MLB DFS action on Sunday, April 25, features 16 games across four slates with giant contests on Yahoo, DraftKings and FanDuel. Before locking in MLB DFS picks and lineups, make sure to check out Awesemo’s daily fantasy baseball top stacks, picks, rankings and projections. Let’s dig into some MLB DFS picks and daily fantasy baseball stacks, including the Red Sox, Twins and more.
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MLB DFS Picks: Spotlight Hitters and Stacks, Sunday, April 25th
Yahoo Stack of the Day: Boston Red Sox vs. LHP Nick Margevicius — 5.0 implied runs
There will be rain throughout the morning in Boston, though things clear up in the early afternoon so this game should not be in danger of being postponed today. Gamers should thank the Mariners for having such a shaky rotation that they felt the need not only to claim Nick Margevicius off waivers after he was released by the Padres, but also that he has been a starter for them each of the last two years.
Though he is just 25 years old, Margevicius has had to fast-forward to the “crafty lefty” phase of his career already. Essentially, the southpaw has just two pitches in his arsenal. First he comes at hitters 60% of the time with a not-so-fast fastball that barely touches 90 mph, and then he works in a mediocre curveball. In the past he has tried a slider, but that has not brought much success. Oh, and he does not throw a changeup. How can a soft-tossing lefty not throw a changeup? (Please note this information is per Baseball Info Solutions, who has not recorded a changeup for Margevicius since the 2019 season).
Across 337 career lefty/righty matchups, Margevicius has actually survived with an 18.7% strikeout rate and just a 33.3% fly-ball rate, though the 9.2% walk rate and 1.42 HR/9 are lurking under the surface. Same-handed batsmen have tattooed him with a 2.12 HR/9 and a .260 ISO. Rolling with Rafael Devers is going to be a pleasure today. Boston should be featuring noted lefty specialist Enrique Hernandez at the top of the order, and gamers can feather in J.D. Martinez and Xander Bogaerts as well for a full stack. On sites that require a backstop, Christian Vazquez is a fine play, as his lofty salary will keep most gamers at bay. Hunter Renfroe is a discount dandy with his near minimum salary across the DFS landscape, and he has an absurd .342 ISO in his last 221 plate appearances against opposite-handed hurlers.
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Mid-Afternoon Slate
Minnesota Twins vs RHP Wil Crowe — 5.1 implied runs
It is going to be miserable in Minnesota today with game-time temperatures in the mid-40s and a strong 10- to 12-mph breeze coming in from right field. There is also a chance of afternoon showers, so keep an eye on the precipitation. However, the matchup against Wil Crowe is such a good one, it is safe to roll the dice against Mother Nature.
While he was an above average starter in the SEC, Crowe does not have particularly dominating stuff. Across a dozen innings between three starts last year and one appearance this season, he has allowed five home runs, 14 runs and 10 walks. Projection systems do not give him favorable marks either, with a K/9 of 7.0 to 7.5, BB/9 of 3.7 to 4.1 and a HR/9 of 1.35 to 1.60. In plainer terms, he is looking at an ERA in the 5.00 to 5.50 range and a preponderance of power allowed to opposing hitters. Look to the boppers in the Twins lineup today, focusing on Nelson Cruz, Josh Donaldson, Mitch Garver, Byron Buxton and Jake Cave. The weather risk and salaries should keep most gamers shying away from this opportunity.
Coors Field Extravaganza
Philadelphia Phillies at Jon Gray — 5.8 implied runs
Colorado Rockies vs. RHP Chase Anderson — 5.9 implied runs
Depending on the DFS site of choice, one may be able to find Coors Field on at least one-game slates. DraftKings has a two-game late slate that also includes the Marlins – Giants game. Yahoo includes all the games on their main slate, and FanDuel has an all-day slate for enjoying baseball at high altitude.
It is going to be a very pleasant afternoon in Denver with game-time temperatures in the mid-70s. Chase Anderson has a combined .230 ISO to batters from both sides of the plate over his last 185.2 innings, with a dreadful 5.02 xFIP and a 1.79 HR/9. Focus on the Rockies who have some pop, though pretty much anyone in the lineup is worthwhile in this matchup.
While Jon Gray survives with Coors Field as his home park as a groundball pitcher, he too allows a fair amount of power. And though it does not always translate into longballs, the expansive outfield and the thin air of Denver leads to lots of doubles and triples. Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and J.T. Realmuto are the top options, but do not be shy about working in youngster Alec Bohm or veterans Andrew McCutchen, Didi Gregorius and Brad Miller.
Final Thoughts for the Sunday, April 25th MLB DFS Slate
Be aware of the weather in Minnesota, New York, San Francisco and Boston. Also, Arizona and Atlanta are playing a doubleheader, so know that their games are scheduled for seven innings. As always, keep in mind that salaries and scoring formats differ across the various fantasy sites, and a home run play on Yahoo may be a below-average MLB DFS pick on DraftKings or FanDuel.
