This article is part of our FantasyScore MLB series.
There are 15 games on the schedule Wednesday, with every team in the league taking the field. Make sure to look for the Mastersball 50/50 GPP and BaseballHQ GPP contests, and note they both lock at 3:35 p.m. ET.
If you're after a few more details and FantasyScore specifics, here you go:
Lineup Configuration Notes
Lineup assembly is all about loading on top of building blocks. An obvious starting point Wednesday is Francisco Liriano. In arguably the most favorable matchup of the day, he is the seventh-most expensive starter and just $800 above the average salary.
Typically, catcher is a nice bargain position to grab some cap relief. However, the savings from Liriano bring Buster Posey into play. With limited high-end catcher options, it is an opportunity to separate from the field, if Posey delivers, of course.
Finally, while Bryce Harper isn't going to leave the yard daily, his torrid stretch doesn't project to cool Wednesday. Opposing hurler Jeremy Hellickson has served up a 1.131 OPS and .476 wOBA to left-handed batters this season.
With another high-priced arm, you'll need to pinch a few pennies throughout the rest of your lineup. Don't fret, though, there are plenty available.
Arms to Target
Matt Harvey, SP, NYM, $9,100 salary, 18.2 percent of cap: It seems inappropriate not to mention Harvey, especially with Chicago leading the league -- and by a lot -- in strike outs. Still, sometimes the most obvious choice on the board stumbles. With the highest cap hit in the player pool, there is minimal room for error.
Sonny Gray, SP, OAK, $8,300 salary, 16.6 percent of cap: The Red Sox have only scored 20 runs over their last eight games, and Gray has pounded the strikeout column with 19 tallies over his last two starts. Plus, he has only allowed a single earned run over those two road starts.
Corey Kluber, SP, CLE, $7,600 salary, 15.2 percent of cap: Four consecutive stinkers (0-4 with 19 earned runs over 23 innings) and an admirable opponent should drive Kluber's ownership into the basement. Those feeling risky could be in the minority and enjoy his bounce-back showing. The underlying statistics point to poor luck (.364 BABIP, 3.20 FIP and 3.14 xFIP), after all.
Francisco Liriano, SP, PIT, $5,800 salary, 11.6 percent of cap: Despite just a single win this season, Liriano has posted double-digit fantasy points in each start. Most importantly, he is sporting a cool 10.2 K/9, and the Philadelphia offense is a doormat to pick on.
Carlos Frias, SP, LAD, $4,200 salary, 8.4 percent of cap: Managing the Miami lineup has been easier of late, as the Fish have scored just 12 runs over their last five games. Frias has been effective through his first two starts, too, with a tidy 2.61 ERA and 1.16 WHIP.
Aaron Sanchez, SP, TOR, $3,600 salary, 7.2 percent of cap: Looking for a bargain? Sanchez has potential. Over his last four starts, he is sporting a 3-1 record with a 2.66 ERA, and he is holding opposing hitters to a .599 OPS. Just note his minuscule .186 BABIP, and remember, it is far from a risk-free play.
Bats to Target
Spending Up
Bryce Harper, OF, WAS, $6,300 salary, 12.6 percent of cap: With another round-tripper Tuesday and a favorable pitching matchup, Harper is worth pinching pennies elsewhere to roster.
Buster Posey, C, SF, $5,300 salary, 10.6 percent of cap: With the catcher pool drained with injuries, Posey carries heightened value whenever he faces a left-handed starter. Over his career, he has a .959 OPS and .407 wOBA against southpaws. He is just 5-for-26 against lefties, this season, so a corrective outburst is due.
Eric Hosmer, 1B, KC, $5,200 salary, 10.4 percent of cap: Currently riding a nine-game hitting streak with seven runs, three home runs and 12 RBI, Hosmer is screaming profit. Plus, over the past 30 days, he is the third-ranked first basemen in FantasyScore points per game.
Value
Manny Machado, 3B, TOR, $4,600 salary, 9.2 percent of cap: Over his past five games against the Blue Jays, Machado has a .533 batting average (8-for-15) with four runs, three bombs and five RBI. He is also sporting a 1.079 OPS over his last 20 games, and leading off ensures maximum at-bats.
Howie Kendrick, 2B, LAD, $4,200 salary, 8.4 percent of cap: The counting stats have been adding up in bunches for Kendrick, as he is up to 16 runs, four home runs and 12 RBI over his last 22 games. Also, since moving to the three hole 11 games ago, his on-base percentage is at .392.
Kole Calhoun, OF, LAA, $4,200 salary, 8.4 percent of cap: Quietly having a nice season, Calhoun has four doubles and four RBI over his last seven games, including a three-hit game Tuesday. Look for him to parlay the showing into another solid game Wednesday.
Cap Relief
Adam Eaton, OF, CHW, $2,600 salary, 5.2 percent of cap: While it has to be considered a disappointed showing, Eaton has upped his game a little of late. He has nine runs over his last 14 games and registered four hits Monday. Opposing pitcher Ricky Nolasco is a cherry-pick matchup, too.
Brett Lawrie, 3B, $3,300 salary, 6.6 percent of cap: With consecutive two-hit outings and struggling Wade Miley on the hill, Lawrie has the handedness advantage and a mini-run in his favor. The price is right, and there is plenty of upside.
Mark Trumbo, OF, ARI, $3,400 salary, 6.8 percent of cap: Trumbo has four home runs over his last four starts, and he has a 1.375 OPS against left-handed pitcher this season.
