This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Pitcher
Trevor Bauer, CLE vs, MIN ($7,500): It's been a small sample size (three starts) but Bauer has been impressive as a starter, allowing opponents to hit .180 against him while fanning 8.1 batters per nine innings, a 22.1 percent rate. That should lead to some success against one of the weakest lineups around, as the Twins are striking out 23.1 percent of the time while owning a collective .141 ISO.
Bauer makes for a nice tournament play, whereas my preference for a safe top-tier starter in cash games likely comes from Seattle's Felix Hernandez ($10,300), who owns a 1.80 ERA and 123 strikeouts in 105 innings against the Angels over his last 16 starts.
Catcher
Miguel Montero, CHC vs, PIT ($2,400): Montero returned to action Saturday for the first time in roughly three weeks, managing to score a run in three hitless at-bats. He seems likely to start again Sunday despite the early start time, thanks to his need to regain his timing, and if so he gives owners a cheap option within the potent Cubs offense. Truthfully, his price is likely where it belongs and not down due to injury, but it keeps expectations in check and, for the optimist, he's 3-for-5 in his career against Sunday starter Gerrit Cole.
First Base
David Ortiz, BOS vs. HOU ($4,300): The Red Sox offense is clicking on all cylinders, having scored at least five runs in seven straight games, four time topping 10 runs. Ortiz has been right in the middle of that surge, homering three times while adding an additional five extra-base hits and driving in eight runs. He's coming off of a monster performance Saturday and facing what figures to be an overmatched starter in Chris Devenski, Ortiz is likely to continue his run-producing ways.
Second Base
Jose Peraza, CIN at PHI ($2,000): Peraza was recalled Saturday and was immediately plugged into the No. 2 hole while Billy Hamilton is away on bereavement leave. His short stay is irrelevant to daily leaguers, who could enjoy his speed and run-scoring potential at the top of the order. Teammate Brandon Phillips ($2,900) is a nice tournament gamble for his power potential, but Peraza has no downside at the bare minimum price.
Third Base
Maikel Franco, PHI vs. CIN ($2,600): A pitching matchup of little-known Dan Straily vs. Adam Morgan in a hitter's ballpark seems like a nice place to look for bargain options, even at a position where there's a plethora of top-tier stars. With Sunday being a getaway day, lots of early swinging seems likely. It can result in plenty of low scoring games, but can also lend itself to good swings on early strikes. Franco is hitting .400 with a 1.329 OPS when putting the ball in play on the first swing, having seen three of his seven home runs occur on 0-0 counts.
Shortstop
Xander Bogaerts, BOS vs. HOU ($4,300): I'm going all in on the BoSox on Sunday, and with that thought you can either go for a few pricey options, or a stack of second-tier bats. I'm choosing the former. Bogaerts is white hot, riding a nine-game hitting streak into Sunday with six straight multi-hit games. He has two homers, three doubles and nine runs scored in that stretch.
Outfield
Michael Saunders, TOR at TEX ($3,300): It would seem irresponsible to not highlight the Blue Jays' matchup against Rangers starter Cesar Ramos and his 5.11 ERA over 12.1 innings. Saunders meanwhile is sporting a .406 wOBP, which led to him being moved into the leadoff spot Saturday. Assuming he stays there Sunday afternoon, he should benefit from the big bats behind him with Ramos unlikely to keep the Blue Jays off the scoreboard.
Colby Rasmus, HOU at BOS ($3,200): For as high as I am on the Red Sox's offense Sunday their Sunday starter, Sean O'Sullivan, leaves a lot to be desired, allowing 12 hits in six innings in his last start. Rasmus remains a feast or famine option, but all seven of his home runs have come off right-handers, and he hasn't gone deep in five outings. Rasmus' wOBP of .342 is respectable for a player with a 24.7 percent strikeout rate, keeping his floor from reaching negative territory.
Domingo Santana, MIL vs. SDP ($2,300): Santana may be a mere placeholder for this column, as the Brewers' lineup will cement the value options. For now, the assumption is Ryan Braun will miss a second game, and Santana will remain in the cleanup slot. That would give him ample run-producing opportunities against Cesar Vargas, who allowed 10 hits and six runs in four innings in his last outing. Kirk Nieuwenhuis ($2,300) had the big day Saturday, and would represent the hot play should he remain in the lineup.
