3 MLB FanDuel Value Plays for Wednesday 6/28/23

Value is king for DFS, and finding a diamond in the rough can be the ultimate difference-maker.

Let's look at some of the top value plays for today's main slate on FanDuel, which begins at 7:05 p.m. EST.

Logan Allen, SP, Cleveland Guardians ($8,400)

Cleveland Guardians rookie Logan Allen slots in as a top option for more frugal DFS players. The lefty has been up and down in his debut season but gets a mouth-watering matchup tonight versus the Kansas City Royals.

For as bad as the Royals have been all year, they've been especially putrid in June -- going just 5-18 while averaging the third-fewest runs per game (3.26). They eclipsed four runs in a game just three times over that span and managed only a single run in yesterday's series opener.

For the campaign, the Royals hold the sixth-lowest weighted on-base average (.303 wOBA) and the eighth-highest strikeout rate (24.4%) against lefties.

That bodes well for Allen, who has struggled at times but is coming off a four-inning shutout against the Oakland Athletics. Allen's had issues with walks of late but should fare better against a Royals team that walks at the third-lowest rate (7.2%) in the majors.

Despite some inconsistencies, Allen has shown contest-winning potential with three outings of eight-plus strikeouts. numberFire projects Allen for 27.2 FanDuel points in KC tonight -- the fourth-most of any pitcher salaried under $9,000.

Given the success fellow rookie Gavin Williams had against the Royals last night, Allen makes for an excellent value play on Wednesday.

Ezequiel Duran, 2B/SS/OF, Texas Rangers ($2,800)

Texas Rangers' utility man Ezequiel Duran has been on fire lately and has a great chance to keep the momentum rolling against the Detroit Tigers.

Duran has forced his way into the lineup more often than not thanks to his hot bat and positional flexibility. He's batting .352 in June and has collected seven multi-hit games over his last nine appearances.

The 24-year-old has strong numbers overall but is obliterating lefties this year, recording a .425 wOBA and 1.009 OPS in the split.

Tigers starter Joey Wentz has been one of the most hitter-friendly southpaws in the sport this season. Wentz sports an ugly 5.47 expected ERA (xERA) and has given up five homers across his last four starts.

numberFire projects Duran for 10.9 FanDuel points, and he could easily outpace that with Texas having the highest non-Coors implied team total of the slate (5.56 runs).

After homering on Tuesday, Duran should feast against the lefty Wentz. His low salary makes him one of the more appealing value plays of the night.

Ryan O'Hearn, 1B, Baltimore Orioles ($2,600)

Baltimore Orioles first baseman Ryan O'Hearn has taken full advantage of Ryan Mountcastle's extended absence -- posting a .964 OPS in June. He's put together a career year in Baltimore with career-best clips in hard-hit rate and strikeout rate while recording his highest wOBA (.388) since 2018.

O'Hearn almost exclusively faces righties -- against whom he owns a .394 wOBA and an above-average 156 weight runs created plus (wRC+).

A matchup with Cincinnati Reds righty Luke Weaver should result in fireworks for the Orioles. Weaver's been horrendous this season -- allowing four-plus runs in 8 of his 12 starts while ranking in the 8th percentile in expected slugging percentage (xSLG) allowed.

Consequently, Baltimore has the second-highest non-Coors implied total of the slate at 4.95 runs.

numberFire projects O'Hearn for 10.2 FanDuel points, but there's upside for more in this spot. Considering his prowess against right-handed pitching, O'Hearn is one of the best value plays of the slate.

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.