This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Welcome to another edition of our FanDuel value plays for Thursday, August 13. We've only got five night games on the schedule tonight, so there will be a lot of similarities between rosters. As usual, be sure to keep an eye on any last minute lineup changes and check in on any players who are dealing with minor injuries. Good Luck!
Starting Pitcher:
Stephen Strasburg, $9,400 - This will certainly be a popular pick tonight, but it's hard to argue against it after his performance in his last start on Saturday against the Rockies. Strasburg gave up just one run on three hits across seven innings pitched, and he recorded 12 strikeouts without surrendering a walk. It was his first start after being placed on the disabled list back in early July, and the performance would suggest that he's back to full strength. A much cheaper option would be Jeremy Guthrie at $5,300.
Catcher:
Yasmani Grandal, $3,200 - Grandal has been one of the most productive catchers in the league this season and he'll have a favorable matchup against right-hander Keyvius Sampson of the Reds tonight who'll be making just his third career start in the big leagues. Grandal is hitting .273 against right-handed pitching with all 15 of his home runs. Chris Iannetta would be a nice low-end option at $2,400.
First Base:
Adrian Gonzalez, $3,500 - First base is one of the deeper positions on the board and even with just five games on the schedule, there is still a handful of good options to choose from. I was leaning towards Teixeira, but decided to go with Gonzalez in an attempt to load up on Dodgers hitters tonight against Sampson and the Reds. Gonzalez is batting .291 with 20 home runs against left-handers this season and should have a good opportunity to have a big night on Thursday.
Second Base:
Neil Walker, $2,900 - Walker has crushed right-handed pitching over the course of his career and he'll get Lance Lynn and the Cardinals tonight. The 29-year old second baseman is hitting .271 with all 11 of his home runs coming against lefties this year, and he comes with a very reasonable price tag. If Walker isn't in the lineup, another solid option would be Anthony Rendon at $2,800.
Third Base:
Todd Frazier, $3,100 - Frazier certainly got off to a rough start in the second half of the season, and many believe that it could relate to the home run derby competition. This would probably explain why his price tag has continued to drop. He's recorded four hits in his last two games including a home run and three RBI. At $3,100, Frazier could be a steal tonight.
Shortstop:
Jhonny Peralta, $2,600 - Peralta provides great production at a position where offense can be very scarce, and he'll get a matchup against left-hander Francisco Liriano tonight. The 33-year old shortstop is batting .295 against lefties opposed to just a .240 average against righties, so tonight's matchup should certainly work in his favor. Peralta has 16 home runs and 55 RBI on the season, and he comes with a very reasonable price tag. Brandon Crawford at $3,400 would be another solid option.
Outfield:
Lorenzo Cain, $4,100 - This will mark the second straight day that I've selected Cain, and I just can't get away from him at this point. He went 2-for-4 with a run scored last night to bring his average up to .318, and he's recorded four doubles in his last five games. Cain is a true five-tool player who can provide solid number across the board. He's got 12 hits in his last six games and has certainly shown no signs of slowing down.
Michael Brantley, $4,000 - Speaking of five-tool players, Michael Brantley certainly fits that category and he might be arguably the hottest hitter in baseball right now. The 28-year old outfielder has recorded three hits in each of his last three games, and 18 hits over his last ten games combined. He's now batting .316 on the year with 62 RBI and 48 runs scored.
Andre Ethier, $2,900 - This would be Dodgers hitter No. 3 on the night as we're loading up against Keyvius Sampson of the Reds who'll be making just the third start of his career. Ethier has recorded four hits in his last three games and he's hitting .297 with all 12 of his home runs against righties this season. He comes with a very reasonable price tag, and he should love his matchup tonight at home.
Other Notable Outfielders:
Jacoby Ellsbury, $3,000
Marlon Byrd, $2,800
