This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
While yesterday marked the beginning of the MLB season, Monday feels like the real Opening Day with so many teams playing and the games getting an early start. Selecting a DFS squad seems like a tough task from the hitter standpoint with so many elite pitchers taking the mound, but a good mix of studs and value plays should net a winning lineup.
Pitcher
Raisel Iglesias, CIN vs. PHI ($6,400): There's nothing wrong with playing it safe and going with Clayton Kershaw ($11,000) in Safeco Field but dollar-for-dollar Iglesias should provide as much value. He was a trendy sleeper in season-long leagues this season and finished last year with three double-digit strikeout games over his final five starts. He's got a favorable matchup against the Phillies, who were 28th in the league with a .298 wOBA last season.
Catcher
Buster Posey, SF at MIL ($3,800): The case for catcher this season will likely come down to paying up for Posey or going extremely cheap at the position. Posey had the second-highest wOBA among catchers last season with a .363 mark and draws a good matchup against Wily Peralta. In a small sample, Posey has gone 6-for-11 against Peralta; just make sure he's in the lineup after dealing with an illness over the weekend.
First Base
Paul Goldschmidt, ARI vs COL ($4,800): This isn't going out on a limb considering he's the highest priced player at the position, but using Iglesias will open up some salary cap relief to be used elsewhere. Most of the elite pitchers are toeing the rubber Monday, though there are some exceptions. One of those would be Colorado running out Jorge de la Rosa, who will have a tough task pitching on the road at Chase Field. Goldschmidt is one of the few threats at the position to run, and he led all first baseman with a .455 wOBA against left-handed pitching last season.
Second Base
Daniel Murphy, WAS at ATL ($2,800): Murphy will be making his Nationals debut Monday and presents a very good value at second base considering the price. He was third among second basemen last season with a .342 wOBA against right-handed pitcher and gets a favorable matchup against Julio Teheran. Through 16 at-bats against Teheran, Murphy has gone 6-for-16 with four walks. He will likely be hitting towards the top of the lineup and should make an immediate impact on his new team.
Third Base
Alex Rodriguez, NYY vs HOU ($2,800): Paying up for Josh Donaldson ($4,800) makes a lot of sense but a more economical pick at the position is going with Rodriguez. In the FanDuel format he's listed as a third basemen and has some gppd numbers when comparing them to the other players at the position. As a third basemen, Rodriguez would come with the fourth highest wOBA (.389) at the position against left-handed pitchers, trailing only Donaldson, Evan Longoria and Adrian Beltre.
Shortstop
Brad Miller, TB vs TOR ($2,200): Miller comes in at only $200 more than the minimum salary despite being named the Rays' everyday shortstop. He has a nice speed/power combo (11 home runs, 13 stolen bases last season) that fantasy players love, and he was second at the position against right-handed pitching with a .348 wOBA mark. There's a good chance this season that Miller easily eclipses the 13 stolen bases considering how much the Rays love to run.
Outfield
Yasiel Puig, LAD at SD ($2,900): Puig is completely healthy after battling some aches and pains last year and looks primed to have an All-Star season after changing his off-season regiment. It's easy to forget that he has a three-year .292 batting average and has both power and speed to rack of fantasy points. While the road matchup against Tyson Ross isn't ideal, he seems like he's a good bargain under $3,000.
Adam Eaton, CHI at OAK ($2,900): Eaton will assume his usual leadoff spot and finished last season 15th among outfielders with a .367 wOBA. He's coming off a hot second half last season in which he hit nine home runs and stole 13 bases. That shows he has 20-home run, 30-stolen base upside that he could approach this season.
Scott Schebler, CIN vs PHI ($2,200): This is more of a punt play in a GPP if you're looking for someone close to the minimum price. In limited time last season in the majors, Schebler hit three home runs and swiped two bases in only 40 plate appearances. He has another three home runs over 65 plate appearances this spring and has a good home ballpark to hit in. Jeremy Hellickson was prone to the long ball last season, finishing with a 1.36 HR/9IP, and his ERA has been over 4.50 in each of the last three season.
