This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Sunday afternoon's main slate features eight games, and could be reduced by rain in our nation's capital. At best, that contest looks like a rain-delayed, starting pitcher mess, so we won't target it here for the column's best interests.
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PITCHER
Chris Sale, BOS vs. DET ($12,500): There's a nearly $4,000 difference between Sale and the next-priced arm, which happens to be Atlanta's Mike Foltynewicz, who'd feature prominently here if I felt the game would be played without disruption. Because of the forecast, it looks like your choice is pay the Sale premium, or gamble for 20+ points on the cheap on the bump. Detroit actually hits decently against lefties, sporting a .323 wOBA and 103 wRC+ – good enough for ninth in the league. That likely puts Sale in a 40-point range floor rather than 45+, but he's rock solid in this spot.
GPP Fade: J.A. Happ, TOR vs. BAL ($8,000): It seems too obvious to target Happ against the lowly Orioles, especially with the likely run support he'll receive opposite Andrew Cashner. But Happ hasn't been in decent form lately, allowing 20 runs over his last 26.1 innings – a span of five starts. He also comes in with an ugly 5.48 home ERA versus a 2.60 number on the road. Baltimore's offense is awful, and even worse without Manny Machado, but Happ's current form suggests he's one to avoid rather than target Sunday.
Cheap GPP Consideration: Matt Harvey, CIN at PIT ($6,400): There doesn't appear to be an option below Harvey pricewise, and he's an arm that has rediscovered a bit of his past glory thanks to a change of scenery. He's only allowed two runs or less in each of his last five starts, all of which have gone at least five innings. Pittsburgh counters with an offense that doesn't fan often at just 19.3 percent of the time against righties, but isn't combustible either since they sport a moderate .314 wOBA and 95 wRC+ against righties.
CATCHER/FIRST BASE
Justin Smoak, TOR vs. BAL ($3,800): Smoak is best played in GPP formats, as his power lends itself to a feast-or-famine line, but he looks set up to feast Sunday against Andrew Cashner. Smoak enters with a team-leading .374 wOBA against righties, adding a .271 ISO and 139 wRC+.
SECOND BASE
Charlie Culberson, ATL at WAS ($2,500): I tried to fade this game entirely given the weather, and ambiguity on the bump. But assuming they play, and Gio Gonzalez starts over Max Scherzer, Culberson qualifies as a nice bargain. He's going to start in place of an injured Ozzie Albies, and that alone brings value. Given that Gonzalez allows a .340 wOBA to righties compared to a .242 wOBA to lefties suggests Culberson will find some success. Low risk, semi-low reward here, but he is in place to play and will allow you to afford Sale.
THIRD BASE
Max Muncy, LAD at MIL ($3,900): Dodgers bats against Brent Suter are priced at a premium, and rightfully so. Muncy is at least discounted compared to recently acquired Manny Machado, and he possesses huge power potential. Even when facing same-handed arms, Muncy checks in with a .473 wOBA, 204 wRC+ and .339 ISO.
SHORTSTOP
Manny Machado, LAD at MIL ($4,400): We've touched on Dodger pricing, and on targeting Brent Suter. Unfortunately, that doesn't lend itself to diversification. Shortstop is a position you're forced to pay or punt, with the fourth-priced option checking in $1,100 lower than Machado. Manny has three hits and two walks in two games as a Dodger, and his .375 wOBA against lefties is worth paying up for in cash games at worst. This slate has rapidly evolved into an all-or-nothing afternoon.
OUTFIELD
Jesse Winker, CIN at PIT ($3,000): Winkler has been incredibly streaky, but he's in a great groove at the moment by hitting safely in 12 straight – six times going for multiple knocks. He brings a .383 wOBA and 139 wRC+ against righties into a solid matchup against Ivan Nova.
Mallex Smith, TAM vs.MIA ($2,800): Smith looks like another superb option for stability and upside, while allowing you to flirt with paying up for Sale on the bump. Smith has eight hits in his last four games while ranking third amongst Rays' regulars with a .338 wOBA against righties.
Harrison Bader, STL at CHC ($2,300): Check the lineup before penning in Bader Sunday. He hit leadoff Saturday night, which alone would be enticing at this price. That he boasts a .378 wOBA against lefties suggests he's in play regardless.
UTILITY
Lucas Duda, KAN vs. MIN ($2,900): There's so little upside in the Royals lineup even in a plus matchup, but the price is right on Duda here. His .199 ISO isnt great, but it pairs well with his price in a matchup against Jake Odorizzi, who is allowing a .375 wOBA to lefties.
