PITCHER
Kenta Maeda, LAD vs. SD ($9,600): During his debut campaign, Maeda faded down the stretch, so it's easy to overlook his excellent first half where he held opposing batters to a .269 wOBA and posted a 25.7 strikeout percentage. With a cushy matchup against San Diego, Maeda's an advisable second-tier target. The Friars also had the lowest wOBA (.291) and highest strikeout percentage (24.9) against right-handed hurlers last season and have made limited roster improvements, if any.
Matt Shoemaker, LAA at OAK ($8,400): After beginning to lean on his split finger more frequently in mid-May last year, Shoemaker posted a 2.93 ERA and 23.1 strikeout percentage through his final 21 starts. In a non-daunting matchup, he's a worthy value chase in spacious O.co Coliseum. It's also encouraging that Shoemaker tossed four scoreless innings in his final spring tune-up.
CATCHER
Buster Posey, SF at ARI ($3,900): Perhaps Patrick Corbin has found his 2013 form, but with a .355 wOBA allowed to right-handed hitters since returning from Tommy John surgery, he doesn't deserve the benefit of the doubt. Posey's salary is manageable, and he owns a .376 on-base percentage and .377 wOBA against southpaws the past three seasons.
FIRST BASE
Anthony Rizzo, CHI at STL ($4,500): With a .970 OPS, .273 ISO and .404 wOBA against righties last year, Rizzo checks out as a top-tier option against Adam Wainwright. The veteran hurler allowed a 25.6 line-drive percentage and .361 wOBA to left-handed hitters last year, and Rizzo is also locked into the heart of a potent lineup.
SECOND BASE
Jose Altuve, HOU vs. SEA ($4,400):Hisashi Iwakuma's FIP has climbed significantly in consecutive season, so picking on the 35-year-old hurler is fully in play, and especially since he allowed a 33.0 hard-hit percentage to righties last year. Altuve is a high-floor, high-ceiling target that's hitting second in a stacked lineup. His .942 OPS and .395 wOBA against right-handed arms last season are most impressive, though.
THIRD BASE
Jose Ramirez, CLE at TEX ($3,900): The opening-day bomb will draw attention, but Ramirez's .363 wOBA against lefties last year is more intriguing. Add his sneaky stolen base upside, and Martin Perez's underwhelming resume against righty bats last year (.353 on-base percentage and .341 wOBA allowed), and Ramirez is more than serviceable at his cost.
SHORTSTOP
Carlos Correra, HOU vs. SEA ($4,400): As noted, Hisashi Iwakuma could have his hands full with the Astros, and Correa started his season off in style with a long fly Monday. Since entering the league, the shortstop boasts a .195 ISO and .359 wOBA against right-handed hurlers, too.
OUTFIELD
Ryan Braun, MIL vs. COL ($4,700): Considering his track record against left-handed arms, this is a soft salary for Braun. He's posted a .241 ISO and .392 wOBA against lefties over the past three seasons with elite .254 and .417 marks last year, after all.
Domingo Santana, MIL vs. COL ($3,500): A stack option with Ryan Braun, Santana was impressive against lefties in 2016 with a .221 ISO and .401 wOBA. He batted fifth Monday and could even move up considering his success against southpaws. Miller Park is a cushy hitting environment, too.
Brandon Guyer, CLE at TEX ($3,100): A platoon specialist, Guyer has owned southpaws over the past two seasons with a .912 OPS and .398 wOBA. It's also worth noting that the 31-year-old outfielder was even better last year with .461 and .437 marks over 152 plate appearances.
