This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
We're back for another edition of the FanDuel value plays for Wednesday, August 26. The last month of the regular season is right around the corner and we're going to try and break down the players that are going to help their team make a final push for a playoff position. Tonight's sleight includes 13 games, so there will be plenty of options to choose from. As always, 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:
Chris Archer, $11,800 - Following a spectacular first half of the season, Archer struggled a bit after the All-Star game and it took him some time to get back on track, but after his last start, you could say that he's headed in the right direction once again. The 26-year old right-hander tossed a one-hitter against the Astros on Thursday with one walk and 11 strikeouts in what was an absolute gem. He moved to 11-9 with a 2.77 ERA and 205 strikeouts across just 169 innings pitched. Archer will pitch at home tonight against a Twins team that ranks 22nd out of 30 teams in total team batting average at .248. If you're in need of a cheaper option, I also like Colby Lewis ($6,900) at home tonight.
Catcher:
Buster Posey, $3,100 - Posey is without a doubt one of the most consistent hitting catchers that we've seen in a long time. He's having another great season, batting .314 with 16 home runs and 79 RBI at a position where offensive production is scarce. I know he's struggled over his last 10 games which would explain why his price tag has dropped, but at $3,100, it's hard not to take him. Jonathan Lucroy at $2,800 would also be a solid selection.
First Base:
Adam Lind, $3,700 - Lind is batting .301 with 17 long balls and 61 RBI against right-handed pitching this year, and he'll get a nice matchup against Cody Anderson of the Indians tonight who enters with a 4.31 ERA from the right side. The 32-year old first baseman has six hits in his last five games, and he should provide good value tonight as the 11th highest priced first baseman on the list. Anthony Rizzo at $4,500 would be a great option if you can afford him.
Second Base:
DJ LeMahieu, $2,800 - LeMahieu went 3-for-4 in last night's contest with three RBI in a 5-1 win over Atlanta. His performance brought his average up to .314 on the year which is good for ninth in the entire league. He can provide great value at such a low cost, and it's crazy to see 21 other second baseman priced higher than him on the list. I also like Jason Kipnis at $3,100 tonight.
Third Base:
Todd Frazier, $2,800 - Until his price tag comes back up, I'll take Frazier on a nightly basis moving forward. Although he cooled off after the All-Star break, Frazier has recorded eight hits over his last five games, including five doubles. The franchise third baseman gets a tasty matchup against left-hander Brett Anderson of the Dodgers tonight, and when you pair that with the fact that he'll be hitting at home in a very hitter-friendly ballpark, Frazier looks to be a steal tonight. If Frazier isn't in the lineup, I also like Manny Machado at $3,700.
Shortstop:
Jhonny Peralta, $2,400 - Much like Frazier, Peralta has also seen his power numbers dip since the All-Star break, but he still remains one of the better offensive shortstops in the game. Peralta is riding an eight game hitting streak entering tonight and he's hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games. He's another hot hitter whose price tag hasn't caught back up to him just yet. Xander Bogaerts at $3,100 is also a nice play tonight.
Outfield:
Andrew McCutchen, $4,900 - Yes the price tag is high, but you know what you're going to get with a guy like McCutchen. He's a five-tool player that takes the field every day with a chance to put up huge numbers across the board. After a slow start to his season, he bounced back in a hurry as he sits on 19 home runs and 81 RBI to go along with 71 runs scored. McCutchen gets the soft-tossing Chris Narveson of Miami tonight who enters with a 3.86 ERA from the left side.
J.D. Martinez, $3,600 - Martinez is one of the biggest surprises in all of baseball this year with 33 home runs and 84 RBI to go along with a solid .288 average. He can put up monster numbers on any given night that can far exceed the production expected out of an outfielder with his tag ($3,600). Martinez has been on a tear as of late, hitting safely in nine of his last 10 games including five multi-hit games and three home runs.
Curtis Granderson, $3,300 - Granderson has nine hits in his last six games including two home runs and five RBI, and when he gets on streaks like this, he's the type of guy who can carry an offense for a few days at a time. In the month of August, Granderson's recorded 22 hits with six home runs and 19 RBI. It'd be hard to argue against him tonight, especially when he'll face a right-handed pitcher who'll be making just the second start of his career in Jerad Eickhoff.
Other Notable Outfielders:
Kyle Schwarber, $4,000
Chris Colabello, $3,300
