This article is part of our FantasyScore MLB series.
There are 16 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. Player analysis and recommendations are focused on Wednesday's 12 evening games.
If you're after a few more details and FantasyScore specifics, they can be found here.
Lineup Configuration Notes
There is a cast of mid-tier starters taking the mound Wednesday, which places heightened emphasis on locking down two capable arms. A lack of cap space rarely forces your hand into desperation hitter plays, so don't be afraid to hone in on a pair of the top starters. However, there are a couple of cheap upside options with favorable matchups, too.
The lefty duel between CC Sabathia and Mark Buehrle should provide plenty of fireworks in hitter-friendly Rogers Center. There are a number of right-handed batters to target from both the Yankees and Blue Jays, as this game's run total should easily reach double-digits.
Savings can be found in the usual positions, as the middle infield and outfield have a number of nice bargains. It allows players to spend up at the corner infield positions and nab a pair of high-priced outfields, and as mentioned, your choice of starters.
Arms to Target
Gerrit Cole, SP, PIT, $8,700 salary, 17.4 percent of cap: Cole has pitched better with each start this season, and he has been particularly dominant during his two starts at PNC Park (1.50 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 10.5 K/9 while holding opposing hitters to a .372 OPS). It isn't a dream matchup against the streaky Reds, though. Still, it is difficult to argue with Cole's ascension dating back to the second half last season.
Jon Lester, SP, CHC, $7,000 salary, 14.0 percent of cap: After a rocky start, Lester has now tossed plus-starts in consecutive outings for a combined total of 28 FantasyScore points. The Cubs have lost four straight since Lester's win last Friday. Look for the big-game pitcher to spin a quality game to do his part in helping the Cubs right the ship.
Lance Lynn, SP, STL, $6,200 salary, 12.4 percent of cap: The Cubs have struck out 49 times over their past four games; 12.25 times per. Lynn boasts an 11.0 K/9 this season and fanned 10 batters in his latest outing, plus he has been dominant in four of five starts this season. The Cubs have offensive upside, but they also struggle with the punchouts. Lynn's manageable cap hit mitigates the risk.
Mike Foltynewicz, SP, ATL, $3,700 salary, 7.4 percent of cap: The righty posted a 2.08 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 12.5 K/9 over 21.2 innings with Triple-A Gwinnett, and he won his first start with the Braves. It isn't a threatening matchup against the Twins, either. Foltynewicz is a potential flier who can provide significant cap relief.
Ubaldo Jimenez, SP, BAL, $3,600 salary, 7.2 percent of cap: The price is right for taking a calculated risk with the Orioles' starter. While rostering Jimenez isn't without risk, he is currently sporting a 1.59 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 8.7 K/9, and the Mets have scored just 15 runs over their past seven games.
Bats to Target
Spending Up
Nelson Cruz, OF, SEA, $6,000 salary, 12.0 percent of cap: He is up to 10-for-18 with five homers against left-handed pitchers this season and 12-for-32 with five home runs over his last eight games. Past results aren't always indicative of future success, but Cruz does have a home run and a 1.192 OPS against C.J. Wilson through 16 plate appearances.
Edwin Encarnacion, 1B, TOR, $5,800 salary, 11.6 percent of cap: Currently riding an eight-game hitting streak with six RBI and three doubles, Encarnacion is due for a round tripper and lefty CC Sabathia stands to provide a few meatballs.
Josh Donaldson, 3B, TOR, $5,800 salary, 11.6 percent of cap: Donaldson owns southpaws with a .955 OPS and .409 wOBA against them during his career. The game is taking place at the launching pad known as the Rogers Center, too.
Value
Chris Young, OF, NYY, $3,500 salary, 7.0 percent of cap: Young is having a nice bounce-back season, and especially against left-handed pitchers. He is 11-for-25 with five doubles and three home runs against lefties this year and should land in favorably spot in the lineup.
Evan Gattis, C, HOU, $4,900 salary, 9.8 percent of cap: On the heels of an 0-for-4 showing, Gattis might fly under the radar. Opposing starter Colby Lewis has allowed 100 home runs over the past five seasons, and Gattis has four through his last five games.
Cap Relief
Addison Russell, 2B, CHC, $2,200 salary, 4.4 percent of cap: While somewhat feast or famine at the dish, Russell is currently rolling along an eight-game hitting streak with five runs, two home runs, six RBI and a 1.114 OPS, a pretty respectable output for the cap hit. Just note, opposing hurler Lance Lynn can be stingy.
Andrelton Simmons, SS, ATL, $2,300 salary, 4.6 percent of cap: It appears a bounce-back campaign is in the works, and Simmons has jumped into the two-hole and is currently riding five-game hitting streak. During the stretch, he has seven runs and a 1.193 OPS. The price is right, and facing Jerome Williams doesn't illicit worry.
