Here are theScore's MLB value rankings for Monday, May 16 (all stats exclude Sunday's games):
Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP
Catcher
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Welington Castillo (ARI) | vs. NYY | 9 |
| Yasmani Grandal (LAD) | vs. LAA | 8 |
| Brian McCann (NYY) | at ARI | 7 |
Though he is beginning to see his numbers normalize, Castillo has been the shining diamond in a rather rough mine of fantasy catchers. His power numbers have come down but continues to slash a consistent .318/.333/.409. Perhaps a three-game series against the Yankees' volatile pitching staff is what Castillo needs to get back on track.
For more catcher rankings, click here.
First Baseman/DH
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Victor Martinez (DET) | vs. MIN | 9 |
| Hanley Ramirez (BOS) | at KC | 9 |
| Eric Hosmer (KC) | vs. BOS | 8 |
It's mind-boggling to think that Martinez is priced among the mid-tier options. Even though he was in a bit of a slump and went 7-for-27 with just one extra base hit to start May, he still owns a respectable average. Since May 10, he's 13-for-21 with three RBIs. The counting stats will come, but he's been returning value against his DFS salary more often than not.
For more first baseman/DH rankings, click here.
Second Baseman
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jean Segura (ARI) | vs. NYY | 9 |
| Rougned Odor (TEX) | at OAK | 8 |
| Derek Dietrich (MIA) | at PHI | 7 |
With a lack of viable options at second base, DFS owners should seek high-floors over upside. Segura fits that profile. He has shown no signs of slowing down with five multi-hit games over his past 10, leading to a ridiculous .340 average. He has found pop in his bat as well, with five dingers and 19 RBIs in 36 games.
For more second baseman rankings, click here.
Shortstop
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Xander Bogaerts (BOS) | at KC | 9 |
| Corey Seager (LAD) | vs. LAA | 8 |
| Eduardo Nunez (MIN) | at DET | 7 |
Although both Bogaerts and Seager have matchups in pitcher-friendly parks, their value doesn't lie within the long bomb anyways. Bogaerts is scorching hot, with six straight multi-hit games while also scoring eight runs. Both are smart cash-game plays.
For more shortstop rankings, click here.
Third Baseman
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Josh Donaldson (TOR) | vs. TB | 10 |
| Nick Castellanos (DET) | vs. MIN | 10 |
| Martin Prado (MIA) | at PHI | 9 |
While true that Donaldson has only hit .195 over his past 10 games without a single RBI, that should change in a hurry; he's hitting .400 with a 1.283 against lefties this season and in a minuscule size of 14 at-bats against Rays SP Drew Smyly, he has five extra-base hits, included three home runs. Because of his recent inconsistency at the plate, he's better-suited for tournament contests.
For more third baseman rankings, click here.
Outfielder
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Rua (TEX) | at OAK | 10 |
| Ian Desmond (TEX) | at OAK | 10 |
| Starling Marte (PIT) | vs. ATL | 9 |
The Rangers' outfield is in a great position to beat up on left-handed A's rookie Sean Manaea, who has been nuked for 16 earned runs in three starts. Rua has batted eighth in four straight games but moves up to sixth against lefties because of his .409/.435/.545 slash line against LHPs this season.
For more outfielder rankings, click here.
Starting Pitcher
| NAME | OPPONENT | VALUE |
|---|---|---|
| Jonathon Niese (PIT) | vs. ATL | 10 |
| Adam Conley (MIA) | at PHI | 10 |
| Rick Porcello (BOS) | at KC | 9 |
Niese, a towering southpaw, has struggled since joining the Pirates in the offseason, posting a 5.63 ERA and 1.60 WHIP through seven starts. There's plenty of cheap tournament upside here, as he'll be playing at home in one of baseball's best pitcher's parks against a Braves team that has collectively hit just .213 against lefties this season.
For more starting pitcher rankings, click here.