Saturday's Third Baseman Value Rankings
Follow theScore's fantasy feed on Twitter (@theScoreFantasy) for the latest news, features and more.
Here are theScore's third baseman value rankings for Saturday, September 24 (all stats exclude Friday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| T.J. Rivera (NYM) | vs. PHI | 9 |
| Evan Longoria (TB) | vs. BOS | 8 |
| Manny Machado (BAL) | vs. ARI | 8 |
Improbably, Rivera leads all third baseman with a .990 OPS versus right-handed pitchers (min. 50 PAs). His DFS price still hasn't risen to reflect his performance, which creates a lot of flexibility in how he can be used. DFSers can use his cheap salary to balance out more expensive batters in a cash game, or simply use him in a tournament lineup.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Donaldson (TOR) | vs. NYY | 7 |
| Jhonny Peralta (STL) | at CHC | 5 |
| Yunel Escobar (LAA) | at HOU | 5 |
Donaldson has a team-leading .984 OPS against LHPs this season but comes into his matchup with the Yankees hitting just .194. He can be deployed in cash contests with the assurance that even if he doesn't provide his usual power, he can still bring value with his elite discipline; the Bringer of Rain ranks second in the AL with 101 walks.
Peralta and Escobar have both struggled with contact of late, which has helped push their DFS salaries down. Peralta still has some power potential, making him a tournament-only play. Escobar should rebound back towards his season-long .361 OBP, which makes him a cheap cash-game option.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | VALUE | OPPONENT |
|---|---|---|
| Yuli Gurriel (HOU) | vs. LAA | 4 |
| Maikel Franco (PHI) | at NYM | 3 |
| Jake Lamb (ARI) | at BAL | 2 |
Gurriel has shown a lot in his first taste of major-league action, but he's hitting just .186 with no walks over his last 10 games. He'll snap out of the slump sooner than later but until he does, you can't fully rely on him as a fantasy option.