Bargain Plays - Taylor and Joseph as Cheap Fill-Ins

Here are the top sleeper plays for Thursday, April 7:

SP Joe Kelly, Red Sox (at Indians)

Kelly slots in as one of the cheapest pitchers available on Thursday's slate. Luckily for DFS players, that cheap price doesn't necessarily mean complete ineptitude. While putting stock in last year's numbers can be dangerous, Kelly found his groove in the later half of 2015 to the tune of an 8-0 record and a 3.00 ERA in his final nine starts.

Also working in his favor: The Cleveland Indians aren't that frightening. The Indians lineup lacks significant power as no player hit over 20 homers last year while the team finished 22nd in the majors.

Opposing pitcher Danny Salazar will make life difficult for Boston, but the Red Sox have scored six runs in both games against Cleveland thus far.

C Caleb Joseph, Orioles (vs. Twins)

Joseph will suit up as the Orioles' starting catcher Thursday as starter Matt Wieters sits out. At a reasonable price, Joseph offers some tournament upside thanks to his matchup against Minnesota starter Phil Hughes.

Hughes, who surrendered the 10th-most home runs last year with 29, could have a tough time against some of Baltimore's power hitters. Joseph himself offers a bit of pop at the catcher position with his home run and contact numbers above the positional median.

Because of his cheap salary, pitching matchup, powerful teammates, and a beneficial hitting environment, Joseph is a functional tournament option at what is often a cumbersome position.

OF Michael Taylor, Nationals (vs. Marlins)

Taylor is expected to replace the injured Ben Revere in the outfield. The 25-year-old Taylor can also be expected to bat lead off considering he has already filled that role twice in Washington's opening four games.

While Taylor owns an unimpressive .279 career OBP, he did notch 14 homers and 16 steals in 2015. If Taylor can get on base, he could swipe his way into scoring position as Washington's heart of the order comes to the plate.

In line with that thinking, part of Taylor's appeal is that his cheap salary can be worked into a Washington stack. Taylor's reduced cost makes fitting in pricier options like Anthony Rendon and Bryce Harper much easier.