This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
We have 13 games Thursday, so there's a wealth of options. In addition, seven are day games, so make sure to check the early lineups to ensure you don't waste money on players who won't be in the field.
PITCHER:
Edinson Volquez, KC vs. DET ($7,900): While you can't go wrong paying up for one of the many aces on the board, Volquez presents a nice alternative at a steep discount. Volquez's 2016 campaign is off to a nice start as he sits 2-0 with a 2.04 ERA. But the most impressive thing has been Volquez's jump in strikeouts; his 23.6 percent K rate would be his best since 2010 if he were to keep up this pace all season. Granted, we're talking about the smallest of sample sizes, but Volquez is throwing harder, so maybe there's hope for it to continue. In addition, the 32-year-old faces a right-handed heavy Detroit lineup, at home in the spacious confines of Kaufman Stadium.
CATCHER:
Wilson Ramos, WSH at MIA ($2,900): Ramos has started the season on a tear, sporting a .382 wOBA through his first 11 games. He's always had potential but has yet to come close to reaching it; and some believe that offseason Lasik eye surgery may have been the impetus for him to finally turn the corner. Regardless, he's modestly priced and faces the eminently hittable Tom Koehler, who's actually been worse against right-handed hitters (.330 wOBA allowed) over the course of his undistinguished career.
FIRST BASE:
Adrian Gonzalez, LAD at ATL ($3,300): For some reason Gonzalez seems to love hitting in April, as the 13-year veteran has racked up an impressive .383 career wOBA in the month, and this year appears to be no different. He also has a terrific matchup against uninspiring righty Matt Wisler and his career .413 wOBA allowed to left-handed hitters. Not only does Gonzalez pound right-handed pitching (career .380 wOBA), but he is priced extremely reasonably, all things considered.
SECOND BASE:
Starlin Castro, NYY vs. OAK ($3,200): Castro has raked so far in his first season as a Yankee (.385 wOBA), and is only one season removed from posting a .340 wOBA in 2014. The 26-year-old is talented and seems to be benefitting from the change of scenery. He now has a great matchup against Rich Hill, who has struggled against right-handers over the course of his career, including this season (.427 wOBA allowed). Castro represents a great upside play for a moderate investment.
THIRD BASE:
Jake Lamb, ARI at SF ($2,900): Lamb is another guy who is off to a strong start this season (.380 wOBA) and has been especially potent against right-handed pitching (.420 wOBA). While Johnny Cueto is not the easiest matchup, he's shown to be susceptible to bad outings, and he has been significantly worse against left-handed hitters. Based on the cheap cost, Lamb presents a nice high ceiling play at a relative bargain.
SHORTSTOP:
Javier Baez, CHC at CIN ($2,300): Baez has only had a handful of plate appearances this season, but he has acquitted himself well and seems to be garnering the favor of manager Joe Maddon. Baez has been notably more successful against left-handers in his young career (.328 wOBA), and despite a matchup with a tough lefty in Brandon Finnegan, Baez's dirt cheap price and power potential make him a no brainer play at a weak position.
OUTFIELD:
Mookie Betts, BOS vs. TB ($3,900): This is one of those spots where a player's early season struggles have dropped his price a little too low to ignore. The 23-year-old faces righty Jake Odorizzi, who's actually been worse against batters from the same side of the plate (career .322 wOBA allowed). Betts, for his part, had a .348 wOBA vs. righties last season and a .379 wOBA in Fenway. Not to mention he's coming off a game in which he hit he homered and scored three runs, so don't be surprised if he isn't this cheap for much longer.
Angel Pagan, SF vs. ARI ($2,900): Pagan has been tremendous in San Francisco's 15 games this season (.402 wOBA), and he's been especially good against right-handed pitching (.416 wOBA). He next faces one in Shelby Miller, who's had a disastrous start to the season. At the low price of $2,900 Pagan may be my favorite play on the board today.
Steven Souza, TB at BOS ($2,900): This is a go big or go home play, as a matchup with David Price is always risky. However, Price has struggled this season against right-handed hitters, while Souza has crushed lefties (.427 wOBA in 2016 and career .359 wOBA) and represents a nice home run play (pun intended) at an exceedingly reasonable price.
