This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER:
Ian Kennedy, KC at NYY ($8,000): While you can't go wrong with Clayton Kershaw ($12,500), Kennedy presents a nice alternative at a fraction of the price. Kennedy has started this season strong, sporting a 2.13 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and a solid 23.2 percent K rate; and he's allowed one or no runs in four of his six starts. In addition, the 31-year-old faces a struggling Yankees offense that has managed a woeful .301 wOBA this season. For a minimal cost, Kennedy leaps off the page as the best pitching value on the board.
CATCHER:
Victor Martinez, DET at BAL ($3,000): V-Mart has been terrific this season (.408 wOBA) and has been especially potent against right-handed pitching (.415 wOBA, .250 ISO). He faces a very hittable righty in Ubaldo Jimenez (4.54 ERA, 1.60 WHIP), who's been particularly bad against left-handed hitters (.418 wOBA allowed). Martinez is an absolute bargain at $3,000, especially at a weak position.
FIRST BASE:
Eric Hosmer, KC at NYY ($3,400): Hosmer has taken a big step forward this season, posting career-high paces across the board including a .395 wOBA and .217 ISO. The 26-year-old has been especially effective against right-handed pitching (.405 wOBA) and faces Nathan Eovaldi, who's allowed a .381 wOBA to left-handed hitters. Add in the hitter-friendly confines of Yankees Stadium and Hosmer is a steal at such a modest price.
SECOND BASE:
Chase Utley, LAD vs. NYM ($3,000): Utley has been a nice surprise for the Dodgers this season as the 37-year-old has proven he still has some game left (.365 wOBA). He's done the vast majority of his damage against right-handed pitching (.394 wOBA) and faces one in feared power hitter Bartolo Colon,who has actually been pretty good this season, despite being five years Utley's senior, but is still far from a matchup to fear.
THIRD BASE:
Nick Castellanos, DET at BAL ($3,000): Castellanos has been an absolute beast (.439 wOBA, .261 ISO) and yet is still priced quite reasonably, especially considering the lighter slate of games. He faces the aforementioned Jimenez, who's been slightly better against right-handed hitters. However, Castellanos has been murdering right-handed pitching this season, rocking at insane .495 wOBA against them.
SHORTSTOP:
Jonathan Villar, MIL vs. SDP ($2,900): The options at shortstop are ugly, making Villar stand out as the clear best upside play. The 25-year-old has performed well for the Brewers, sporting a solid .332 wOBA and 11 stolen bases, the latter of which is the second-best mark in MLB. Villar's been especially strong against right-handed pitching (.387) and faces one in James Shields, who hasn't been particularly effective this season.
OUTFIELD:
Mark Trumbo, BAL vs. DET ($3,900): Trumbo has been a revelation for the Orioles. The 30-year-old has raked this season (.411 wOBA, .270 ISO) and is still priced somewhat reasonably considering the other options available. Add in a matchup against the atrocious Mike Pelfrey (.623 ERA, 1.95 WHIP) and Trumbo is a value, even at $3,900.
Joc Pederson, LAD vs. NYM ($2,700): Despite still racking up too many K's, Pederson has actually had a solid season (.394 wOBA, .286 ISO). In particular, he's owned right-handed pitching (.409 wOBA) and is still priced insanely cheap considering his potential.
Jackie Bradley Jr., BOS vs. HOU ($2,700): Bradley has been tremendous this season (.385 wOBA) and may be the hottest hitter in the league riding a 17-game hitting streak with a .502 wOBA and six long balls over that span. He's hit lefties well this season (.354 wOBA) and faces a struggling one in Dallas Keuchel. For only $2,700, Bradley is an incredible bargain with a very high ceiling.
