This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Welcome to another edition of my FanDuel value plays of the day for Wednesday, September 30. This will be the last Wednesday column of the regular season as teams wrap up their schedules over the weekend before the playoffs begin next week. We've got a full slate tonight with 15 games and all sorts of options to choose from. There are a lot of new faces on the field now that so many teams are out of the hunt, which will make it difficult to predict who's going to be in the lineup. As usual, be sure to check up on any last minute lineup changes and any players that have been battling injuries before you make out your rosters. Good Luck!
Starting Pitcher:
Masahiro Tanaka, $9,600 - The Yankees' ace has given up just three earned runs over his last three starts with 21 strikeouts to just one walk. He'll be making his final start of the regular season in preparation for the one-game wild card playoff that the Yankees will likely be playing in next week. Tanaka has pitched six innings or more in 14 straight starts, and he shouldn't have a problem doing it again tonight. If you're looking for a cheaper option, I also like Zach Davies ($5,500) tonight against the Padres.
Catcher:
Buster Posey, $3,300 - Posey is arguably the best all-around catcher in the game and he's having a phenomenal season for the Giants. He's recorded seven hits in the last five games to bring his average up to .321. Posey leads the league in RBI at the catcher position with 94 to go along with 19 long balls. I also like Jonathan Lucroy at the same price of $3,300, assuming he's in the lineup.
First Base:
Prince Fielder, $3,600 - Fielder has hit safely in six of his last seven games and currently sits on 23 home runs and 95 RBI. The Rangers get Matt Boyd of the Tigers tonight at home in a very hitter-friendly park. Boyd enters with a 6.91 ERA in 11 starts on the year. Another solid option tonight would be Freddie Freeman ($3,700), who's been on a tear in the month of September.
Second Base:
Jason Kipnis, $2,900 - I love Kipnis at this position as a true five-tool player and he gets a nice matchup against Kyle Gibson of the Twins tonight who enters with a 3.96 ERA in 31 starts from the right-side. Kipnis is batting .331 against right-handers this season with 27 doubles and six home runs. I also like Robinson Cano tonight at $3,200.
Third Base:
Alex Rodriguez, $2,900 - After a one-year suspension, there were a lot of critics and doubters that thought Rodriguez would likely struggle this year, but he's done just the opposite since day one. At 40 years old, A-Rod has 32 long balls to go along with 85 RBI and 81 runs scored. Adrian Beltre at $3,500 is also a strong play tonight.
Shortstop:
Eduardo Escobar, $3,000 - Escobar hit his 12th home run just a few days ago and he provides solid power at a position that typically lacks it. The switch-hitting shortstop is 13th highest priced player at his position and he should provide solid value with the reasonable price tag. Marcus Semien at $3,200 would be another solid option.
Outfield:
Jose Bautista, $4,600 - Bautista is having yet another solid year for the Blue Jays and it looks like he's finally going to lead them into the playoffs. With 39 home runs and 111 RBI, Bautista has the ability to put up monster numbers on any given night, especially hitting between Josh Donaldson and Edwin Encarnacion.
Lorenzo Cain, $3,800 - Cain is one of the best all-around players in all of baseball and he's a true five-tool threat. The 29-year old center fielder has hit safely in six of his last eight games, with 11 hits over that span. He's batting .335 against left-handed pitching, and he'll get a nice matchup against Jose Quintana tonight.
Dexter Fowler, $2,800 - Fowler has been a big part of the Cubs success this season and he'll play a big role in the postseason. A nice matchup against right-hander Anthony DeSclafani of the Reds tonight should allow Fowler to provide some nice value with a reasonable price tag. Fowler is a nice combination of power and speed with 17 home runs and 20 stolen bases.
Other Notable Outfielders:
Josh Reddick, $3,000
Angel Pagan, $2,700
