This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER:
J.A. Happ, TOR at HOU ($9,100): Choosing a pitcher is a bit of a risky proposition today, as there are no aces and a horde of bad pitchers taking the hill. Luckily, Happ stands out as a terrific value play, being only the 17th-most expensive pitcher. The 33-year-old has been terrific lately, posting a 1.44 ERA in July while allowing a measly .232 wOBA; and that's not even mentioning his insane 34.7 percent strikeout rate. In addition, the lefty faces a Houston offense that has struggled against left-handed pitching (.312 wOBA, 23.5 percent K rate), and Happ is priced quite reasonably considering how well he's been throwing.
CATCHER:
Cameron Rupp, PHI at SFG ($2,400): Rupp has really come into his own, providing the Phillies with a .378 wOBA and .257 ISO since June 1. While the matchup with Matt Moore - in his Giants' debut - isn't ideal, Moore's been worse against right-handed sticks, and Rupp has crushed left-handers (.421 wOBA, .298 ISO). For his dirt cheap price, you won't find many better values.
FIRST BASE:
James Loney, NYM at NYY ($2,800): If you had told me at the beginning of the season that Loney would make an appearance in this column, I'd have told you to stop drinking. In case you can't remember back that far, Loney was unemployed at the start of the 2016 season, and now months later has somehow become one of the most consistent bats in the Mets' lineup. He's been particularly dangerous against right-handed pitching (.363 wOBA, .176 ISO) and faces Nathan Eovaldi and his .371 wOBA allowed to left-handed hitters.
SECOND BASE:
Devon Travis, TOR at HOU ($2,800): Travis has done the vast majority of his damage this season against right-handed pitching (.390 wOBA, .218 ISO) and faces Mike Fiers, who's struggled against right-handed bats (.355 wOBA allowed). In addition, Travis has been hitting at the top of a stacked Blue Jays lineup, yet he is still surprisingly cheap, making him a perfect high-upside play for a minimal investment.
THIRD BASE:
Jedd Gyorko, STL at CIN ($2,700): Gyroko has a .455 wOBA and eight long balls in his last 15 games, getting regular playing time as a result (and thanks to some injuries as well). Regardless, Gyroko is taking advantage but is still priced low despite his recent production; and that's not even taking into account the matchup with Brandon Finnegan (4.68 ERA, 1.42 WHIP), who's allowed a .347 wOBA to right-handed hitters.
SHORTSTOP:
Didi Gregorius, NYY vs. NYM ($2,900): 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 (.329 wOBA, .163 ISO) but is still priced modestly. Furthermore, Gregorius faces Bartolo Colon, who's coming off a bad July (.354 wOBA allowed) and has been significantly worse against left-handed hitters this season (.332 wOBA allowed).
OUTFIELD:
Max Kepler, MIN at CLE ($3,700): Kepler has been hotter than the sun, posting a .518 wOBA, .500 ISO and seven homers in his last 15 games. He's done most of his damage against right-handed pitching (.417 wOBA, .383 ISO) and faces eminently hittable Mike Clevinger, who's mustered a 7.71 ERA in 16.1 innings this season. While Kepler's price may appear high at first glance, he's actually a tremendous value based on the matchup and the sun-hot bat he's swinging.
Cameron Maybin, DET vs. CWS ($3,100): Maybin continues to put up numbers (.354 OBA) and has been especially potent against left-handed pitching (.402 wOBA). And while Maybin is facing a very good lefty, Jose Quintana has been worse against right-handed sticks and Maybin's price is simply too low given his consistency and ability to produce against left-handers.
Nick Markakis, ATL vs. PIT ($2,900): This is as much about Ryan Vogelsong as it's about Markakis, as the former has been particularly atrocious against left-handed hitters (.450 wOBA allowed). For his part, Markakis has been much better against right-handed pitching (.332 wOBA) and has a .415 wOBA over last 15 games. As a result, Markakis presents a nice low-floor play at a modest price.
