Monday's Outfielder Value Rankings
Here are theScore's outfielder value rankings for Monday, August 8 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Trout (LAA) | vs. SEA | 9 |
| Nelson Cruz (SEA) | at LAA | 9 |
| Paulo Orlando (KC) | at DET | 8 |
It may be obvious, but Monday is a good day to roster the best player in baseball. Trout may seem antithetical against a pitcher the caliber of Mariners SP Felix Hernandez, but Trout has shown he can handle pretty much anything. He's hit .373 with six home runs and 18 RBIs in his career against King Felix, so even if the rest of the Angels struggle, Trout is in good shape.
Cruz has a friendlier matchup with Angels SP Ricky Nolasco on the hill. A lineup featuring both Cruz and Trout is possible with Cruz not among the most expensive on the slate. Orlando provides some savings and has taken over as the Royals' everyday leadoff hitter. He's slashed .357/.372/.476 over his last 10 games. While the power isn't there, the speed and hitting have been.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge (NYY) | vs. TOR | 7 |
| David Dahl (COL) | vs. WAS | 7 |
| Marcell Ozuna (MIA) | at CIN | 5 |
Young sluggers Judge and Dahl come at a reduced rate. It makes sense for Judge, as he's only getting his feet wet and he can't be expected to hit a home run every day. Dahl is a different story. He's had a hit in every game he's played but the one to start his big league career. Even with Nationals SP Max Scherzer opposing him, he would return value with a hit, RBI and a run scored.
Ozuna has been an abomination for the past few weeks, causing his DFS salary to crater. He should not be considered for any cash game lineup, but could be a solid tournament option against Reds LHP Brandon Finnegan. Ozuna has still hit .323 against lefties and has nine home runs in 99 at-bats against southpaws compared to 10 home runs in 322 at-bats against RHPs.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Gregory Polanco (PIT) | at SF | 3 |
| Adam Duvall (CIN) | vs. MIA | 3 |
| Bryce Harper (WAS) | at COL | 2 |
Polanco fares far better against RHPs than he does against LHPs. Considering how steady Giants SP Matt Moore has been since early June, Polanco is not a reliable choice. Duvall likely won't access his elite power against RHP David Phelps who has only allowed 0.71 HR/9. Harper has hit .134 with one home run since the All Star break. He hasn't earned his salary in months.