MLB GPP Tournament Picks: 6-22-15

On a short slate, being contrarian is the name of the game. I'm going to highlight some players that are in great spots, some of whom may fly under the radar despite their plus matchup. Separating your roster from the "chalk" plays will go a long way for you in large-field tournaments, and I'm here to highlight some of the best players to help you achieve the best "contrarian" lineup.

At first glance, this play may look insane. However, a closer look indicates that Milone may emerge as a great GPP option tonight. He is a sizable favorite and draws a White Sox team that is historically bad against left-handed pitchers this season (.240 team wOBA, .077 ISO, 45 wRC+). Milone doesn't have overpowering stuff, but what he does have going for him is a terrific matchup and an offense that Vegas has pegged to give him plenty of run support. Targeting the White Sox with southpaws has been a profitable strategy, and tonight is no different.

Hutchison is essentially listed in a pick 'em with Matt Andriese, but Vegas has both teams listed with just 3.5 run totals. He has had a roller coaster season, posting as high as 21 and as low as -2.67 FanDuel points in his last four games alone. However, the Rays offense ranks just 22nd in the league in terms of wOBA and 24th in team ISO. Hutch has a solid ceiling, but his inconsistencies leave him as a tournament-only option this evening.

Top Hitters

Whenever Mr. Dozier faces off with a lefty, he makes for an elite option in all formats. Tonight's matchup with John Danks (.390 wOBA, 10 HR allowed to righties in 2015) is one of the better matchups he will see all season long. His .234 ISO versus lefties leads all qualified second basemen since the beginning of 2012 by a wide margin. He is pricy on DraftKings, but looks to be head and shoulders above the rest of the options at second base on tonight's small slate. Get him onto your GPP rosters.

Teixeira is quietly having a tremendous season, and is destroying right-handed pitchers at Yankee Stadium, going 19-for-82 with 13 extra-base hits during the young season. Overall, he has posted a monstrous .316 ISO against righties, and Kevin Correia is going to have a long night on the bump. Vegas agrees, as they have the Yankees team total pegged at five runs tonight.

One of the most hyped young players we have seen in a long time draws one of the best pitchers we have seen in a long time tonight. This is the exact recipe for a low-owned GPP play. Bryant has mashed lefties this season and the wind is blowing out in a big way at Wrigley tonight. I'm not looking to pick on Kershaw by any means, but if someone is going to send one into the seats and set you apart from the pack, my money is on Bryant.

Another game where the wind may be a factor is the Tigers/Indians battle at Progressive Field. Trevor Bauer has been electric at times this season, but he has also had some struggles (11% walk rate, 46% fly-ball rate). While the masses flock to Cespy's teammate J.D. Martinez after his three homer game yesterday, you can gain an edge by targeting the less popular power bat against the inconsistent Bauer.

Value and Platoon Plays

Justin Turner (3B - LAD) FD: $3,200 DK: $3,800

Turner has been on fire over his last three starts, going 6-for-10 with three homers and six RBI. He should draw another favorable lineup spot tonight against the lefty Tsuyoshi Wada, who has allowed a .386 wOBA to all batters in the month of June.

Ryan Howard (1B - PHI) FD: $2,800 DK: $3,700

Michael Pineda will be a popular play tonight, and for good reason. However, Howard is in a fine spot as a power-hitting lefty in Yankee Stadium. He has a .258 ISO and .341 wOBA against righties this season, and if Pineda makes a mistake over the plate, you can bank on Howard punishing him.

Ryan Raburn (OF - CLE) FD: $2,200 DK: $2,800

As is always the case when the Indians face a southpaw, Raburn is a great cheap source of power for your GPP lineups tonight. He has a .226 ISO and .390 wOBA against left-handed pitchers this season, and Kyle Ryan isn't scaring anyone.

Scott Van Slyke (OF- LAD) FD: $3,200 DK: $3,400

Van Slyke may be my favorite platoon player on the planet. He has destroyed left-handed pitching to the tune of a .253 ISO and .386 wOBA throughout his career, and tonight's matchup with Tsuyoshi Wada is elite in this environment.