This article is part of our The Daily Duel series.
This column will focus on players who are strong value plays in FanDuel's salary cap contests. Typically, I'll try to cover a player or two at each position each week throughout the season. Remember, a value here could be a minimum-priced player ($2,200) or a higher-priced option who is still undervalued based on his expected production.
Catcher
Yan Gomes, $3,400 – One of the pleasant surprises of the fantasy season, Gomes hit his 19th home run Tuesday in Houston. He has multi-hit games in three of his last five and has been even more valuable in real baseball terms, given how he's handled the Tribe's pitching staff. Over the last two seasons Gomes has hit better away from home and against southpaws.
First Base
Freddie Freeman, $3,100 – It's a little puzzling why Freeman's price is this low when he's been one of the most consistent hitters in the game. Freeman has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games and has four doubles, a home run and a stolen base over that span. The Braves have nothing to play for, yet Freeman could see sub-par pitching after the playoff spots are decided. Feel confident using him against right-handed pitching.
Second Base
Alexi Amarista, $2,600 – Amarista doesn't get enough press as an elite defender and had an outstanding play in the ninth inning to preserve Andrew Cashner's two-hit shutout Monday. He's has been a beast at the plate over the last week, with two home runs and a sterling 1.121 OPS, plus a stolen base. It's a lost season, but Amarista hasn't given up and has the motivation of playing for a long-term deal with the Padres.
Third Base
Evan Longoria, $3,500 – Longoria has a history of heating up late in the season and he appears to be doing just that. He has two home runs over his last five games and, while the Rays are out of contention, it looks as though Longo hasn't given up. His price has crept up but there's upside here for him to be the top third base option every night.
Shortstop
Wilmer Flores, $3,300 – His price is finally catching up to his recent production after being arguably the best middle infield hitter over the past week. After given a day off to clear his head, Flores had three home runs, two doubles, a triple and 10 RBI over his next four games. In a position that has a bunch of question marks after Jose Reyes, Flores is worth a look for the rest of the season.
Outfield
A.J. Pollock, $4,200 – The price here isn't cheap by any means, but what Pollock's done in limited at-bats this season has been impressive. Over the last two weeks, Pollock has a .918 OPS and four stolen bases. His season has been marred by injuries, but he makes for a nice late-round pick in 2015 season-long leagues. Pollock plays in the friendly confines of Coors Field over the next few days, making him a safe cash game selection.
NEWBIES
Third Base
Luis Jimenez, $2,200 – Jimenez is the perfect punt play and should see a decent amount of playing time now that the Angels have clinched a playoff spot. Jimenez displayed a power surge this season, smashing 21 home runs at hitter-friendly Triple-A Salt Lake, and he runs well (12 stolen bases). He's a good punt option in a position that has few values with this kind of upside.
Outfield
Rusney Castillo, $3,000 – The latest Cuban import will get some starts down the stretch as the Red Sox evaluate what they received for $72.5 million. Castillo's scouting report doesn't project him being anything special in the big leagues, as there are concerns he'll struggle against breaking pitches. That said, he should be a solid everyday contributor who can swipe a few bags while hitting for moderate power.
Steve Souza, $3,200 – Souza should see a solid amount of playing time over these last few games as the Nationals rest their starters for the playoffs. While Souza, 25, is a little old to be a prospect, he hit .350 with 18 home runs and 27 stolen bases in only 407 plate appearances at Triple-A Syracuse this season. He has the speed/power combination that all fantasy owners desire, and he'll have little ownership in GPPs.
