This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Welcome back to another edition of my FanDuel value picks for Wednesday, May 27. Most of the games being played on Wednesday are day games, which leaves us with a much lighter slate for the nightly contests. There are only four night games to choose players from which will create a lot of similarities between rosters. Selecting the top scorer at each position is going to be crucial if you're to have any chance of winning, so choose wisely. As always, check up on any players who may have lingering injury concerns as well as any last minute roster changes before selecting your lineups. Below are my value picks of the night for each position.
Starting Pitcher:
Zack Greinke, $9,900 - Amongst the eight starting pitchers Greinke holds the second largest price tag behind Max Scherzer who's going for $11,800, but the difference in production isn't nearly as extreme as the difference in cost. Greinke is 5-1 with a 1.48 ERA and a gaudy 0.87 WHIP to go along with 49 strikeouts in 61 innings. In nine starts Greinke has given up more than one run only twice and he has pitched six innings or more in each and every one of them. He gets a matchup at home against the Braves on Wednesday in what should be another great opportunity. Jon Lester ($9,100) at home against Washington is also another solid option.
Catcher:
Derek Norris, $2,700 - Norris has been one of the better offensive catchers in the league up to this point and he'll look to continue it against the Angels on Wednesday night. The .277 average is solid, but the 20 runs scored and the 27 RBI are what is most impressive through just the first quarter of the season. Norris has 10 RBI over the last two weeks and he'll look to continue that hot streak against Garret Richards in Anaheim.
First Base:
Adrian Gonzalez, $3,800 - Although Gonzalez hasn't hit a home run in over two weeks; he still ranks near the top of the league in multiple offensive categories. He's hitting .344 with nine home runs and 33 RBI to go along with 30 runs scored which puts him in the top 15 of all fantasy players up to this point for overall production. Gonzalez will get a date with right-hander Alex Wood of the Braves on Wednesday who enters with a 3.83 ERA and a 1.53 WHIP.
Second Base:
Jace Peterson, $2,600 - The young second baseman has played well for the Braves up to this point, and he's really been playing well over the last week or so. Peterson has recorded four hits in his last three games, and at least one hit in four of his last five. He's got 18 RBI and 14 runs scored on the young season to go along with four stolen bags. Second base is a pretty scarce position as far as production is concerned no matter who you select. Spending high dollar on the top end guys might not be worth it on Wednesday night.
Third Base:
David Freese, $2,800 - Yes, Freese holds a .218 average, but his power production has been very promising up to this point. Freese has eight home runs and 27 RBI so far on the season, and he's on pace to exceed his career highs in both categories. At a price tag of $2,800 he can provide enough production to make him a great value. Freese gets a matchup at home against Andrew Cashner of the Padres on Wednesday.
Shortstop:
Ian Desmond, $3,400 - Desmond is without a doubt the most talented shortstop among Wednesday's group even though he hasn't quite lived up to expectations so far this season. His price tag isn't outrageous compared to the others and with the production he can provide, he's a must pick selection tonight. Despite early struggles, Desmond still has four home runs and 14 RBI to go along with 24 runs scored. He's too good of a hitter for his .247 average not to rise, so there's no reason to be concerned about that.
Outfield:
Matt Holliday, $3,200 - Holliday has been one of the better run producers in the league over the last eight to ten years, and he's at it again in 2015. He's batting .317 with three home runs, 23 RBI and 17 runs scored. Holliday hits in the middle of a solid Cardinals lineup and he'll get a matchup against Josh Collmenter on Wednesday who enters with a 5.19 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Holliday could be in for a big night.
Ender Inciarte, $3,100 - Although the Diamondbacks have had a rough go of it up to this point, Inciarte has certainly been one of the bright spots in the lineup. The youngster holds a .305 average with 28 runs scored and six stolen bags which puts him in the top 100 of all fantasy players. The $3,100 price tag is fairly cheap compared to the others within the position and with the way he's been hitting lately, Inciarte can provide great value over the next couple of weeks until his price tag catches up to him.
Joc Pederson, $3,700 - Pederson leads off in one of the best lineups in baseball with veteran hitters from top to bottom. He's hit 12 home runs and driven in 23 to go along with 27 runs scored up to this point. The .250 average is a slight concern, but he still gets on base enough (.388 OBP) to provide a ton of value. The matchup with Alex Wood of the Braves on Wednesday should be a good one for Pederson and the Dodgers.
Good Luck!
