This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
We have 12 games Thursday, so there's a wealth of options out there. In addition, four of them are day games; so make sure to check the early lineups to ensure you don't waste money on players who won't be on the field. Here are our daily value plays for Thursday, September 24.
Pitcher:
Patrick Corbin, $7,200: If you like great pitching, then today is the day for you as we'll see multiple aces taking the hill. Clayton Kershaw ($13,100), Madison Bumgarner ($12,800), and Chris Sale ($12,300) are each, as always, strong and reliable FanDuel plays, even at their exorbitant prices. However, Corbin presents a much better buying opportunity at a fraction of the price. Corbin has been terrific since returning from Tommy John Surgery on July 4, but finally seems be hitting his stride of late. In his last five starts, the 26-year-old has yielded a 1.44 ERA while sporting an impressive 25:2 K:BB. In addition, Corbin faces a Dodgers lineup that hasn't been especially potent with a .237/.322/.376 team slash line over their last 25 games. Based on the way he's pitching, the matchup, and his surprisingly low price, Corbin is an outstanding value play that will allow you to spread your money more evenly over the rest of your lineup.
Catcher:
Francisco Cervelli, $3,000: Cervelli continues to keep hitting; the veteran has a .316 average over the last two weeks. It's not flashy, or exciting, or interesting, because it's not home runs or a bunch of counting stats, but the Pirate backstop just keeps getting on base. As a result of the lack of flash, Cervelli continues to get priced in a reasonable range considering his low floor. Add in that he'll be hitting in the thin Colorado air at Coors Field, and Cervelli is an even stronger buy, especially for $3,000 at a very weak position.
First Base:
Pedro Alvarez, $3,000: Let's stay in Colorado because, you know, it's good for fantasy. Alvarez comes at a price considering the Coors factor, and has actually been pretty good lately. The 28-year-old has a .925 OPS in the month of September, and has been even better over his last 10 games with a 1.130 OPS and three long balls. Also Alvarez, who has hit 22 of his 25 home runs against right-handed pitching, faces eminently hittable righty Chad Bettis. Oh yea, did I mention their playing in Coors Field?
Second Base:
Daniel Murphy, $3,500: Second base is ugly outside of the top few guys and Murphy actually presents the best value on the board, even at $3,500. Murphy's been white hot lately with a 1.441 OPS over the last week, and faces face right hander Josh Smith who has somehow allowed 16 earned runs in his 18.2 career innings in the majors this season. That is mind boggling. In addition, Murphy has been significantly better against righties this season, so he should tee off on Josh Smith and end being a nice value play as a result.
Third Base:
Todd Frazier, $2,900: Recently, Frazier has finally started to resemble to the guy we saw over the first half of the season. The Home Run Derby champ is sporting a 1.030 OPS over the last 14 days and has chipped in four bombs and a couple steals as well. In addition, Frazier faces lefty Steven Matz; even though Frazier has struggled for portions of the season, he's consistently murdered left-handed pitching to the tune of a .946 OPS. Most important, Frazier is available at a bargain basement price, especially considering how good he's been lately.
Shortstop:
Jordy Mercer, $3,100: With the dearth of quality shortstops available, it may be the toughest position to fill today. As a result, let's fall back on our old friend Coors Field, as Mercer has been hot over the last week with a .391/.440/.478 slash line while getting full time playing time since Jung-ho Kang was lost for the season. Mercer is available at a solid price, especially compared to those priced around him, and again is playing in Colorado. At a weak position with no great options, Mercer is the best upside play while still being affordable.
Outfield:
Shin-Soo Choo, $3,600: Choo has been awesome lately, sporting an impressive .366/.474/.538 slash line over the last 28 days, and an even better 1.220 OPS over his last 10 games. Choo, who's crushed right-handed pitching this season, faces righty Chris Bassitt which should be a nice matchup for the Korean import. As only the 12th-most expensive outfielder, Choo is a great value who should return a healthy profit based on his hot bat and the matchup with a right-hander.
Jason Heyward, $3,100: Heyward has been solid lately with an .885 OPS in his last 15 games. He faces struggling right-hander Taylor Jungmann who's rocking a 5.40 ERA over the last month, and has has given up 16 runs in his last three starts. For his part, Heyward has been significantly better against right-handed pitchers this season, and is available at a very reasonable price. Take advantage of this and put Heyward in your lineup.
Michael Conforto, $2700: Conforto has been a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners this season, as the rookie has delivered a solid season without much fanfare. Conforto has an impressive .918 OPS over his last 20 games, and faces afore mentioned terrible pitcher Josh Smith. Conforto has a sterling .292/.369/.562 slash line against right handed pitchers, so the matchup with Smith is just too enticing to ignore. And that's not even mentioning Conforto's insanely low price. Roll with the rookie and thank me later.
