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).