This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
Welcome to another edition of our FanDuel value plays for Wednesday, August 5. There are 11 games on tonight's sleight, with all sorts of different options to choose from. The division races are starting to heat up as we enter the last eight weeks of the season, and this is the time of year when the big name players like to step up. As usual, be sure to keep an eye on any last minute lineup changes and check in on any players who are dealing with minor injuries. Good Luck!
Starting Pitcher:
Taylor Jungmann, $7,900 - Jungmann has been spectacular for a struggling Brewers team this season as he holds a 5-3 record with a 2.23 ERA and 1.10 WHIP. In 10 starts this year, the 25-year old right-hander has given up more than two runs just one time, and has only given up two home runs in those 10 starts combined. Jungmann will pitch at home tonight against a Padres team that ranks 18th in the league in runs scored and 28th in team batting average. If you've got extra money to spend, Carlos Martinez at $9,900 would be another solid option.
Catcher:
Russell Martin, $3,300 - Martin has been one of the more consistent offensive catchers over the last handful of years and he's been a big part of the Blue Jays success so far in 2015. The 32-year old catcher has hit safely in nine of his last 12 games to bring his average to .257. Although he'd like to see that continue to rise, the power production is once again present. He's hit 15 home runs to go along with 49 RBI and 58 runs scored. Toronto gets Tyler Duffey of the Twins tonight who will be making his Major League debut. If Martin isn't in the lineup, Brian McCann who had a huge night last night would be a good option at $3,500.
First Base:
Paul Goldschmidt, $4,000 - Goldschmidt has been in the MVP discussions all year for the National League and if he played on a team that was a little better, he'd likely have a chance to win it. He's a true five-tool player which is very rare at the first base position. Although he's been struggling as of late which might explain why the price tag has slowly trickled down, he'll have a great matchup tonight against left-hander Gio Gonzalez of the Nationals. Goldschmidt is batting .361 and slugging .675 against left-handed pitching, so he could be in for a solid night.
Second Base:
Howie Kendrick, $3,100 - Kendrick just continues to produce year after year, and has been one of the more consistent players at second base for quite some time. He's hitting .285 with nine home runs and 45 RBI to go along with 51 runs scored and five stolen bags. He typically hits for a high average and reaches double-digit steals which allows for plenty of opportunity to drive in, and score runs. Kendrick has eight hits in his last six games, and he'll get a matchup with Aaron Harang of the Phillies tonight who enters with an ERA of 3.97.
Third Base:
Pablo Sandoval, $2,300 - Sandoval isn't having one of his better years in 2015 which would explain why his price tag is so low. However, he still hits in a solid lineup and he'll be playing at Yankee Stadium tonight with a short porch in right field. Boston will see right-hander Luis Severino who'll be making his Major League debut and Sandoval is hitting .285 with all nine of his home runs against right-handed pitching. He hit an absolute bomb last night so we'll see if he can build on that tonight. Another solid option at third base would be Matt Carpenter at $3,200.
Shortstop:
Ian Desmond, $2,800 - Desmond is another guy who's having a very disappointing season up to this point, and hasn't quite lived up to expectations. However, based on his track record and his overall talent, it's worth the risk at such a low price tag. The 29-year old shortstop has hit safely in six of his last 10 games and he gets a matchup with Rubby De La Rosa of the D-Backs tonight who enters with a 4.59 ERA from the right-side. Surprisingly, Desmond is hitting much better against right-handed pitching this year in terms of power (9 home runs vs. righties/2 home runs vs. lefties), so this matchup will actually work in his favor.
Outfield:
Yoenis Cespedes, $3,900 - Cespedes recorded five hits in his first four games in a Mets uniform and he's recorded 13 hits in his last eight games overall. He seems to be getting comfortable with his new team and will play a big role in the playoff race over the next eight weeks. On the year, the 29-year old outfielder is hitting .293 with 18 long balls and 65 RBI. He'll get a matchup against David Phelps of the Marlins tonight who enters with an ERA of 3.93, and we see no signs of him slowing down.
Jacoby Ellsbury, $3,600 - Ellsbury got a late start this year after some injuries early on, but he's been playing well for the Yanks as of late. He's hit safely in six of his last seven games to bring his average up to .282 and although the power hasn't been there this season, he's still considered a solid five-tool guy who has the capability to hit it out of the park. Loading up on lefties in New York tonight might not be a bad idea with Steven Wright of the Red Sox on the mound who enters with a 4.53 ERA from the right side. Ellsbury hits in front of a monster lineup and he'll have plenty of opportunity to produce moving forward.
Torii Hunter, $2,900 - Hunter turned 40-years old just a couple of weeks ago and he's still on pace to hit well over 20 home runs which is simply amazing. After playing his first 10 big league seasons for the Twins, Hunter made a return to Minnesota this offseason and he seems to really be enjoying it. The Twins get Drew Hutchison of the Blue Jays tonight who holds an awful ERA of 5.42. Hunter has hit 11 of his 17 home runs off of right-handed pitching and I like him in tonight's matchup.
Other Notable Outfielders:
Carlos Beltran, $2,800
Christian Yelich, $2,800
