Shohei Ohtani Named Among Top MLB DFS Picks for Friday, July 17

Shohei Ohtani appears on Friday’s must-watch MLB DFS slate as DFS millionaire Mike McClure names the Los Angeles Angels star among his top FanDuel and DraftKings picks for July 17, 2026.

Who picked Shohei Ohtani for DFS?

Mike McClure, a DFS pro with over $2 million in career winnings and a predictive data engineer at SportsLine, has included Shohei Ohtani in his Friday MLB DFS player pool. McClure’s model simulates every minute of every game 10,000 times to find optimal value plays. His lineup advice is exclusive to SportsLine and is widely followed by DFS players chasing tournament wins.

What’s the DFS slate for July 17?

A 15-game MLB schedule drops on Friday, headlined by an American League East doubleheader between the Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. First pitch starts at 1:35 p.m. ET, with the final game at 10:10 p.m. ET. McClure’s top targets include Shohei Ohtani alongside stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Yordan Alvarez, and Pete Alonso.

Why does Shohei Ohtani matter in DFS?

Ohtani’s dual-threat profile-elite hitting and pitching upside-makes him a cornerstone for DFS lineups on high-scoring nights. McClure’s model factors in matchups, injuries, and statistical trends to flag players poised for breakout performances. Ohtani’s inclusion signals his continued relevance in daily fantasy despite recent team struggles.

What’s next for Ohtani and DFS players?

McClure will reveal his full slate-winning stacks and player pools later today. His picks are designed to exploit weak pitching and favorable park factors, with a focus on high-upside hitters and starting pitchers. DFS players are urged to check SportsLine before locking in lineups to avoid missing out on tournament-winning value.