FantasyDraft MLB: Thursday Values

FantasyDraft MLB: Thursday Values

This article is part of our FantasyDraft MLB series.

PITCHER

Corey Kluber, CLE at CWS ($25,500): I couldn't pass on one of the aces Thursday, as they'll likely lead most fantasy players to the top of the standings. Kluber is on fire, hitting at least 7.2 innings in his last three starts to go with 26 strikeouts. In two meetings against the White Sox this season, he hasn't had huge success, but I'm willing to overlook that due to Chicago's 24.8 K% against righties since Aug. 16.

Kyle Gibson, MIN at KC ($15,000): I needed to save some money and Gibson was the best I could do. His price is still low considering he's had three-straight quality starts, totaling at least 24.20 fantasy points in all of them. Last time out, he didn't allow a run against the struggling Royals, which have a .305 wOBA against righties in the last three weeks.

INFIELD

Dansby Swanson, ATL vs. MIA ($6,000): I'll start with a cheap bat that's been reliable as Swanson has hit safely in 10 of his last 12 games to go with a .442 wOBA in his last 60 plate appearances against righties. On the mound, Dan Straily gives up a couple runs every outing and is worse against righties with a .335 wOBA allowed and 4.78 xFIP.

Joe Mauer, MIN at KC ($8,100): Here's another guy that you can count on with Mauer hitting safely in 14-straight starts to go with a .388 wOBA in his last 64 plate appearances against righties. That should be good enough against the struggling Sam Gaviglio, who has been beat up in recent starts, allowing 12 runs in his last two to go with 17 hits.

Brian Dozier, MIN at KC ($9,200): Whereas those guys provide consistency, Dozier provides the pop in this lineup with a .258 ISO and .413 wOBA in his last 76 plate appearances against righties. As for Gaviglio, he has a much worse wOBA allowed against righties at .380 with a 4.81 xFIP.

OUTFIELD

Marcell Ozuna, MIA at ATL ($8,000): Outside of Giancarlo Stanton, the Marlins are producing plenty as seen in Ozuna and his .384 wOBA in his last 28 plate appearances against lefties. Making this easier is that Sean Newcomb has a 5.09 xFIP against righties and hasn't made it more than five innings in his last three outings.

Ian Happ, CHC at PIT ($8,400): The Cubs got mowed down last night, but I'm willing to back Happ in a decent spot. Jameson Taillon has much worse numbers against lefties with a .364 wOBA allowed and 4.85 xFIP. To add to that, Happ is smoking in the last few weeks with a .481 wOBA and .500 ISO against righties (35 plate appearances). Of course, you have to double check that he starts before using him.

Austin Jackson, CLE at CWS ($8,100): Jackson provides safety with a bit of power and that makes him worth the price. He has a .422 wOBA and .268 ISO in his last 45 plate appearances against lefties. Carlos Rodon has had some nice outings, but has struggled to go deep in recent starts and also has a 4.20 xFIP against righties.

UTILITY

Jose Reyes, NYM vs. CIN ($7,600): Reyes has been a cheap bat that provides value through singles and steals for most of the season. He also sports an impressive .454 wOBA in his last 39 plate appearances against righties. Tyler Mahle has two decent starts under his belt, but both came against the struggling Pirates.

Jose Martinez, STL at SD ($8,100): Over the last month, Martinez has destroyed lefties, and while it comes in just 23 plate appearances, a .802 wOBA and .944 ISO is still nice to have. In 58 plate appearances this season, he has a .559 wOBA and .520 ISO against lefties. Clayton Richard gives up most of his hits to righties with a 4.32 xFIP in addition to 12 runs allowed in his last three starts.

The author(s) of this article may play in daily fantasy contests including – but not limited to – games that they have provided recommendations or advice on in this article. In the course of playing in these games using their personal accounts, it's possible that they will use players in their lineups or other strategies that differ from the recommendations they have provided above. The recommendations in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of RotoWire. Adam Zdroik plays in daily fantasy contests using the following accounts: FanDuel: zdroik, DraftKings: rotozdroik, Yahoo: StreakMaster.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Adam Zdroik
Adam, a 2019, 2018 and 2017 Finalist for FSWA's Soccer Writer of the Year, is RotoWire's soccer editor. He also runs RotoWire's Bracketology, as well as writes on other various college basketball content. He has previously worked at ESPN and Sporting Kansas City, and he is a former Streak for the Cash winner and Michigan State graduate.
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