Thursday's Shortstop Value Rankings
Here are theScore's shortstop value rankings for Thursday, June 2 (all stats exclude Wednesday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Manny Machado (BAL) | vs. BOS | 9 |
| Eduardo Nunez (MIN) | vs. TB | 9 |
| Xander Bogaerts (BOS) | at BAL | 8 |
| Trevor Story (COL) | vs. CIN | 8 |
| Corey Seager (LAD) | at CHC | 8 |
Machado is one of the safest choices at whatever position he's eligible. He's got power for days and his home stadium is a launching pad - just ask Mookie Betts. Nunez just keeps on truckin' and could be in line for a multi-hit game against unpredictable Rays LHP Matt Moore.
Story and Bogaerts are insanely expensive, but with good reason. Story has the cushiest matchup on the night against Reds RHP Alfredo Simon, AKA he of the 9.60 ERA. Seager got a hit off Cubs LHP Jon Lester on Wednesday, which is a tougher task than Kyle Hendricks. Seager will provide a little salary relief compared to the top names.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Correa (HOU) | vs. ARI | 7 |
| Brad Miller (TB) | at MIN | 7 |
| Sean Rodriguez (PIT) | at MIA | 6 |
| Jonathan Villar (MIL) | at PHI | 6 |
| Freddy Galvis (PHI) | vs. MIL | 6 |
| Daniel Descalso (COL) | vs. CIN | 6 |
| Francisco Lindor (CLE) | vs. KC | 5 |
| Brandon Crawford (SF) | at ATL | 5 |
| Alexei Ramirez (SD) | vs. SEA | 5 |
Correa's sophomore struggles haven't gone away, but he's dangerously close to bargain sleeper territory on certain nights. This is one of them. He may be hitting under .200 over his last 10, but he still has a home run and seven RBIs over that time. Villar is too expensive to garner a raving recommendation, but the results have consistently been there.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Zack Cozart (CIN) | at COL | 4 |
| Addison Russell (CHC) | vs. LAD | 3 |
| Jordy Mercer (PIT) | at MIA | 3 |
| Alcides Escobar (KC) | at CLE | 3 |
| Didi Gregorius (NYY) | at DET | 2 |
| Taylor Motter (TB) | at MIN | 2 |
| Ivan De Jesus Jr. (CIN) | at COL | 2 |
| Tim Beckham (TB) | at MIN | 2 |
Cozart gets the Coors Field salary bump. Don't fall for it. He's hitting .198 over his last 10. He does have a pair of dingers in that time, but his upside is limited overall. Hitting leadoff will enhance that value, which means he's not a total write-off, but it'd be better were his salary more palatable.
HEADLINES
- Brewers own MLB's best record as Woodruff gem secures 11th straight win
- Royals calling up 45-year-old Rich Hill to start vs. Cubs
- Injured Lillard grateful to be 'back home' with Trail Blazers
- Phillies beat Red Sox on 1st walk-off catcher's interference since 1971
- Blue Jays push home win streak to franchise-record 11 straight