Sunday's First Baseman/DH Value Rankings
Here are theScore's first baseman/DH value rankings for Sunday's 15-game slate:
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Top Options
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Brandon Belt (SF) | vs. MIA | 9 |
| Anthony Rizzo (CHC) | at CIN | 9 |
| Chris Davis (BAL) | at KC | 8 |
| David Ortiz (BOS) | at HOU | 8 |
| Tyler White (HOU) | vs. BOS | 8 |
Belt meets strikeout machine Adam Conley, but lefties have given him more trouble and Belt finds the bulk of his power against right-handed pitching. Hitting fifth in the order, ahead of OF Hunter Pence, Belt gets plenty of RBI opportunities and will score a fair share of runs with regularity. Rizzo is expensive, but you take the matchup with Reds RHP Alfredo Simon every time.
Davis has been a batting average disaster, but unlike his horrendous 2014, he's still showing his elite power with six dingers through 16 games. Against a flame throwing righty like Royals starter Yordano Ventura, he's in a good position to go back-to-back games with a big fly.
Mid-Tier Targets
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Adrian Gonzalez (LAD) | at COL | 7 |
| Edwin Encarnacion (TOR) | vs. OAK | 7 |
| Paul Goldschmidt (ARI) | vs. PIT | 7 |
| Lucas Duda (NYM) | at ATL | 7 |
| Chris Carter (MIL) | vs. PHI | 6 |
| Carlos Santana (CLE) | at DET | 6 |
| Mark Reynolds (COL) | vs. LAD | 6 |
| Jose Abreu (CWS) | vs. TEX | 6 |
| Hanley Ramirez (BOS) | at HOU | 6 |
| Wil Myers (SD) | vs. STL | 6 |
On sites where Gonzalez didn't see a massive surge in salary - likely linked to playing in Coors Field - he's a little more valuable. If he's the most expensive, it might be best to spend down. Goldschmidt is likewise pricey, and with good reason, but he hasn't played to his elite status yet. Roster him with caution until he hits a solid streak.
Myers has been hitting the ball very well. Even though Cardinals RHP Mike Leake hasn't allowed a ton of home runs over the past few years, he pitches to contact. Myers is in an excellent position to return value yet again because of his strong contact. Leake isn't a strikeout pitcher, so Myers' high whiff rate likely won't hurt him.
Reynolds should get the start against Dodgers LHP Alex Wood. He's been serviceable in his half of Colorado's platoon and seems tailor-made to hit at Coors Field.
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| John Jaso (PIT) | at ARI | 5 |
| Mark Teixeira (NYY) | vs. TB | 5 |
| Eric Hosmer (KC) | vs. BAL | 5 |
| Joey Votto (CIN) | vs. CHC | 5 |
| Miguel Cabrera (DET) | vs. CLE | 5 |
| Joe Mauer (MIN) | at WAS | 5 |
| Matt Holliday (STL) | at SD | 5 |
| Mike Napoli (CLE) | at DET | 5 |
While Jaso has been hitting for a high average, his power has been virtually non-existent. Hitting leadoff will give him vaunted opportunities, though, and when he has a multi-hit game as he's done in five of his last 10, he'll often do fairly well for DFS owners.
Mauer faces Nationals RHP Stephen Strasburg. Go with Strasburg, though Mauer has been swinging a hot bat. Cabrera is close to dropping further, and if his power stroke doesn't come back soon, he will be an auto-fade until it does.
Nothing to See Here
| Name | Opponent | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Alex Rodriguez (NYY) | vs. TB | 4 |
| Prince Fielder (TEX) | at CWS | 4 |
| Adam Lind (SEA) | at LAA | 4 |
| Kendrys Morales (KC) | vs. BAL | 4 |
| Matt Adams (STL) | at SD | 3 |
| Albert Pujols (LAA) | vs. SEA | 3 |
| Ryan Howard (PHI) | at MIL | 3 |
| Victor Martinez (DET) | vs. CLE | 3 |
| Billy Butler (OAK) | at TOR | 2 |
| Mark Canha (OAK) | at TOR | 2 |
| Freddie Freeman (ATL) | vs. NYM | 2 |
Butler is hitting .200 with no home runs or RBI. There are far too many better options at first base. Adams historically hits right-handed pitching, but it's a mystery when he's going to get into the lineup. If he plays, he's a deep sleeper in GPPs. Fielder's struggles may partially be tied to bad luck, but he's striking out more often than he ever has. He's suffering from a lower HR/FB rate, too. It's possible his decline has officially begun.