Welcome to MLB DFS Diamond Picks. The 2020 Season is finally here, albeit with some hiccups and other inconveniences all related to the current state of the pandemic. Hopefully, we can turn to Major League Baseball for the next few months or so as it represents for many, a sense of normalcy. I have four games circled on the docket for daily fantasy selections. Let’s break down the picks and see if we can build some winning combinations.
PITCHER
Andrew Heaney LAA (vs.Seattle Mariners)
Heaney is off to a fine start to the abbreviated season. He only pitched 4.2 innings versus a formidable Athletics lineup in his debut start to the campaign, but did manage to strikeout 6. The Mariners were considered a bottom tiered offense in 2019. They scored 758 runs as a team, 20th in the bigs. Their combined team average of .237 was second-worst in all of baseball. As per roster resource, Seattle features as many as four to six left-handed batters in their lineup on any given game-day. Heaney, a southpaw, will try to take advantage of the favorable situation.
INFILED
Adalberto Mondesi KC 2B/SS
Mondesi is an exciting young player that is on par with expectations and will be looking to tee off Tyler Boyd and the Detroit Tigers. Mondesi provides speed and is frequently featured at the top of the Royals order. Over his career, In 34 games spanning over four seasons versus Detroit, Mondesi has swiped seven bags and hit to a .327 average.
Joey Votto CIN 1B
A lot has been said about the decreased power numbers Votto produced in 2018(12 HR) and 2019(15 HR). It’s warranted based on the fact that Votto is now 36. It’s only natural to see some bat to ball skills take a slight hit. Also, Votto has missed a bit of time due to injury. What remains intact, and why I’m endorsing him as a nice value play, is Votto’s elite approach at the plate along with his outstanding bat-to-ball skills. Votto will face Kyle Hendricks of the Cubs who has looked great early on. The head-to-head here favors the Reds first baseman. All-toll Mr. Votto is slashing .393/.575/..821 with three bombs in 40 career plate appearances.
OUTFIELD
Lorenzo Cain MIL
The Brew-Crew get a plus matchup on Wednesday as they head to PNC Park to take on the Pittsburgh Pirates and right-handed starter Joe Musgrove. Musgrove is still a work in progress and will be in tough against a formidable Brewer lineup. Milwaukee tagged Musgrove in 2019 clearing the fence five times while Musgrove was on the bump for just 12 innings. Steady centerfielder Lorenzo Cain is a constant catalyst and will look to build off a successful 2019 versus the Pirates. In 18 games last season Cain knocked in 12 runs and carried a favorable 93 Weighted Runs Created+.
Really feel strong about the prospects of Merrifield having a good day at the dish in this one. Albeit early in the season, Whit is up to Whit-like things taking off where he left off last season as being one of the league’s premier contact hitters. He has seven hits in just five games along with two doubles, a couple of taters, and seven RBI. Merrifield will be matched up against left-hander Matthew Boyd. Merrifield’s track record versus Boyd is very impressive. In 42 career plate appearances, the swift outfielder is slashing .513/.548/.744.
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