Friday's Shortstop Value Rankings

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Here are theScore's shortstop rankings for Friday, September 16 (all stats exclude Thursday's games):

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

Top Options

Of the Top Options, Machado has the toughest opposing pitcher in Chris Archer (2.91 ERA over his last 10 starts), but he's significantly cheaper than Seager and has shown greater consistency than Tulowitzki. In any case, though Archer's ERA at home this season is 2.63, it jumps to 5.63 in road starts. Camden Yards won't be forgiving for the visitor.

Seager will face Zack Greinke, who has a 5.08 ERA at home in Arizona, where the high altitude and dry air aid hitters. Tulowitzki faces soft-tossing greybeard Jered Weaver.

Mid-Tier Targets

Semien has earned his reputation as a lefty-killer but his recent struggles keep him from joining the Top Options on Friday. He's hit just .179 over his last 10 games, which adds some unpredictability to his potential, though SP Cole Hamels (4.10 ERA over 13 home starts) and the hitter-friendly elements at Globe Life Park could still help add to his position-leading 10 homers vs. LHPs.

Swanson is priced close to the minimum salary. He could go '0-for' against ace Max Scherzer but still presents value -- the salary saved by going thrifty at shortstop will allow for higher caliber players at other positions. Any actual production from the 2015 first-overall pick is an added bonus.

Nothing to See Here

Reyes has a great matchup with struggling (to put in mildly) rookie Jose Berrios, but Reyes has done most of his damage against lefties in his return to the Mets.

A .359 OBP over his past 10 games is encouraging but Escobar draws a lethal matchup with White Sox southpaw Chris Sale. Escobar's OBP against lefties this season sits at .264; given that he has minimal power, the Royals' shortstop is unplayable.