FanDuel MLB: Saturday Value Plays

FanDuel MLB: Saturday Value Plays

This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.


PITCHER

Matt Cain, SFG vs. SDP ($8,200): The veteran righty has posted at least 30 FanDuel points in each of his past three starts with just two runs allowed during that stretch. He's still more of a matchup play, though. The Friars sport a target-worthy .288 wOBA with a 25.6 percent strikeout rate against right-handed hurlers.

CATCHER

Brian McCann, HOU vs. OAK ($3,200): Andrew Triggs was hammered for six runs during his most recent start, and a trip to Minute Maid Park isn't a dreamy setup, either. McCann's .335 wOBA against right-handed arms since last year doesn't jump off the page, but his 38.5 hard-hit percentage is solid, and Houston's lineup can pile up runs in a hurry.

FIRST BASE

Brandon Belt, SFG vs. SDP ($3,200): Through five starts, Jhoulys Chacin has surrendered a .374 wOBA and 25.0 HR/FB rate to left-handed hitters. Even with his statistics out of the bullpen from last season included, he's allowed a .334 wOBA to lefty bats. It's a soft matchup for Belt, and the first baseman sports a .379 wOBA against right-handed pitchers since the beginning of last season.

SECOND BASE

Jonathan Villar, MIL vs. ATL ($3,400): Dating back to last season, Villar owns a .353 wOBA against southpaws. Jaime Garcia has allowed a .344 wOBA to right-handed hitters during the same time period, and he's been even worse this year with a .358 mark this season. Villar's speed and position atop the Brewers lineup also provide nice upside.

THIRD BASE

Yulieski Gurriel, HOU vs. OAK ($2,700): This is a soft salary for Gurriel considering his current hot streak (22-for-48 with a .688 slugging percentage). He's also posted a .380 wOBA against right-handed arms dating back to last season. As noted, Triggs could have a world of trouble navigating the Houston lineup in Minute Maid Park.

SHORTSTOP

Chris Owings, ARI vs. COL ($3,500): Currently locked in with a 1.248 OPS through his past eight games, Owings also boasts an impressive .356 wOBA against lefties since last year. There's also no matchup scare with Tyler Anderson allowing a .345 wOBA to right-handed batters.

OUTFIELD

Ryan Braun, MIL vs. ATL ($4,200): The veteran has been one of the best hitters in baseball against southpaws, and with an improved supporting cast around him, this salary looks like a major discount. As noted, it isn't a daunting matchup, and Braun boasts a 1.037 OPS and .428 wOBA against lefties dating back to last season.

A.J. Pollock, ARI vs. COL ($4,000): Another strong bet against left-handed hurlers, Pollock sports a .373 wOBA against them dating back to the 2015 season, including a .390 mark this season. It isn't a daunting matchup, and Chase Field is also a favorable hitting environment.

Carlos Gonzalez, COL at ARI ($2,700): Typically, Gonzalez is less valuable away from Coors Field, but Chase Field is another launching pad. The outfielder's slow start (.643 OPS) has his salary down, but with a .387 wOBA against right-handed arms since 2015, he still owns plenty of upside. For the batter-vs-pitcher crowd, Gonzalez is also 7-for-17 with a .765 slugging percentage against Zack Greinke over the past four seasons.

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
Neil is a former RotoWire contributor. A loyal Cubs, Cowboys and Maple Leafs fan for decades, Neil had contributed to RotoWire since 2014. He previously worked for USA Today Fantasy Sports.
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