Thursday's Second Baseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's second baseman value rankings for Thursday, April 14:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Murphy (WAS) | vs. ATL | 9 |
| Ben Zobrist (CHC) | vs. CIN | 9 |
| DJ LeMahieu (COL) | vs. SF | 8 |
| Cesar Hernandez (PHI) | vs. SD | 8 |
| Jonathan Schoop (BAL) | at TEX | 8 |
Murphy came into Wednesday with two hits in all but one game this season. He's faring especially well against right-handed pitching, boding well for Thursday's matchup against Braves starter Julio Teheran. Zobrist isn't much of a power threat, but he's been getting on base at a high rate, providing run-scoring opportunities in the heart of the Cubs' dangerous lineup.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Dozier (MIN) | vs. CWS | 7 |
| Joe Panik (SF) | at COL | 7 |
| Aledmys Diaz (STL) | vs. MIL | 7 |
| Jason Kipnis (CLE) | at TB | 6 |
| Rougned Odor (TEX) | vs. BAL | 6 |
| Josh Harrison (PIT) | vs. DET | 6 |
| Logan Forsythe (TB) | vs. CLE | 6 |
Dozier greatly prefers left-handed pitching, setting him up for a potential big day against White Sox starter Carlos Rodon. Panik receives the Coors Field bump in Colorado, and he'll also benefit from facing Rockies RHP Christian Bergman.
Forsythe comes at a considerable discount, and he had hits in three straight games coming into Wednesday, including his second home run of the season on Tuesday.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Goins (TOR) | vs. NYY | 5 |
| Anthony Rendon (WAS) | vs. ATL | 5 |
| Ian Kinsler (DET) | at PIT | 5 |
| Addison Russell (CHC) | vs. CIN | 5 |
| Kolten Wong (STL) | vs. MIL | 5 |
| Jose Altuve (HOU) | vs. KC | 4 |
| Starlin Castro (NYY) | at TOR | 4 |
| Chase Utley (LAD) | vs. ARI | 4 |
| Scooter Gennett (MIL) | at STL | 4 |
Goins had a great game Wednesday, and he'll get to face another right-handed starter Thursday, in Nathan Eovaldi. Rendon hasn't demonstrated much power or speed yet this season, but he's always worth consideration while hitting in front OF Byce Harper.
It's time to forget Gennett's early-season home run against San Francisco Giants LHP Madison Bumgarner. He can't be started with confidence whenever he's due to face a lefty starter.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Lawrie (CWS) | at MIN | 3 |
| Cory Spangenberg (SD) | at PHI | 3 |
| Chris Owings (ARI) | at LAD | 2 |
| Brandon Phillips (CIN) | at CHC | 2 |
| Jace Peterson (ATL) | at WAS | 1 |
Spangenberg's price is oddly inflated. He has just one home run on the season and entered Wednesday 0-for-7 over his past two games. He's hitting a paltry .194 on the season.