FanDuel MLB: Saturday Value Plays

FanDuel MLB: Saturday Value Plays

This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.


PITCHER

Zack Wheeler, NYM at PIT ($7,900): Currently in a nice groove, Wheeler is on the cusp of putting it all together and posting a contest-winning performance. He's allowed just five earned runs with 19 strikeouts over 21.2 innings through his past four starts. However, he's also issued 14 free passes to inflate his FIP to 4.54 during that four-game stretch. With a 25th-ranked .301 wOBA against right-handed hurlers, the Pirates are a ripe matchup for Wheeler to pitch to his potential.

CATCHER

Derek Norris, TB at MIN ($2,600): The Rays have a soft matchup against lefty Adalberto Mejia. He's allowed 2.0 HR/9 and a .390 wOBA to right-handed hitters over the past two seasons, and Norris posted a .363 wOBA through the previous four seasons leading into 2017. This checks out as a buy-low spot on his current .282 mark.

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, SFG vs. ATL ($3,400): Dating back to last season, Belt sports a rock-solid .376 wOBA against right-handed hurlers, and the wind is expected to be blowing out at AT&T Park. Opposition righty Mike Foltynewicz has surrendered a .371 wOBA to lefty bats this season and currently sports a 4.48 FIP.

SECOND BASE

Jose Altuve, HOU vs. BAL ($3,800): While Wade Miley has been solid for the most part this year, his 4.40 FIP suggests rougher times are ahead, and he's allowed a .352 wOBA to right-handed hitters since last season. The real draw is Altuve's .390 OBP, .918 OPS and .387 wOBA against southpaws dating back to 2016, though.

THIRD BASE

Evan Longoria, TB at MIN ($2,900): This salary jumps out as a bargain considering the already noted solid matchup for Tampa Bay. Longoria posted a .356 wOBA through the previous two seasons against lefties, and his placement in the heart of the Tampa Bay lineup gives him upside when it comes to scoring and driving in runs.

SHORTSTOP

Dansby Swanson, ATL at SFG ($2,800): The RotoWire MLB lineup optimizer loves Swanson today, and the young shortstop has been trending in the right direction with an .888 OPS over the past two weeks. Additionally, Swanson sports a .447 wOBA against southpaws for the season. Opposition pitcher Ty Blach has been hit and miss, but there is nothing intimidating about his 4.39 FIP.

OUTFIELD

Nelson Cruz, SEA at BOS ($4,000): Facing lefty Brian Johnson is a good matchup in which to target Cruz. Johnson allowed four runs -- including two home runs -- through five innings in his first start of the season, and Cruz owns a .429 wOBA against southpaws dating back to the 2014 campaign.

Matt Kemp, ATL at SFG ($3,500): A stack option with Swanson, Kemp has improved against lefties with a .401 wOBA dating back to last season. He's also posted a .525 mark and 50.0 hard-hit percentage against left-handed hurlers this year, albeit in only 18 plate appearances.

George Springer, HOU vs. BAL ($3,300): This is a target-worthy salary for Springer. He's got major upside setting the table for a potent offense, and he owns lefties with a .389 wOBA and 40.7 hard-hit percentage dating back to 2016. As noted, Miley is probably succeeding with smoke and mirrors more than anything right now.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Neil Parker plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: naparker77, DraftKings: naparker77.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neil Parker
A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil has contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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