FanDuel MLB: Thursday Value Plays

FanDuel MLB: Thursday Value Plays

This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.

PITCHER

Tyler Chatwood, COL at LAD ($6,400): Outside of the most expensive options, Thursday's slate of pitchers isn't inspiring, making Chatwood the clear choice for those seeking value. While he's (unsurprisingly) struggled at home, Chatwood has been a stud away from Coors -- yielding a paltry .191 batting average with a 1.77 ERA on the road; including a stellar outing in his only start at Dodgers Stadium this season. I also like Seth Lugo ($7,700) and Ervin Santana ($7,700), but Chatwood is in the same class, only at a fraction of the cost.

CATCHER

J.T. Realmuto, MIA vs. ATL ($2,700): Realmuto has quietly been on a tear -- .313 batting average, .352 wOBA since July 1 -- yet is still priced incredibly cheap, especially at a weak position. In addition, the 25-year-old backstop has done most of his damage against right-handed pitching (.331 batting average) and faces an eminently hittable one in Joel De La Cruz (5.09 ERA, 1.41 WHIP).

FIRST BASE

C.J. Cron, LAA at HOU ($2,700): Cron has been a nice surprise for the Angels - .339 wOBA and .194 ISO on the season - but still remains low priced. The 26-year-old has been particularly effective against right-handed pitchers (.360 wOBA, .208 ISO) and faces Mike Fiers, who's been notably worse against right-handed bats (.360 wOBA allowed). In other words, this a reverse splits showdown that heavily favors Cron.

SECOND BASE

Dee Gordon, MIA vs. ATL ($2,600): This is a boom-or-bust play, as much of Gordon's value comes from his speed. The 28-year-old hasn't played particularly well since returning from his PED suspension, but he's raised his average the last two weeks and has chipped in eight stolen bases in his last 13 games. Again, Gordon is not for the feint of heart; but considering the matchup, his dirt cheap price and the lack of other quality options, Gordon becomes the clear play at second base.

THIRD BASE

Jose Reyes, NYM vs. PHI ($2,700): Reyes hasn't been particularly effective against right-handed pitching, but the opposite has been true against lefties. Left-handed pitchers must have nightmares about Reyes and his .386 batting average, .508 wOBA and .386 ISO against them; and he faces Adam Morgan and his .385 wOBA allowed to right-handed sticks. And, oh yeah, Reyes is priced incredibly cheap.

SHORTSTOP

Freddy Galvis, PHI at NYM ($2,800): I can't believe I'm recommending Galvis, but I also never thought he'd have 20 homers in a season; so, here we are. Galvis has done most of his damage against right-handed pitchers - 17 home runs, .183 ISO - and faces Seth Lugo, who's pitched well, but has been worse against left-handed hitters

OUTFIELD

Ender Inciarte, ATL at MIA ($3,300): Inciarte has been white hot -- scalding, burn-your-finger-off hot. The 25-year-old is rocking an impressive .356 batting average and .379 wOBA since Aug. 1, and yet is still reasonably priced compared to the other available options. Add a matchup with Jose Urena (.336 wOBA allowed to left-handed hitters) and Inciarte is a perfect high-floor play.

Brandon Guyer, CLE vs. KC ($3,100): Guyer has been terrible against righties, but owns left-handed pitching to the tune of a .328 batting average, .436 wOBA and .224 ISO. He faces Jason Vargas who's making his first start of the season and hasn't pitched consistently in the majors since 2014. For the price, Guyer is one of the best values on the board.

Hunter Pence, SFG at SD ($2,900): Speaking of values, Pence is probably my favorite of the day. He's priced extremely reasonably despite being hot lately (.333 batting average, .400 wOBA, .227 ISO in September), and has been notably potent against left-handed pitching this season (.379 wOBA, .262 ISO). Add the matchup with Christian Friedrich (.332 wOBA allowed to right-handed bats) and Pence is a must play.

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. James Seltzer plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: Schweppy23.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James Seltzer
James Seltzer is a Producer at 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia. James is a co-host of the BleedingGreenNation.com Eagles podcast as well as the This Week in Fantasy podcast. James also works for PhiladelphiaEagles.com.
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