MLB DFS Picks: Top DraftKings & FanDuel Plays April 17
SportsLine's Mike McClure shares his proven MLB DFS strategy for Friday, April 17, featuring Shohei Ohtani and other high-value plays that can help you dominate your contests.
Daily fantasy baseball players face a crucial decision every time they build a lineup. With MLB offering a full slate of games on Friday, April 17, finding the right combination of stars and value plays can mean the difference between cashing and going home empty-handed. SportsLine's Mike McClure, who has earned more than $2 million in daily fantasy winnings, breaks down his top picks for DraftKings and FanDuel contests.
McClure's track record speaks volumes about his analytical approach to MLB DFS. His methodology combines advanced statistics, matchup analysis, and real-time adjustments to identify players positioned for breakout performances. For Friday's slate, his picks include two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani alongside several under-the-radar options that provide roster flexibility.
Why Should Shohei Ohtani Lead Your Friday MLB DFS Picks?
Shohei Ohtani stands as one of the most unique assets in daily fantasy baseball. His dual-threat capability as both a hitter and pitcher creates lineup construction advantages that few players can match. On Friday, Ohtani's matchup presents favorable conditions for DFS production.
The Angels' slugger demonstrates consistent power against right-handed pitching this season. His exit velocity metrics rank in the top 10 percent of MLB hitters, while his barrel rate suggests sustainable home run production. McClure identifies Ohtani's price point on both platforms as reasonable given his ceiling potential.
Ohtani's recent form shows three home runs in his last five games. His ISO (isolated power) against righties sits at .280, indicating legitimate power threat status. These numbers make him a cornerstone play for cash games and tournaments alike.
How Should You Approach Pitcher Selection on April 17?
Pitcher selection drives MLB DFS success more than any other position. Friday's slate features several aces with premium pricing alongside mid-tier options with exploitable matchups. McClure's strategy focuses on strikeout upside combined with favorable team totals.
The key metrics for pitcher evaluation include K/9 rate, WHIP, and opponent wOBA. Pitchers facing lineups with high strikeout rates provide safer floors, while those in pitcher-friendly parks offer additional security. Weather conditions also play a crucial role, with wind direction and temperature affecting ball flight.
Target pitchers with recent velocity increases or improved pitch mix utilization. These indicators often precede breakout performances that casual players overlook. McClure's model weighs these factors against salary to identify optimal value.
What Makes a Strong MLB DFS Stack Strategy?
Stacking remains the most effective tournament strategy in daily fantasy baseball. Correlating hitters from the same lineup captures upside when offenses explode for double-digit runs. McClure's approach identifies teams with favorable park factors and weak opposing pitchers.
Friday's slate includes several teams projected for high run totals. The key elements of successful stacking include:
Top-order hitters: Players batting 1-4 see the most plate appearances and RBI opportunities
Park factors: Hitter-friendly venues like Coors Field or Great American Ball Park boost offensive output
Bullpen exploitation: Teams facing exhausted or ineffective relief pitchers offer late-game scoring potential
Weather conditions: Warm temperatures and wind blowing out increase home run probability
McClure's model identifies specific stacks that combine these factors with reasonable ownership projections. Lower-owned stacks provide tournament differentiation while maintaining strong scoring potential.
Which Value Plays Provide Salary Relief?
Balancing stars with value plays creates the roster flexibility necessary for optimal lineups. McClure identifies several players priced below $4,000 on DraftKings and $3,000 on FanDuel who offer legitimate upside. These selections allow roster construction that includes multiple premium options.
Value hunting requires identifying temporary price inefficiencies. Players returning from injury, moving up in batting orders, or facing particularly weak pitchers represent prime targets. Recent call-ups from Triple-A often carry minimal pricing despite major league ability.
McClure's research highlights specific middle infielders and outfielders who check multiple value boxes. These players provide the salary savings needed to roster Ohtani alongside other premium bats. Their projected ownership remains low, offering tournament leverage.
What Are the Cash Game vs. Tournament Strategy Differences?
Successful DFS players adjust their approach based on contest type. Cash games reward consistency and safe floors, while tournaments require calculated risks and ceiling plays. McClure's Friday recommendations include separate builds for each format.
Cash game lineups should emphasize:
High-floor pitchers: Aces with strong strikeout rates and low walk rates
Consistent hitters: Players with stable batting averages and on-base percentages
Favorable matchups: Avoiding elite opposing pitchers and tough ballparks
Proven performers: Veterans with track records over unproven rookies
Tournament lineups require different priorities. Contrarian plays, correlation stacks, and boom-or-bust pitchers create the upside needed to finish in top-heavy payout positions. McClure's model calculates optimal ownership levels for each player type.
Which Advanced Metrics Inform Expert Picks?
McClure's success stems from leveraging advanced analytics that casual players often ignore. Metrics like wOBA (weighted on-base average), FIP (fielding independent pitching), and hard-hit rate provide deeper insight than traditional statistics.
For hitters, expected statistics (xBA, xSLG) based on batted ball data reveal players due for regression or breakout. Launch angle and exit velocity combinations identify optimal contact quality. These numbers often predict future performance before traditional stats reflect changes.
Pitching analysis incorporates spin rate, pitch usage, and sequencing patterns. Pitchers who effectively tunnel their offerings or show increased fastball velocity present attractive targets. McClure's models weight these factors alongside opponent quality and recent form.
How Can You Maximize Upside Through Roster Construction?
Building optimal lineups requires balancing correlation, diversification, and salary allocation. McClure recommends specific roster construction approaches based on slate size and contest type. His Friday blueprint provides actionable guidance for both platforms.
DraftKings' scoring system rewards extra-base hits and stolen bases more heavily than FanDuel. This difference influences player selection, with speed-power combinations gaining value on DK. FanDuel's bonus for doubling and tripling makes contact hitters more attractive.
Salary distribution typically follows the 70-30 rule, allocating 70 percent to hitting and 30 percent to pitching in cash games. Tournaments allow more aggressive pitcher spending to secure aces with win equity. McClure's specific allocations for April 17 optimize expected value across both approaches.
How Can You Implement Expert Strategy for Friday's Slate?
Mike McClure's MLB DFS picks for Friday, April 17 provide a roadmap for building competitive lineups on DraftKings and FanDuel. His emphasis on Shohei Ohtani reflects the superstar's unique combination of power, consistency, and reasonable pricing. His additional recommendations span pitchers, stacks, and value plays that create roster flexibility.
Successful daily fantasy baseball requires combining analytical rigor with strategic risk management. McClure's proven methodology offers players at all skill levels actionable insights for improving their results. Follow his guidance on player selection, roster construction, and contest-specific strategy to maximize your chances of profitability on Friday's slate.
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