, trailing only Steve Stone (0.51 ERA in 1976). He won a career-high six straight starts following the 2016 All-Star break, posting a 0.95 ERA (4 ER in 38.0 IP) during that stretch. The Cubs went 17-13 (.567) in his 30 starts last season.

Kyle Gibson - Minnesota Twins: Gibson went 1-1 with a 1.59 ERA (28.1 IP, 5 ER), five walks and 19 strikeouts in Grapefruit League play in 2016. He led Minnesota in games started (7), innings pitched and strikeouts. His 1.59 ERA ranked second among qualified starters in both spring training leagues, and his 28.1 IP ranked second.

First Basemen:
Joey Votto - Cincinatti Reds: Votto led off the seventh inning of Wednesday’s 2-0 win vs Phi with his first HR of the season to snap the scoreless tie. It was the 222nd home run of his career, tying Jason Bay for fourth all-time among players born in Canada.

Second Baseman:
Brian Dozier - Minnesota Twins: Dozier hit .256 (10-for-39) with 1 2B, 1 HR, 6 RBI in 14 spring games. 2017 marks his fifth straight season as a Twins Opening Day second baseman.

Shortstop:

Aledmys Diaz - St. Louis Cardinals: Diaz is batting a cool .400 in April, leading the Majors in the month over the last two seasons. After joining the club on the second day of the season in 2016, Diaz batted .423 (30‐71) with eight doubles, one triple, four home runs and 13 RBI. He picked up two hits in his first two at bats of the 2017 season (double, single) on Sunday night and also stole two bases.

Third Baseman:

Nicholas Castellanos - Detroit Tigers: Castellanos was on the Tigers Opening Day roster for the fourth consecutive season. He hit the first Opening Day home run of his major league career on Tuesday at the White Sox. He posted a .377 (23x61) ba$  ng average with 10 runs scored, nine doubles, four home runs and 15 RBI in 22 Grapefruit League games. He tied for the Grapefruit League lead with nine doubles, while he was tied for second with 23 hits and tied for seventh with 15 RBI.

Catcher:

Alex Avila - Detroit Tigers: Avila layed in 20 games during Spring Training and hit .116 (5x43) with three runs scored.

Outfielders:

JaCoby Jones - Detroit Tigers: Jones hit the first home run of his major league career on Tuesday at CWS with a three-run homer off of José Quintana -- became the first Tigers rookie to homer on Opening Day since Kirk Gibson in 1980.

Robbie Grossman - Minnesota Twins: Grossman hit .238 (10-for-42) with 4 2B in 18 spring training games. 2017 marked his third career Opening Day (2 with Houston in 2014 and ‘15).

Tyler Collins - Detroit Tigers: Collins played in 24 games during Spring Training and hit .259 (14x54) with three runs scored, two doubles, three home runs and 13 RBI.

DFS MLB Picks (April 4, 2017)

Pitchers:

Jake Arietta - Chicago Cubs: Arietta posted a 5.79 ERA (9 ER/14.0 IP) in four Cactus League starts, striking out 17 batters, while walking just four. He made his final Spring start, March 28 vs. the Giants (4.0 innings). In 2016, Jake went 18-8 with a 3.10 ERA (68 ER/197.1 IP). He limited opponents to an MLB-best .194 batting average. He was named to the N.L. All-Star team, his first All-Star nod.

Justin Verlander - Detroit Tigers: Verlander has started 39 games in his career against the White Sox and has a 19-13 record with a 3.84 ERA (269.2IP/115ER) and 228 strikeouts. Verlander has won his last four decisions vs. Chicago (AL) and has posted a 2.39 ERA (49.0IP/13ER) and 59 strikeouts over the seven-start stretch. Verlander made three starts against the White Sox last season and compiled a 1-0 record with a 2.57 ERA (21.0IP/6ER) and 28 strikeoutss.

First Baseman:

Miguel Cabrera - Detroit Tigers: Cabrera hit .429 (12x28) with two runs scored, three doubles, one home run and three RBI in 11 games during Spring Training. He played in six games with Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic and hit .190 (4x21) with two runs scored, one home run and three RBIs.

Second Baseman:
Jonathan Villar - Milwaukee Brewers: Villar is .310 (9-for-29) in 7 career games against the Rockies with 4 runs, 4 doubles, 4 RBI, 4 walks and 4 steals after Monday's game.

Shortstop:

Trevor Story - Colorado Rockies: Story drove in one run with one hit in four at-bats in his first game of the 2017 season against Milwaukee on Monday.

Third Baseman:
Nolan Arenado - Colorado Rockies: Arenado is a .415 (27-for-65) with 18 runs, 6 doubles, 1 triple, 5 homers and 16 RBI hitter against the Brewers. He has safely hit in all 7 games he has played at Miller Park and is a .500 (14-for-28) batter with 4 doubles, 3 homers, 9 RBI and 2 walks.

Catcher:

Omar Navaraez - Chicago White Sox: Naveraez has gone 8-21 (.381) with RISP, 7-21 (.333) vs. LHP and 12-48 (.250) with two strikes.

Outfielders:

Melkey Cabrera - Chicago White Sox: Cabrera led the White Sox in doubles (42) and batting average (.296) last season. He ranks among the American League leaders since 2015 in doubles (5th, 78), multihit games (T6th, 104) and three-hit efforts (T7th, 28). His .313 (94-300) RISP mark since 2015 is ninth-best in the AL. Cabrera is hitting .320 (48-150) with RISP in Chicago since 2015.

Charlie Blackmon - Colorado Rockies: Blackmon recorded his first RBI at Miller Park in his 11th career game at the ballpark on Monday.

Ryan Braun - Milwaukee Brewers: Bruan became the fourth player in franchise history to start at least 10 games on Opening Day, joining Robin Yount (19), Paul Molitor (12) and Jim Gantner (11).