This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER
Justin Verlander, DET vs. HOU ($9,500): The streaking Verlander will be looking to make one final strong start in a month of July that has seen the six-time All Star allow just six earned runs through five outings. His ERA has dropped from 4.30 to 3.64 over that span, and the veteran is also sporting a rejuvenated 9.37 K/9 this year after dropping below 8.0 over the past two seasons. That last statistic makes him especially appealing in this situation, as the Astros collectively strike out more than all but two teams in baseball at 9.18 K's per game. His recent form should ensure Verlander isn't responsible for many runs, while a gaudy strikeout total could be in the cards.
CATCHER
Welington Castillo, ARI at LAD ($2,500): Castillo has absolutely pummeled left-handed pitching this season, with a .441 wOBA and seven homers in 90 plate appearances. It's tough to find that level of production in this price range regardless of position and Dodgers southpaw Scott Kazmir doesn't possess the game-breaking ability likely necessary to slow the catcher down.
FIRST BASE
Hanley Ramirez, BOS at LAA ($3,600): While the Red Sox possess some big left-handed bats, Ramirez is a key part of their lineup thanks to his ability to pick up the slack when it comes time to face a southpaw. The former shortstop has managed a .432 wOBA against them this season and continues to hold down a valuable spot in the heart of the Boston order as a result of that success. Expect another productive day at the office against Hector Santiago, who has been flirting with danger by issuing 19 free passes in his last six starts.
SECOND BASE
Chase Utley, LOS vs. ARI ($2,800): Utley's combination of ability and situation makes him a terrific option at just $2,800. The veteran leadoff man shouldn't have problems getting on base considering his .332 wOBA against right-handers and his chances of crossing home plate once he's reached base look very promising, since Diamondbacks starter Braden Shipley is coming off an MLB debut in which he allowed six runs in 5.1 innings. Getting the maximum number of plate appearances against such a vulnerable pitcher for this price is a recipe for success.
THIRD BASE
Martin Prado, MIA vs. STL ($2,900): Prado makes for a strong lineup option any time the opposition starts a lefty, as the veteran has accrued a terrific .461 wOBA in that split this season. He's also locked in at the moment having picked up two homers, seven hits, three runs scored and six RBI in the last three games. No other Marlin is in better position to take advantage of Cardinals starter Jaime Garcia working on three days' rest.
SHORTSTOP
Xander Bogaerts, BOS at LAA ($3,700): Bogaerts owns a monstrous .415 wOBA against left-handed pitching this season and has always found success against Angels starter Santiago. The shortstop is a career 5-for-9 with two walks in this matchup, putting him in excellent position to both score and produce plenty of runs batting in the valuable third spot for the high-powered Red Sox offense.
OUTFIELD
Starling Marte, PIT at MIL ($4,000): Marte is an interesting case, as his .374 wOBA against right-handed pitching represents the outfielder's far stronger split despite being right-handed himself. That makes him an absolute nightmare of an opponent for Brewers righty Chase Anderson, whose poor 5.40 ERA is due to an astronomical .429 wOBA allowed to the very batters he should have an easier time getting out. The non-traditional nature of both these players' numbers plays right into the cleanup hitter's hands.
Adam Duvall, CIN at SDP ($3,400): Duvall continues to deliver in his breakout campaign, having recovered from a short lull with five hits (three for extra-bases) in the last three games. He has already smacked 25 homers batting in the heart of the Reds order and should be in prime position to drive in runs against struggling southpaw Christian Friedrich. Friedrich has given up 33 runs in his last seven outings, never allowing less than three in any game. That trend makes Reds hitters strong options in general and Duvall offers the best potential bang for the buck at $3,400.
Aaron Altherr, PHI at ATL ($2,300): Altherr has made a splash in his first two games back from a wrist injury that had sidelined him since April, combining to go 3-for-8 with a homer and a steal while batting fifth for the Phillies. His 103 plate appearances against right-handed pitching last season yielded a .397 wOBA, so continued success could be in the cards for the young outfielder. Make sure to get good bang for the buck while you can, as Altherr's miniscule price tag is likely to skyrocket soon.
