DraftKings Early MLB Picks For September 14

Sep 12, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; A general view of the DraftKings sign board during the match with FC Dallas playing against New York City FC at Toyota Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

There are only four afternoon games today. There are three aces on the mound though. Three pitchers cost above $11,000 on DraftKings. Should we try for two of them since DraftKings has two pitcher slots, or should we find bargains and pay for hitters? Should we use two from the middle tier? Let’s check the past stats for some help.

NOTE: these picks are based solely on statistics. Some players have never faced their opponents, or have very little experience against them. I am not saying that none of those are good picks. The highest scorer of the day could be someone with no experience against his opponent. This is based on statistical analysis only. If you have a gut feeling, then by all means, follow that. This is not an exact science. The best lineups usually have a mix of proven stats and hot players. Check out this post from Matt McGarvey for great tips about whether to use a hot player in DFS or not.

Robert Gsellman gave up only one run on six hits and three walks while striking out four in six innings against the Nationals eleven days ago. Can he do it again?

For you first time players, if you would like $20 worth of free entry tickets, use this link for the referral bonus! Then continue reading for tips on how to turn that $20 into more!

Sep 9, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Madison Bumgarner (40) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports

Best Bets:

Madison Bumgarner ($13,400): The Padres are hitting a respectable .254 with three homers, 12 RBI, and 43 strikeouts against Bumgarner in 134 at bats. Those numbers aren’t quite elite, but this is on a short slate, and the other high priced option may still be on a pitch count. And, well, its the Padres. Bumgarner’s ERA is over 4 since July 1st, but he could get it back under that today against this team.

Tanner Roark ($8,900): Roark has pitched well against the Mets. They are hitting only .222 against him in 162 at bats with two homers, only eight runs, and 36 strikeouts. He didn’t pitch that well against the boys from Queens on September 3rd, but his career stats suggest that was just a blip on the radar. Both of the current Mets that have homered off of him, Justin Ruggiano and David Wright, are both on the DL.

Honorable Mention:

Clayton Kershaw ($12,700): Kershaw was rusty and on a pitch count his last time out. He should start returning to old form, but it may not happen yet. That said, Kershaw at 75% is still one of the best pitchers in the league. The current Yankees are only hitting .173 against him in 104 at bats with one homer, only seven runs, and 24 strikeouts. He would be the top option if we knew he was 100% healthy.

Michael Pineda ($7,500): Pineda has never faced the Dodgers, but he has faced a few members of the team. If you take out the injured Trayce Thompson‘s stats, the current Dodgers are only 3-16 with two RBI and five strikeouts against Pineda. He likely wont get a win, but he could put up some solid numbers.

Sep 6, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a two-run homer in the eighth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Don’t forget to check out the DFS Lineup Optimizer over at FantasyPros. You can also pick your favorite players or favorite stack, and it will optimize the lineup around that! It really is an invaluable tool for you DFS players!

Believe it or not, the Cardinals have hit Jon Lester well. Matt Carpenter ($3,500) is 4-17(.235) with two walks, a double, a triple, and a RBI. Yadier Molina ($2,900) is 5-16(.313) with two walks, two doubles, and four RBI. Jhonny Peralta ($2,500) is 10-43(.233) with five walks, a double, three homers, and six RBI against Lester. Stephen Piscotty ($4,000) is only 1-7, but he has two walks to go with his two run homer.

The past stats say it could be a high scoring game at Busch! Dexter Fowler ($4,200) is 6-20 with three walks, a double, and three RBI against Carlos Martinez. Jason Heyward ($2,500) is 4-11 with a double and two RBI off of his former teammate. Miguel Montero ($2,800) is only 2-12(.167), but he has three walks, a double, and three RBI. Anthony Rizzo ($4,800) is 6-20 with three walks, a double, a triple, two homers, and six RBI against Martinez. Addison Russell ($3,500) is 4-13(.308) with a walk and a RBI. Ben Zobrist ($3,700) is 2-7 with two walks and two RBI against Martinez

September 2, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres catcher Derek Norris (3) hits a two run RBI double in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Norris ($2,500) is 10-33(.303) with a walk, two doubles, a homer, and six RBI against Madison Bumgarner. If he starts today, he should be in your lineup as well. Jon Jay ($3,000) is 6-14(.429) with two walks, three doubles, and three RBI. Wil Myers ($3,500) only has four hits in 20 at bats, but he has four walks, a double, and a solo homer.

Curtis Granderson ($4,200) is 7-23 (.304) with a walk, four doubles, and four RBI against Tanner Roark.

Angel Pagan ($3,600) is 3-5 with a homer and two RBI against Luis Perdomo.

Chase Headley ($2,500) is 11-52(.212) with two walks, three doubles, a triple, a homer, and six RBI against Clayton Kershaw. Can he pick up where he left off with the Padres?

Be sure to check out the FanDuel picks from out experts in that area! Brian Tulloch provides the picks and alternative plays if you don’t want to follow the herd. Don’t play on FanDuel before checking it out!

Good luck out there, and check out our picks for FanDuel baseball!