Sunday's Shortstop Value Rankings
Here are theScore's shortstop value rankings for Sunday, August 14 (all stats exclude Saturday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Villar (MIL) | vs. CIN | 9 |
| Troy Tulowitzki (TOR) | vs. HOU | 8 |
| Corey Seager (LAD) | vs. PIT | 8 |
If you don't mind spending big at shortstop, Villar is your man. He's hitting .390 over the last 10 contests and has swiped six bags in the process, increasing his astonishing steals total to 45. He's got the speed and contact to exceed his lofty salary.
Tulowitzki progressively improved at the dish in July, hitting safely to start the month of August with a .304 average and six RBIs -- five of them plated on Friday against the Astros. Feel confident rostering Tulo and his mid-tier cost on Sunday against home-run prone Mike Fiers.
Taking into account that Seager has four straight games with two hits, he could be in for another one on Sunday when the Pirates trot out RHP Chad Kuhl. He's worth paying up for.
Mid-Tier Targets
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Marcus Semien (OAK) | vs. SEA | 7 |
| Brandon Crawford (SF) | vs. BAL | 6 |
| Manny Machado (BAL) | at SF | 5 |
Semien has flashed plenty of power this year, blasting 23 round-trippers and plating 54 runners. The Athletics shortstop has hit second in the order for three-straight games, going 7-for-13 over that span. His high-ceiling is a fixture in all formats, but buyer beware: he does have a bit of swing and miss approach at the plate.
Crawford has been the catalyst for San Francisco's offense, knocking in 71 runs, ranking him third among MLB shortstops. He hasn't hit lefties for power this season and though LHP Wade Miley isn't the most fearful pitcher in the bigs, Crawford isn't a sure thing to return value.
Machado's hot bat versus Johnny Cueto will be fun to watch Sunday night, but for DFS purposes, it's best to limit Machado to tournaments. Despite surrendering 12 runs in three starts, Cueto still owns a 2.93 ERA. Machado's cost has dipped due to the matchup and is worth taking a flier on.
Nothing to See Here
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Danny Espinosa (WAS) | vs. ATL | 4 |
| Eduardo Nunez (SF) | vs. BAL | 3 |
| Freddy Galvis (PHI) | vs. COL | 3 |
Espinosa is an all-or-nothing player capable of hitting a pair of long balls, but also just as likely to strike out three times. There are safer options available. Nunez hasn't been consistent enough since joining the Giants to match his DFS salary, hitting a paltry .214.