Thursday's Shortstop Value Rankings
Here are theScore's shortstop value rankings for Thursday, July 21 (all stats exclude Wednesday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Didi Gregorius (NYY) | vs. BAL | 8 |
| Marcus Semien (OAK) | vs. TB | 8 |
| Manny Machado (BAL) | at NYY | 8 |
Gregorius has upped his average to .299 on the season, and he has 14 hits in his last 10 games, with seven going for extra bases. He's been very productive, though his price rarely reflects it. In a small sample of 13 at-bats, Gregorius has seven hits against Orioles RHP Chris Tillman, with three coming over two earlier meetings this season.
Semien has added a new weapon to his arsenal beyond his power stroke: he's stolen four bases in as many games. He's also been hot at the plate, with four hits and five runs scored in that span, and the long ball has been a problem for Rays lefty Matt Moore.
After sitting out Wednesday with an illness, facing CC Sabathia could be the cure for what ails Machado. The big lefty has allowed five or more runs in each of his last five starts, and Machado is hitting .310 against left-handed pitching this season.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Danny Espinosa (WAS) | vs. LAD | 7 |
| Jonathan Villar (MIL) | at PIT | 7 |
| Trevor Story (COL) | vs. ATL | 6 |
The switch-hitting Espinosa has managed seven home runs in 78 at-bats against left-handed pitching on the season, though Dodgers rookie Julio Urias has only allowed four balls to leave the park in his eight starts.
Story's a boom-or-bust slugger who's a risk with an elevated price, though he's homered in two of his last three games at Coors Field. Braves RHP Mike Foltynewicz has fared worse on the road this season, where he holds a 4.61 ERA and has allowed eight of his 11 home runs.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Tim Anderson (CWS) | vs. DET | 4 |
| Eduardo Nunez (MIN) | at BOS | 3 |
| Freddy Galvis (PHI) | vs. MIA | 3 |
Anderson has shown better-than-expected power, though his average has been dipping. Detroit's Mike Pelfrey, despite owning a 1.17 HR/9 rate, has allowed just one home run in his last five starts, limiting Anderson's appeal.