MLB DFS Plays for Sunday, April 17, 2022

We have ten games on the slate for today’s games with the first pitch at 1:05 PM EST. Today’s slate of games is highlighted by Jose Ramirez  and the Cleveland Guardians taking on Joc Pederson and the San Francisco Giants in Cleveland.

Weather shouldn’t be a problem as no contest has a higher than 20 percent chance of rain across the slate of games.

Here is a selection of today’s Core Players 50-50 MLB DFS lineup for 4/17/22 (using DraftKings Values)

Alek Manoah ($10,000) – Manoah joined the Blue Jays shortly after the lockout ended in March, and he’s been a phenomenal addition thus far. In his first start, Manoah pitched six shutout innings against the Yankees in Yankee Stadium. He allowed just one hit and struck out seven en route to his first win of the season, and will look to keep the momentum rolling with a matchup against the Athletics at home. Of course one start isn’t everything, but Manoah also posted a 3.13 ERA in 116 innings last season to go with 123 strikeouts. Manoah is in line for another good game, and with a great matchup, he’s worth the higher price ttag

Jose Ramirez ($5,400) – Ramirez is currently the hottest player in baseball for the Guardians, although I’m still not used to calling my home team that. With six hits over his last three games, Ramirez has a batting average of .464 to go with three home runs, 14 RBI and six runs scored. Interestingly enough, he hasn’t stolen a base yet. Ramirez stole 27 bases last year, so its only a matter of time before he’s adding value there as well. Ramirez is still underpriced for his value to your Lineups.

Alex Verdugo ($4,100) – Verdugo has been a great contact hitter since coming into the league with a batting average hovering around .300. However, he’s homered twice in as many days. In addition, Verdugo is batting .292 on the year with four walks batting in the middle of a very good Red Sox lineup. Today, he’ll get a matchup with the Twins at home.

The Pitchers

Nestor Cortes ($8,200 DK) Cortes is coming off a solid start earlier this week against the loaded Blue Jays, in which he scattered just three hits across four and a third scoreless innings. The young lefty showed great command throwing 46 of his 72 pitches for strikes while not issuing a walk. He should be able to pitch deeper in this game against the Orioles in Baltimore, where he’ll look to pick up his first win.

Aaron Ashby – ($6,000 DK) – This is likely the lowest price you’ll see Ashby all season. Ashby is a rookie with outstanding breaking pitches to go with a fastball that can touch triple digits on the radar. He’s already made two appearances from the bullpen for the Brewers this season, and threw 68 pitches in three and a third scoreless innings in his last appearance. With that in mind, I’m not expecting him to be limited for this start. Today, he’ll get a matchup at home against the Cardinals.

The Value Players

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. ($3,900) – Gurriel is a good value on a great team in Toronto. He’s coming off back to back multi-hit games, and it’s no coincidence he’s been batting cleanup in those games. Gurriel has had to fill in the hole left by Teoscar Hernandez, and has been doing it fairly well. Today, he gets a matchup with the Athletics and Adam Oller, who gave up five runs in his last start and didn’t make it out of the second inning. Look for Gurriel to take advantage of the good matchup at home, and with hitters like George Springer, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Bo Bichette in front of him, what’s not to like?

Spencer Torkelson ($2,900) – Torkelson is one of the most highly anticipated rookies in all of baseball, and made early headlines when he was named the opening day starter for the Tigers. He is an excellent hitter, and has shown great plate discipline early, as evidenced by his five walks. In addition, Torkelson has now hit safely in four of his last five games to go with two home runs over that span. Today, he gets a matchup with division rival Kansas City.

Owen Miller ($2,600) – Similar to his teammate across the diamond, Jose Ramirez, Miller is off to a scorching hot start. Miller currently leads the league in doubles with six, to go with his unbelievable .522 batting average. His price still doesn’t accurately reflect what he presents to your lineup, so take advantage of that. While we can. Miller has a matchup with San Francisco at home.

The Stacks

Los Angeles Dodgers – With the Dodgers off season additions you can really stack almost any part of their lineup from top to bottom. You should look to base your stack though on one or both of their higher priced players in Freddie Freeman and Trae Turner, as they offer the most upside. And then mix and match from there with the likes of Max Muncy, Nookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Turner. In addition, they have a solid matchup with Cincinnati at home.

Colorado Rockies – The Rockies  have a high implied run total today at 5, which means their stacks should be considered. For me, I want to look at some combination of Kris Bryant, CJ Cron, Connor Joe, and Ryan Mahon or Charlie Blackmon. In addition to playing at home in Colorado, they have a plus matchup against the Cubs, which could turn into a bullpen game.

New York Yankees – The Yankees have the second highest implied run total today at 5.1. Their stacks should consist of Giancarlo Stanton, Aaron Judge, and Anthony Rizzo, but you could add in Josh Donaldson or DJ LeMahieu if you are looking for some salary relief. The Yankees are on the road in Baltimore.

Go win your lineup and tell us how you did. Twitter (@FantasyDFSX) is a good place for that