This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
PITCHER
Justin Verlander, HOU vs. LAA ($12,200): The price here is incredibly prohibitive, but at least for cash games, there aren't many other sure things, almost forcing your hand. Verlander is in a great groove, striking out 10 or more in three of his last four outings, including one against the Angels, where he 11 over 5.1 frames, allowing three runs and five hits. The 40 points in that contest were a low over his last four, and he owns a 2.16 ERA with 44 Ks in 33.1 innings against the Angels. The Dodgers Rich Hill ($9,200) against the Padres could offer some savings with 30ish point potential, while the Cubs' Jon Lester ($9,200) has great win potential.
GPP Fade: Mike Clevenger, CLE vs. BOS ($10,000): The matchup against Boston likely makes Clevenger a GPP target over those fading Verlander, but there just isn't a great reason to pay up for a pitcher facing the Red Sox. Even one who is in the zone that Clevenger is in, as he's allowed three or fewer earned runs in 11 straight starts. He's earned a quality start in six straight, averaging eight strikeouts nightly in that span. But the Red Sox counter with a league-leading .343 wOBA against righties. Once the playoffs start, GPP players may be forced to gamble on arms against Boston, but we aren't there yet, so why take that risk?
Cheap GPP Consideration: Jaime Barria, LAA at HOU ($6,400): I'm a bit worried the Angels are going through the motions down the stretch, as the two-game series against the A's where they lost twice by a combined 31-3 won't inspire much confidence. But Barria has faired at least decently throughout the season and is better on the road, sporting a 2.53 ERA (against 4.60 at home) and moderate 19.2 strikeout rate (against 17.5). He threw six shutout innings against Houston on August 31, and has 12 strikeouts in 16.1 innings against the Astros this year. Sure, there's the risk of him blowing up, but there's also a chance Barria briefly matches Verlander in a pitchers duel.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Yasmani Grandal, LAD vs. SDP ($3,300): Stacking Dodgers looks ideal on this slate, specifically left handers. Grandal offers great power upside, owning a .240 ISO against righties. But the stack centers around targeting Jacob Nix, who has a 9.00 road ERA (albeit in just nine innings) and is allowing lefties to produce a .435 wOBA. Max Muncy ($4,100) makes more sense, but Grandal offers some savings.
SECOND BASE
Daniel Murphy, CHC at CWS ($3,000): Murphy went into Friday having homered in two of his last three games, so taking a chance on him seeing a big ball could pay dividends. He brings a nice .365 wOBA against righties to the table against Lucas Giolito, who gets torched regularly by lefties, especially at home, where he has allows a .366 wOBA and 6.64 xFIP while surrendering a 7.91 ERA.
THIRD BASE
Eduardo Escobar, ARI vs. COL ($3,200): Escobar hasn't been as good since coming to Arizona, but he's showing signs of breaking out of his current funk. Over the past 10 games, he's posted a very usable .358 wOBA, 119 wRC+ and .259 ISO. The funk pushed his price down to where he's appealing at a position where it's usually punt or pay, and a matchup with Antonio Senzatela shouldn't deter.
SHORTSTOP
Jorge Polanco MIN at OAK ($3,400): Polanco has enjoyed season-long success against lefties, posting a .377 wOBA and 138 wRC+, striking out only 15.1 percent of the time, allowing him to take advantage of a .384 BABIP. He offers no power upside but provides the Twins with a spark offensively. Mike Fiers has struggled of late, owning a 5.03 ERA while allowing a .363 wOBA over his last 19.2 innings.
OUTFIELD
Ramon Laureano, OAK vs. MIN ($3,400): Oakland looks like another offense on Saturday where you can pick your poison, pay up or pay down, and reap some benefits against against Chase De Jong. Laureano has been stellar through 40 games (142 AB), posting a .383 wOBA, 147 wRC+ and .259 ISO against righties. He's cranking up his efforts on the base paths, stealing three bags in his last eight games, allowing him to contribute in a variety of ways even if he's not swinging well in each at bat. Nick Martini ($2,700) merits consideration if you need to save further.
Kyle Schwarber, CHC at CWS ($3,300): We touched on White Sox starter Lucas Giolito's struggles, specifically against lefties previously, and the intent was not to include two Cub bats here. But Schwarber's return from a back injury, just as a DH here, allows you to take advantage of his power potential at a discount. It's feast or famine, but Schwarber has a .276 ISO to go with a .358 wOBA against righties, which are very difficult to come by at this tag.
Joc Pederson, LAD vs. SDP ($3,200): In an effort to not solely write about the Dodgers offense in this column, this will be the last inclusion (while we sneak in other names). Yasiel Puig ($3,600) makes great sense and is in great form, but for some savings, targeting Pederson and his .288 ISO offers similar upside. Paying up at other positions while taking secondary Dodgers bats could form a winning strategy.
UTILITY
Peter O'Brien, MIA vs. CIN ($2,600): Stacking Marlins bats in a GPP contest could offer great savings with O'Brien, Derek Dietrich ($2,800) and J.T. Realmuto ($3,200) having solid splits against righties. O'Brien boasts an absurd .489 wOBA, .217 wRC+ and .409 ISO against righties, albeit in just 27 at bats. It's obviously not sustainable, but that's a heater I'd gamble on at this price, especially against Reds' starter Anthony DeSclafani, who has allowed 15 earned runs in his last four outings, a span of 17.1 innings.
