This article is part of our FanDuel MLB series.
We're back for another edition of the FanDuel value plays for Wednesday, September 2. The last month of the regular season is underway and we're going to try and break down the players that should provide good value for you tonight. Tonight's sleight includes 11 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:
Matt Harvey, $11,500 – Tonight's contests include a handful of aces on the mound including Clayton Kershaw ($13,300) and Max Scherzer ($10,800). Kershaw pitches against a disciplined Giants lineup and his price tag is outrageous. Scherzer is on the road in St. Louis which is never an easy place to pitch. I like Harvey tonight at home in a pitcher-friendly park, against a Phillies team that ranks 26th out of 30 teams in runs scored at 516. The Mets' ace has given up just one earned run over his last four starts including 24 strikeouts to just two walks.
Catcher:
Yadier Molina, $2,700 – Although the Cardinals get Max Scherzer and the Nationals tonight, I still like Molina at this cost based on his recent success. He's hit safely in four out of his last five games including six RBI. He holds a solid .281 average on the year and always seems to shine as playoff-time approaches. If Molina is not in the lineup tonight, another solid option would be Jonathan Lucroy at $3,400.
First Base:
Edwin Encarnacion, $5,200 – Although his 26-game hitting streak ended last night, and his price tag is tough to swallow, it's hard not to take him after the way he's played over the last month. He's recorded 37 hits in his last 27 games which included 11 home runs. Encarnacion gets a matchup with Trevor Bauer of the Indians tonight who enters with a 4.31 ERA. If you can't afford the price tag, Carlos Santana at $3,300 would be another solid option.
Second Base:
Brian Dozier, $3,200 – Dozier has recorded four hits over his last three games including three doubles, two runs scored and two RBI. He's hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games and provides great production at a position where it can be very scarce. The 26 home runs and 90 runs scored are both near the top for all second basemen. Dozier gets Carlos Rodon of the White Sox tonight who enters with a 4.15 ERA from the left-side.
Third Base:
Aramis Ramirez, $2,600 – Although he's struggled since joining the Pirates, he has hit safely in four of his last five games including two home runs and four RBI. Ramirez will get a matchup with Zach Davies tonight who'll be making his major league debut for the Brewers. The veteran third baseman should enjoy playing at hitter-friendly Miller Park where he played his last three full seasons. Another solid option would be Yangervis Solarte at $3,100.
Shortstop:
Alcides Escobar, $2,200 – Escobar is the first of two righties that we're taking tonight against 39-year old Randy Wolf and the Tigers. He's batting .260 with 70 runs scored and 14 stolen bases and has the ability to provide decent value at such a low price tag. Escobar bats in a solid lineup from top-to-bottom and the Royals should have a solid night at home tonight against the soft-tossing lefty.
Outfield:
Ryan Braun, $4,300 – I absolutely love Braun tonight at home against a left-hander (Jeff Locke) who enters with a 4.46 ERA across 25 starts. Braun has been on fire lately as he's hit safely in six of his last seven games including three multi-hit performances. He sits at 24 home runs and 78 RBI for the season and the matchup couldn't be better tonight. Braun is hitting .326 against lefties this year and he could be in for a big night.
Lorenzo Cain, $3,600 – Cain is Royals' hitter number two on the evening who'll get a nice matchup at home against Randy Wolf. The 29-year old outfielder has become one of the most complete all-around players in the game and he holds true five-tool ability. With a .311 average to go along with 81 runs scored and 26 stolen bases, how can you pass on this guy?
Shin-Soo Choo, $3,100 – Despite a .249 average, Choo seems to have regained some of his power production that we used to see in Cleveland. With 16 home runs and 60 RBI, Choo is a respectable outfielder that can put up big numbers on any given night. He's coming off a 3-for-5 performance last night and he'll get a matchup against right-hander Ian Kennedy tonight. Choo is batting .279 against righties with 13 home runs and 42 RBI. Kennedy enters with a 3.94 ERA.
Other Notable Outfielders:
Khris Davis, $3,300
Ben Revere, $2,700
