Thursday's Third Baseman Value Rankings

Here are theScore's third baseman value rankings for Thursday, May 19 (all stats exclude Wednesday's games):

Value Rankings
C | 1B/DH | 2B | SS | 3B | OF | SP

Top Options

The A's bats are starting to heat up, and this includes Valencia, who has crushed four home runs, one a grand slam, and seven RBIs in his past four games. He's limiting strikeouts and is hitting a marvelous .414 in the past seven games since returning from injury.

With RHP Nathan Karns on the mound for the Mariners, Machado is a must play; as he has crushed all 11 of his homers against righties and 23 of his 25 RBIs. He's a terrific cash-game play, but his tournament value takes a bit of a hit due to his massive price tag.

The heart of the Mariners lineup has been red-hot in May and Seager's average has skyrocketed. He is slashing .383/.406/.717 with three bombs, nine extra-base hits and 11 RBIs.

Mid-Tier Targets

With five homers, 10 runs scored and nine RBIs in his last 10 games, Carpenter and his .400 OBP have led to a DFS-price raise, even though his average is sitting at a modest .278. His ownership will be far too high for tournaments, so his value lies primarily in cash games.

Kang marveled while hitting two dingers in his first game of the season, and he's generated two more homers and seven RBIs in eight games played since. With the combination of a middling price tag and favorable matchup, roll him in cash games.

Bryant is one of the most expensive hitters on this slate, which is surprising due to his nine hits in 43 at-bats where three of those hits went yard and two were doubles. Though his price indicates he's a cash-game play, his production suggests otherwise.

Ignoring his below average .240/.290/.410 slash line, he has three home runs (two of which came in May) as well as 11 RBIs (eight of which came in May). Gonzalez isn't the sexiest play, however, he's the most productive player among his price tier.

A day of rest could be just what Donaldson needs to brush off his horrific hitting slump. He has gone 15 straight games without a home run or RBI, but he has walked nine times and plated eight runs. It's only a matter of time until he explodes, and it could come sooner rather than later against a feeble Twins pitching staff.

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