This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER
Ivan Nova, PIT vs. CIN ($7,600): Due to the light slate of games, we don't have a wide variety of pitching options, which leaves Nova as the only legitimate value play on the board. After a rough start to the season, Nova has completely turned it around since being traded to the Pirates - 2.89 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 17.9 percent K-BB rate in six starts with Pittsburgh - and faces a Reds offense that's sporting a pathetic .309 wOBA on the season.
CATCHER:
Yadier Molina, STL vs. MIL ($2,900): Molina has quietly been on a tear - .347 batting average, .392 wOBA, and .184 ISO since July 1 - yet is still priced incredibly cheap, especially at a weak position. And while Junior Guerra has had a strong season, he's making his first start after a month-long stay on the disabled list with a sore elbow; making the matchup considerably less intimidating for Molina.
FIRST BASE
Josh Bell, PIT vs. CIN ($2,600): Bell's price is artificially low thanks to a lack of everyday at-bats. However, despite the rookie's robust 0-for-4 line against lefties, Bell has crushed right-handed pitching for a .399 wOBA and .209 ISO and faces a bad one in Dan Straily (career .325 wOBA allowed to left-handed batters). For the price, Bell might be Thursday's best upside play at any position.
SECOND BASE
Ryan Schimpf, SDP vs. COL ($3,000): Schimpf continues to be a beast against right-handed pitching (.387 wOBA, .364 ISO), yet also remains reasonably priced. Add in a matchup with Jeff Hoffman (.389 wOBA allowed to left-handed bats) plus a dearth of quality second base options (outside of the high-priced options), and Schimpf leaps off the page as the clear value at second base.
THIRD BASE
Jose Ramirez, CLE at HOU ($2,900): Ramirez continues to hit - .348 batting average, .400 wOBA, .210 ISO since Aug. 1 - and yet is still priced shockingly low, especially considering the lighter slate. Ramirez has been particularly dangerous against right-handed pitchers (.313 batting average, .355 wOBA) and faces David Paulino in his major league debut.
SHORTSTOP
Jose Peraza, CIN at PIT ($2,700): I generally don't like to cannibalize myself by taking bats against my pitcher, but this is simply a case where Peraza is the no-brainer play. The 22-year-old has been scorching hot since returning from the minors - .456 batting average and four stolen bases in the 13 starts - and is priced insanely cheap, particularly for someone with his stolen-base potential.
OUTFIELD
Keon Broxton, MIL at STL ($3,100): Broxton's been terrific lately, sporting a .301 batting average, .394 wOBA, .204 ISO since Aug. 1. The 26-year-old has been notably potent against left-handed pitching (.397 wOBA, .205 ISO); and while the matchup with Jaime Garcia isn't ideal, the left-hander has struggled over his last four outings (4.41 ERA, 1.34 WHIP), making Broxton a perfect high-ceiling play for a relatively moderate investment.
Hernan Perez, MIL at STL ($2,900): Sticking in St. Louis: similar to Broxton, Perez has also excelled against lefties (.229 ISO), especially in the power department. Add in his exceedingly cheap price and the lack of outfield options after the top-tier of guys, and Perez is a terrific upside play, while still helping you maintain roster flexibility.
Oswaldo Arcia, SDP vs. COL ($2,900): This is a boom-or-bust play as much of Arcia's value comes from his power. The 25-year-old has done almost all of his damage against right-handed pitching (.197 ISO), including hitting all eight of his home runs against them. Granted, Arcia definitely has the potential to put up a goose egg, as does anyone with an ugly 36.9 percent K-rate, but his power potential is worth a taking a shot on, especially when you take his matchup with the aforementioned Hoffman into account.
