Justin Verlander, HOU at ARI ($10,400)
Justin Verlander earns a spot on our list because of his appealing price point among the top options. While we have faith in all three top pitchers, there are some concerns, especially with Spencer Strider‘s ability to provide value at his hefty price. Both Luis Castillo and Verlander have displayed occasional volatility, but they find themselves in must-win situations for their teams. Verlander, priced $200 lower than Castillo, presents an attractive cost-saving opportunity. Furthermore, the Arizona Diamondbacks have struggled against right-handed pitchers this season, boasting a .321 wOBA and a league-average 100 wRC+. This matchup favors Verlander’s potential for a strong outing.

Michael Wacha, SD at CWS ($9,500)
Michael Wacha may not be the first name that comes to mind when considering a pitcher at this price point. However, he has some compelling factors working in his favor. Despite having only two quality starts in his last nine appearances, Wacha has managed to strike out at least five batters in six of those outings. His appeal primarily stems from the opponent, the struggling Chicago White Sox. The White Sox rank 29th in the league with a paltry .291 wOBA and a feeble 82 wRC+ against right-handed pitchers. They’ve scored more than three runs in a game only seven times this month. Additionally, with their star hitter, Luis Robert, sidelined for the season, the White Sox are a lineup in disarray. Wacha should have an opportunity for a productive five or six innings against this weakened offense.

Furthermore, it’s worth noting that Wacha has quietly maintained a 3.32 ERA with the Red Sox last season and has continued to perform well, with a 3.39 ERA overall this year. The matchup against the White Sox, who are now 29th in team OPS and runs scored, makes him an intriguing option.

Connor Phillips, CIN at STL ($7,900)
For those seeking a potential boom-or-bust option at a more affordable price point, Connor Phillips could fit the bill. Despite his unattractive 5.66 ERA, his lower 4.58 xFIP and impressive strikeout numbers make him an interesting choice. In three out of his last four starts, Phillips has recorded seven or more strikeouts, boasting an impressive 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The St. Louis Cardinals, while maintaining a respectable .323 wOBA, strike out at a 21.2 percent clip. However, they are dealing with injuries and appear to be winding down their season. In contrast, the Cincinnati Reds still hold faint hopes of making the playoffs, which could translate into run support for Phillips. This support may be the catalyst for him to outperform his price tag.