Just a seven-game main slate today with Coors Field in-play means we’re likely scraping the bottom of the barrel for value today. There are some interesting options from the Colorado game, so we’ll get a little help, but otherwise, we’re digging deep through a sea of mediocre teams today. Here’s a look at some value names worth considering.
Both Sites:
Adam Wainwright , SP STL ($7,400 FD/$7,500 DK) – I know, right? Wainwright? Didn’t he just allow six runs through two innings in his first start? He did. But that was on the road in Great American Smallpark where the Reds (and their opposition) were setting major league records for runs scored. Today we’re going to take a walk down narrative street as this just might be the final home opener of Wainwright’s career and he routinely gets jazzed for this day. “It's so special to pitch at Busch Stadium in front of our people, in front of our fans,” Wainwright said. “They always do such a really great job of making me feel loved. They really do. … I can't wait to go out and compete for them.” While we don’t want to put too much stock in spring numbers, let’s remember that he did post a 1.83 ERA with 20 strikeouts and only three walks over 19.2 innings. Match that with the Brewers posting a .246 wOBA with a 29.1-percent strikeout rate against right-handed pitching and we’ll go one more for the old man.
Sam Hilliard , OF COL ($3,000 FD/$2,500 DK) – Obviously you will have to check to make sure he’s in the lineup, but against a right-hander, we’re pretty confident he’ll be in there. He came off the bench yesterday to knock an RBI-triple and that comes one day after he belted his second home run of the season. He’s crushing right-hand pitching and it’s not like Merrill Kelly has deceptive stuff.
FanDuel:
David Bote , 2B CHC ($2,300) – If you’re looking for a value/punt play at second base today, then Bote facing lefty Tyler Anderson makes sense. I know, the Cubs are not swinging the sticks too well, but Bote should be able to get on-base here and help make something happen. He’s got a .457 wOBA against southpaws this season, so there’s promise which is what you’re looking for. Simple productivity is what we want when it comes to punting a position. It’s the bats you’re able to fit in afterwards that will make the biggest difference.
Andrelton Simmons , SS MIN ($2,900) – Simmons has hit safely in all but one game this season and he’s in a great spot to continue his productivity against lefty Marco Gonzales who continues to pitch to far too much contact. The Twins shortstop is sporting a .516 wOBA against southpaws this season and should have no trouble finding his way on-base in this one.
Draft Kings:
Pedro Severino , C BAL ($3,700) – It’s not exactly a crazy bargain price, but there’s definite value to be had in the Orioles backstop, especially against a lefty. Or how about a lefty who may or may not be 100-percent ready after experiencing some dead-arm? Severino hits for power against lefties and has done so throughout his career. Every year he’s good for a couple of games where he performs like a DFS dreamboat and today could be the day.
Josh Fuentes , 1B/3B COL ($3,300) – Another bargain bat from the Rockies and on DK, no less. It’s a rarity. He’s hit safely in each of these last two games against Arizona and he’s sporting a .330 wOBA with an .800 OPS against righties this season. If you’re looking to squeeze in bargain bats from Colorado, he could be your guy, and a mini-stack with Hilliard could be interesting if they are in consecutive spots in the order.
Player News
Daulton Varsho picked up three hits, three RBI and a homer in a win over the Angels on Thursday.
Varsho has only played in seven games this year, but they’ve been seven good ones. He’s homered three times already, and his slugging percentage is a remarkable — and entirely unsustainable — .727 over 22 at-bats. Varsho has been a mediocre offensive player in his two seasons with the Blue Jays, but it’s possible at the age of 28 he’s having a breakout campaign. Far from a guarantee, but possible.
Taylor Ward hit a two-run homer in a loss to the Blue Jays on Thursday.
Ward, 31, gave the Angels a 2-0 lead with a two-run homer off Chris Bassitt in the first inning. He’s now gone deep in two of his last three games, and it ‘improves’ his slash to .181/.224/.391. Ward has been one of the most hot/cold players players in the sport over the last few years, so fantasy managers who can afford to make some roster moves may want to look at Ward while the going is good.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. picked up three hits and scored twice in an 8-5 win over the Angels on Thursday.
Guerrero also drew a walk. It gives the first baseman multiple hits in back-to-back games, and it’s the third time in May that he’s reached that mark. That’s helped raise his average from .268 to .295, and the only thing fantasy managers can be disappointed with is his .432 slugging percentage. That number should continue to climb as the season unfolds, but Vladdy Jr. has had some inconsistent seasons when it comes to power production.
Chad Green picked up his first save of 2025 with a scoreless ninth against the Angels on Thursday.
Green got the save after Jeff Hoffman worked in back-to-back games — and struggled — in the first two contests against the Angels. He struck out two and looked the part while needing just nine pitches to get through the inning. Hoffman should remain the closer, but Green is on his tail if the struggles were to continue.
Chris Bassitt allowed five runs — four earned — while working six-plus innings against the Angels on Thursday while picking up a win.
Bassitt allowed three runs over the first two innings on a pair of homers, but settled down over his next four frames. He came out to work the seventh, but ended up being charged for two more runs after leaving the contest. The 36-year-old veteran has forged a 3.35 ERA and outstanding 49/8 K/BB ratio over the first quarter of the season, but this wasn’t him at his best. He’ll get the Rays next week if the rotation order stays the same for Toronto.
José Soriano allowed three runs over five innings while not factoring in the decision Thursday against the Blue Jays.
Soriano left with a 4-3 lead, but it was erased quickly after his departure. The 26-year-old was not exactly dominant in his outing with eight hits allowed and four free passes, but he did strike out six to help balance things out a smidgen. Soriano takes an even ERA of 4.00 into a scheduled start against the Padres in San Diego on Tuesday. There should be better options for that one.