This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
We have 12 games Thursday, so there's a wealth of options out there. In addition, seven are day games, so make sure to check the early lineups to ensure you don't waste money on players who won't be in the field.
PITCHER
Vincent Velasquez, PHI vs. SD ($7,400): All you have to do is watch Velasquez pitch to see how talented he is; and that talent was on full display in his first start of the season where he confounded Mets hitters over six shutout innings. He offers high strikeout potential, as his career 26.3 K% attests, and faces a Padres lineup that is among the worst in the league, especially against right-handed pitchers (.275 wOBA this season). At a bargain price, Velasquez offers a ton of upside while allowing you to spread your money across other positions.
CATCHER
Jonathan Lucroy, MIL at STL ($2,900): I rarely pay up for a catcher, but Lucroy's cost isn't exorbitant when compared to others at the position, especially considering his upside. He's crushed left-handed pitching over his career (.365 wOBA) and has done well against Jamie Garcia in the past, albeit in a small sample size.
FIRST BASE
Freddie Freeman, ATL at WSH ($3,000): Freeman hasn't gotten going yet this season, but it won't be long before he finds his groove. Freeman has teed-off against righties (.380 wOBA) over the course of his career, and though he faces Stephen Strasburg on Thursday, the Nats' pitcher has historically been worse against left-handed hitters, and Freeman has a career 1.203 OPS over 39 plate appearances against him. While Freeman could be considered a risk due to the seemingly tough matchup, his low cost and high upside make him a strong value play.
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy, WSH vs. ATL ($3,600): Murphy has started his Nationals career off with a bang, sporting an impressive .628 wOBA this season. Yet, Murphy's price isn't prohibitive at $3,600, especially considering a tasty matchup with Julio Teheran. The 25-year-old has struggled in his two outings this season, continuing a trend of poor performance against left-handed hitters (.548 wOBA in 2016, .386 wOBA in 2015), which is another boon for Murphy, who's rocking a career .340 wOBA against right-handers.
THIRD BASE
Maikel Franco, PHI vs. SD ($3,200): For some reason Franco continues to be priced very reasonably despite a strong start to the season (.402 wOBA), including his second dinger of the season Wednesday night. He showed flashes of his potential last season, posting an insane .440 wOBA in 27 June games, and he seems to be on the verge of fully breaking out. In other words, he will not be $3,200 for much longer, especially in a favorable matchup at home against a lefty.
SHORTSTOP
Elvis Andrus, TEX vs. BAL ($2,800): I like Jean Segura ($3,500), but if you want to spread your money more evenly across other positions, then Andrus offers a nice alternative at a meaningful discount. The 27-year-old has started 2016 well (.343 wOBA) and faces a right-hander who's historically been worse against hitters from the same side of the plate (career .332 wOBA allowed to righties). Add in some stolen base potential and Andrus offers a fair amount of upside at a minimal investment.
OUTFIELD
Yasiel Puig, LAD vs. ARI ($3,700): Puig has opened 2016 on a tear (.490 wOBA) and seems to be fully committed to achieving his potential. The 25-year-old has hit lefties well over his career (.379 wOBA) and faces one who's yielded a career .344 wOBA to right-handed hitters. Considering the cost relative to other similarly priced players, Puig presents one of the better upside plays on the board.
Stephen Piscotty, STL vs. MIL ($3,200): After posting an impressive .364 wOBA over 63 games last season, the 25-year-old has been even better this season (.422 wOBA) and has been slotted into either the two or three holes in the lineup. Piscotty has hit righties well (career .363 wOBA) and should feast against Wily Peralta.
Jeremy Hazelbaker, STL vs. MIL ($2,300): Let's stick with the Peralta stack because he's been especially bad against left-handed hitters (career .355 wOBA allowed) and faces one of the hottest in MLB in Hazelbaker. Yet, despite the rookie's insane .611 wOBA through seven games, he's still priced as one of the cheapest players on the board. Take advantage of this, especially considering the terrific matchup.
