Friday's Third Baseman Value Rankings
Here are theScore's third baseman value rankings for Friday, June 2 (all stats exclude Thursday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Evan Longoria (TB) | at MIN | 9 |
| Jung Ho Kang (PIT) | vs. LAA | 9 |
| Travis Shaw (BOS) | vs. TOR | 8 |
| Manny Machado (BAL) | vs. NYY | 8 |
| Matt Carpenter (STL) | vs. SF | 8 |
| Yangervis Solarte (SD) | vs. COL | 8 |
It's hard to ignore any hitter against Twins RHP Ricky Nolasco, and Longoria gets top spot largely because of this matchup despite being a righty himself. Seven of his nine home runs have come off right handed pitching. Kang still hasn't seen his salary shoot up and has been a fantastic cash game option ever since being activated.
Shaw and his left-handed bat could help spell an early exit for Toronto RHP R.A. Dickey. As well, Shaw often gets overshadowed in DFS by the rest of Boston's potent offense. Carpenter will see his salary drop on some sites, likely due to the matchup against Giants RHP Johnny Cueto. Cueto's injured back is a concern, though, and Carpenter hitting from the left side is in his favor.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Nolan Arenado (COL) | at SD | 7 |
| Josh Donaldson (TOR) | at BOS | 7 |
| Nick Castellanos (DET) | vs. CWS | 7 |
| Danny Valencia (OAK) | at HOU | 7 |
| Maikel Franco (PHI) | vs. MIL | 6 |
| Todd Frazier (CWS) | at DET | 6 |
| Adrian Beltre (TEX) | vs. SEA | 6 |
| David Freese (PIT) | vs. LAA | 6 |
| Jose Ramirez (CLE) | vs. KC | 6 |
| Luis Valbuena (HOU) | vs. OAK | 6 |
| Alex Rodriguez (NYY) | at BAL | 5 |
| Eduardo Nunez (MIN) | vs. TB | 5 |
| Kyle Seager (SEA) | at TEX | 5 |
| Matt Duffy (SF) | at STL | 5 |
Arenado is in an interesting spot because his DFS salary almost seems overcorrected with the move from Coors Field to Petco Park. He has a perceived handedness advantage against Padres LHP Drew Pomeranz, and he could go yard, despite only hitting .269 against southpaws. Granted, he is hitting a home run every 10 at-bats against lefties.
Donaldson has a modest six-game hitting streak, but only one saw him get more than a single, making his DFS contribution minimal other than last Friday's 4-hit, 2-HR affair against these Red Sox. He's pricey but capable, even against LHP David Price.
Nunez draws a tough matchup with Rays RHP Jake Odorizzi. Duffy has been nursing a wrist injury and has only been moderately productive of late. It will depend on which version of Cardinals RHP Adam Wainwright that shows up.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Whit Merrifield (KC) | at CLE | 4 |
| Aaron Hill (MIL) | at PHI | 4 |
| Jefry Marte (LAA) | at PIT | 4 |
| Howie Kendrick (LAD) | vs. ATL | 3 |
| David Wright (NYM) | at MIA | 3 |
| Chase Headley (NYY) | at BAL | 3 |
| Trevor Plouffe (MIN) | vs. TB | 3 |
| Eugenio Suarez (CIN) | vs. WAS | 2 |
| Chase d'Arnaud (ATL) | at LAD | 2 |
| Yunel Escobar (LAA) | at PIT | 2 |
The Merrifield hit machine has not really slowed, but he's probably more valuable as a second baseman when eligible there. There are too many other players with better power upside in better matchups - Indians RHP Danny Salazar could strike him out three times. Hill's streakiness combined with his matchup against Phillies' Vince Velasquez makes him less appealing.
Even if Wright plays, his neck injury has to be a concern. d'Arnaud's brief spell of value is gone. Do not bother with him. Escobar may not play. If he does, his recent injury is enough to keep him benched in DFS.