Monday's Shortstop Value Rankings
Here are theScore's shortstop value rankings for Monday, August 15 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Semien (OAK) | at TEX | 10 |
| Elvis Andrus (TEX) | vs. OAK | 8 |
| Troy Tulowitzki (TOR) | at NYY | 8 |
Semien ranks second among all qualified shortstops in OPS vs. left-handed pitching. Facing Martin Perez at Globe Life Field is a match made in paradise, and he's not even the most expensive option at his position. Considering he's hitting .333 over his last 10 games and has 23 home runs overall this season, he's in good shape to be an impact player in any DFS format.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| Brad Miller (TB) | vs. SD | 7 |
| Jordy Mercer (PIT) | at SF | 6 |
| Brandon Crawford (SF) | vs. PIT | 6 |
There's no doubt that Miller has been scorching hot. In his last 10 games, the Rays' shortstop has hit five home runs, three doubles and has stolen two bases for good measure. Still, this level of production in largely unprecedented for Miller, and his home ballpark intrinsically suppresses offense. Paying the lofty price to roster Miller comes with a lot of risk. He's a better GPP option.
Mercer has been struggling of late, posting a .167 BA over his last 10 games. He might be close to breaking out of his slump, recording exactly one hit in five of his last six games. The Giants' Matt Moore is a stable force, but Mercer has an .873 OPS vs. LHPs this season; with the deep corners at AT&T Park, it wouldn't be a shock to see some extra-base power, if not HRs, out of Mercer.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| Danny Espinosa (WAS) | at COL | 4 |
| Adeiny Hechavarria (MIA) | at CIN | 2 |
| Alcides Escobar (KC) | at DET | 1 |
The hitter-friendly altitude at Coors Field can turn quality players into super stars -- but you have to be able to put the bat on the ball first. Espinosa has a paltry .194 batting average with 12 strikeouts over his last 10 games, so if he's unable to make a connection at the dish, his marked-up price will leave his DFS backers reeling.
Escobar has a .419 OPS against left-handed pitching this season. Read that last sentence again.