FanDuel MLB: Wednesday Value Plays

FanDuel MLB: Wednesday Value Plays

This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.


Pitcher

Francisco Liriano, TOR vs BAL ($7,800): Despite a lineup featuring plenty of dangerous right-handed bats, the Orioles have hit a wall this season when it comes to facing left-handed pitching. Their wRC+ against them sits at a very low 83 while their K-rate is below average at 22.2 percent. That wRC+ is 24 points lower than the team's split against righties. Since moving to the Blue Jays at the trade deadline, Liriano has recovered some form with a 3.35 ERA (3.82 xFIP) and 23.1 percent K-rate over the last two months. Among the more promising indications of improvement is his 8.2 percent BB-rate, a number he hasn't reached in a season since 2010.

Catcher

Victor Martinez, DET vs. CLE ($3,200): The switch-hitting former catcher turned DH has made a resurgence of sorts this season behind a 121 wRC+ and 27 home runs (the second-highest HR total in his career). Opposing pitcher Zach McAllister has a 5.01 xFIP against lefty bats this season while pitching mainly out of the bullpen.

First Base

Kennys Vargas, MIN at KC ($2,800): Vargas vs. Vargas. Pitcher Jason Vargas missed most of this season recovering from Tommy John surgery, but has never been a great pitcher even when healthy. The southpaw is a traditional flyball pitcher and with that can at times struggle to contain the long ball. Kennys Vargas has had some injury issues himself this season, but in his 42 plate appearances against left-handed pitchers he's recorded a wRC+ of 262 and ISO of .429.

Second Base

Chase Utley, LAD at SD ($2,900): He may not be the hitter that grabbed five straight All-Star selections and four straight Silver Slugger awards, but at 37 years old Utley is still contributing meaningfully to the playoff-bound Dodgers. Over his last 10 games, he has five extra base hits and a 169 wRC+. Always stronger against right-handed pitching, Utley is in an especially good spot against Padres righty Luis Perdomo, who's allowed 1.71 HR/9 against left-handed bats on the season.

Third Base

Kyle Seager, SEA at HOU ($3,300): Doug Fister has given up a 5.63 xFIP to lefties this season, while Seager owns a 149 wRC+ against righties on the season. Seager and Cano have kept right-handers honest all year and with Fister's poor splits against lefties, that should be expected to continue here in a pivotal matchup between two wild card hopefuls.

Shortstop

Stephen Drew, WAS vs. ARI ($2,700): With both Bryce Harper and Daniel Murphy out right now, the best left-handed bat in the Nationals order might be none other than Drew. He's spent roughly half the season on the DL, but still has a healthy 133 wRC+ and .273 ISO against right-handed pitching. Shelby Miller has struggled mightily against left-handed bats this season, giving up a 5.72 xFIP.

Outfield

Yasmany Tomas, ARI at WAS ($2,800): Given any kind of discount, Tomas warrants consideration against each and every left-handed pitcher he faces. His wRC+ against southpaws on the season is 177 with a .312 ISO. His wRC+ in the second half of the season is currently 43 points higher than it was in the first half. Gio Gonzalez shoudn't be someone to pick on too much, but his 1.20 HR/9 given up to righties this season is exploitable. Make sure to monitor the weather in Washington D.C. Before rosters lock, as thunderstorms are in the forecast.

Robbie Grossman, MIN at KC ($2,700): Over the course of Jason Vargas's career, he's permitted a 4.61 xFIP. In 130 plate appearances on the season, Grossman holds a 180 wRC+ against lefties. For reference, that's over 20 points better than teammate Brain Dozier.

Carlos Gomez, TEX vs. MIL ($3,500): The Rangers have the highest projected run output today according to Vegas, and given his spot atop their batting order that's already enough to spark intrigue in Gomez. For Houston this season, Gomez was laughably bad. The move just up the road to Arlington has seemingly made all the difference. Since joining the Rangers, Gomez holds a 130 wRC+ and five stolen bases.

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. Alex Spalding plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: ajump08, DraftKings: ajump08.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex Spalding
Alex splits his expertise between College Basketball, NBA, NFL, MLB, and Saturday morning BPL. You'll find him under the username ajump08 on DraftKings and FanDuel.
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