This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER:
Adam Wainwright, STL vs. SDP ($9,200): After a rough start to his season, Wainwright has righted the ship by posting a 2.30 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and 24.2 percent K rate since the start of June. He's been even better lately, yielding only a single run in last three starts (23.0 innings). He now faces a Padres offense that is sporting a .289 wOBA against right-handed pitching, the second-lowest mark in the majors. On a day where the crop of pitchers makes you want to punch yourself in the face, Wainwright offers the clear best value, especially considering he's a fraction the price of Stephen Strasburg ($11,500), who's the only other trustworthy option.
CATCHER:
Yadier Molina, STL vs. SDP ($2,700): Molina hasn't been particularly devastating offensively this season, but he's been heating up (.433 wOBA over last seven games) and has even showed a little pop with a pair of homers in the last week. Most importantly, Molina faces Andrew Cashner (5.05 ERA, .148 WHIP), who's allowed a .395 wOBA to right-handed batters this year. For the price, Molina presents a perfect upside play at a weak position, especially when you factor in the lighter slate of games.
FIRST BASE:
Tommy Joseph, PHI vs. MIA ($2,500): Joseph continues to be priced way too low. He's been white hot lately - .651 wOBA, .586 ISO over last 10 games - and gets everyday at-bats in the cleanup spot while playing at least half his games in a hitter's park, including today. And while the rookie has been better against lefties, he's faired well enough against righties (.256 ISO) and faces the eminently hittable Tom Koehler.
SECOND BASE:
Daniel Murphy, WAS vs. LAD ($3,200): Murphy has been one of the best offensive players in the league this season, and he hasn't given any reason lately - .468 wOBA, .384 ISO over last 20 games - to be available at such a bargain. He faces incredibly talented rookie Julio Urias, who's shown flashes of his potential but not enough consistency to be successful on the major league level.
THIRD BASE:
Danny Valencia, OAK vs. TAM ($2,800): Valencia has slumped a little lately, lowering his price to the point where he is a must-play anytime he faces a left-handed pitcher (.444 wOBA, .271 ISO against LH). Luckily, today is one of those days, as he takes on Matt Moore (4.33 ERA, 1.30 WHIP), who's struggled to keep the ball in the park (1.47 HR/9) and has been significantly worse against right-handed hitters than lefties.
SHORTSTOP:
Didi Gregorius, NYY vs. BAL ($2,700): Outside of the most expensive options, shortstop is a barren wasteland with Gregorius being the one beacon of light for us value seekers. The 26-year-old has had a surprisingly productive season (.342 wOBA, .169 ISO), but is still priced modestly. Opposing starter Chris Tillman isn't the easiest matchup, but he's struggled against left-handed bats (.327 wOBA, .437 SLG) and has to face Gregorius in the hitter-friendly confines of Yankees Stadium.
OUTFIELD:
Jayson Werth, WAS vs. LAD ($3,200): After an uneven start to the season, Werth seems to have finally found his groove, posting a .357 wOBA since the start of June. Werth has been particularly dangerous against lefties (.446 wOBA, .258 ISO) and should be able to feast on the aforementioned Urias, making Werth a tremendous high ceiling play for a very reasonable investment.
Randal Grichuk, STL vs. SDP ($3,100): Grichuk has been on a tear since returning from the minors (.455 wOBA, .395 ISO) on July 5, and he even found himself hitting at the top of the lineup Thursday. He's still priced quite affordably and faces Cashner, whose struggles were detailed earlier.
Melky Cabrera, CWS vs. DET ($2,600): I couldn't in good conscience not recommend someone facing Mike Pelfrey, so Cabrera gets that honor. Pelfrey has been atrocious across the board, but especially putrid against left-handed bats (.390 wOBA) and faces Cabrera in his bandbox of a home park. In addition, the Melkman is having a nice season (.342 wOBA, and has only gotten better as the it's progressed (.363 wOBA, .210 ISO since June 1).
