James Paxton was this season's most obvious "breakout candidate" -- which is usually a sign that somewhat won't break out. But Paxton hasn't disappointed so far this year, allowing zero runs and just eight hits while striking out 22 through three starts. Today, he's facing a 32-year-old who hasn't pitched in the majors since 2010, which makes Paxton the most obvious daily fantasy baseball pick. All DFS players know how "sure things" can turn out, but is Paxton too good to not have in your lineup on Thursday?
Quick piece of DFS strategy advice: No one is too good to not have in your lineup, especially on a day with several aces going. Paxton might seem like a must in cash games, but it's not as if the A's can't hit. He's going to give up some runs eventually, and even a solid performance might not be on par with today's other studs (Noah Syndergaard, Stephen Strasburg, etc.). We're not necessarily trying to steer you away from Seattle's newest star, but there are lots of other good options.
Carlos Martinez, Danny Duffy, Lance McCullers Jr., and Aaron Nola all have big-time upside, though Nola is a bit of a worry since he's opposite Syndergaard. Ervin Santana has started the season almost as hot as Paxton, allowing just one run in 22 innings, but he doesn't have the strikeout upside and faces a tougher matchup. Matt Shoemaker and Daniel Norris looked better in their last starts, though walks remain an issue for Norris. Still, his chances at a win are a little stronger going opposite Erasmo Ramirez.
MORE DFS: Thursday Lineup | Lineup Builder
Another spot to watch is in San Diego, where southpaws Patrick Corbin and Clayton Richard will clash. While neither is lights out, both are capable and in a great environment, and obviously one has a good chance of a win.
Daily Fantasy Baseball Rankings: Pitchers
| Rank | Pitcher | Team | Opp. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Noah Syndergaard, RHP | NYM | vs. PHI |
| 2 | Stephen Strasburg, RHP | WAS | at ATL |
| 3 | Chris Sale, LHP | BOS | at TOR |
| 4 | James Paxton, LHP | SEA | at OAK |
| 5 | Carlos Martinez, RHP | STL | at MIL |
| 6 | Danny Duffy, LHP | KC | at TEX |
| 7 | Lance McCullers Jr., RHP | HOU | vs. LAA |
| 8 | Aaron Nola, RHP | PHI | at NYM |
| 9 | Ervin Santana, RHP | MIN | vs. CLE |
| 10 | Matt Shoemaker, RHP | LAA | at HOU |
| 11 | Daniel Norris, LHP | DET | at TB |
| 12 | Trevor Bauer, RHP | CLE | at MIN |
| 13 | Marco Estrada, RHP | TOR | vs. BOS |
| 14 | Patrick Corbin, LHP | ARI | at SD |
| 15 | Erasmo Ramirez, RHP | TB | vs. DET |
| 16 | R.A. Dickey, RHP | ATL | vs. WAS |
| 17 | Clayton Richard, LHP | SD | vs. ARI |
| 18 | Andrew Cashner, RHP | TEX | vs. KC |
| 19 | Zach Davies, RHP | MIL | vs. STL |
| 20 | Wade Miley, LHP | BAL | at CIN |
| 21 | Scott Feldman, RHP | CIN | vs. BAL |
| 22 | Cesar Valdez, RHP | OAK | vs. SEA |
Daily Fantasy Baseball Picks: Thursday, April 20
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Finding more than a handful of high-quality options at each position is a bit more difficult today, as there are only four afternoon afternoon games and seven late. However, there is always potential value in slow-starting players, there are plenty of favorable hitting matchups, especially in the main slate. Take advantage. -- Steve Pimental
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Daily Fantasy Baseball Stacks: Thursday, April 20
Royals: Salvador Pérez, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar
Mariners: Nelson Cruz, Robinson Canó, Jarrod Dyson, Mitch Haniger, Kyle Seager