Monday's Second Baseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's second baseman value rankings for Monday, May 30 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Ian Kinsler (DET) | at LAA | 9 |
| Ben Zobrist (CHC) | vs. LAD | 9 |
| Daniel Murphy (WAS) | at PHI | 8 |
| Jose Altuve (HOU) | at ARI | 8 |
| Joe Panik (SF) | at ATL | 8 |
Kinsler and Zobrist have dominated left-handed pitching this season and both bat near the top of powerful lineups. Give Kinsler a slight edge as a leadoff hitter, and he has a touch more power. Murphy is well on his way to a batting title, but he remains somewhat buried in Washington's order, providing him with just 27 runs and 30 RBIs in 48 games this year.
Altuve has struggled of late, but he's owned lefties this year, and he'll draw inexperienced Diamondbacks LHP Edwin Escobar on Monday. It should help him break out. Panik is again a top option as his price returns to normal following a series in Coors Field.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Sean Rodriguez (PIT) | at MIA | 7 |
| Robinson Cano (SEA) | vs. SD | 7 |
| Jurickson Profar (TEX) | at CLE | 7 |
| DJ LeMahieu (COL) | vs. CIN | 7 |
| Dustin Pedroia (BOS) | at BAL | 7 |
| Whit Merrifield (KC) | vs. TB | 7 |
| Devon Travis (TOR) | vs. NYY | 6 |
| Derek Dietrich (MIA) | vs. PIT | 6 |
| Neil Walker (NYM) | vs. CWS | 6 |
| Jed Lowrie (OAK) | vs. MIN | 6 |
| Chase Utley (LAD) | at CHC | 6 |
| Jonathan Schoop (BAL) | vs. BOS | 6 |
Rodriguez has been a key piece of the Pirates' lineup against lefties this year. He's hitting .357 with four extra-base hits, and he hits closer to the top of the lineup in the split matchup. Cano draws a right-handed pitcher in Padres RHP Andrew Cashner, but his power has been diminished somewhat when at home.
Profar has scored three runs in three games while atop the Rangers' order. He's making a strong bid to remain in the lineup upon 2B Rougned Odor's return from suspension. Travis has made his impact on the Blue Jays' offense since his return from injury. He has a hit in each game. Dietrich was involved in a scary incident in Sunday's game, but if he plays, the matchup suits him.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brett Lawrie (CWS) | at NYM | 5 |
| Scooter Gennett (MIL) | vs. STL | 5 |
| Starlin Castro (NYY) | at TOR | 5 |
| Brian Dozier (MIN) | at OAK | 5 |
| Chase d'Arnaud (ATL) | vs. SF | 5 |
| Steve Pearce (TB) | at KC | 4 |
| Yangervis Solarte (SD) | at SEA | 4 |
| Aaron Hill (MIL) | vs. STL | 4 |
| Jean Segura (ARI) | vs. HOU | 4 |
Lawrie is hitting just .238 against righties, making him a smart fade even against a struggling Matt Harvey of the Mets. Gennett's slashing just .216/.250/.297 over his past 10 games. He has just two extra base hits in that time.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Wilmer Flores (NYM) | vs. CWS | 3 |
| Howie Kendrick (LAD) | at CHC | 3 |
| Kolten Wong (STL) | at MIL | 3 |
| Jason Kipnis (CLE) | vs. TEX | 3 |
| Brandon Phillips (CIN) | at COL | 2 |
Kipnis' strong season has not included an ability to hit lefties. Phillips has been playing better lately, but he's not ready for the Coors Field price boost.