MLB GPP Tournament Picks: 9-18-15

Pitchers

Fiers hasn't allowed an earned run at Minute Maid through his first two starts at the venue, and he enters with an 8.8 K/9 since joining Houston and a 23.9% strikeout rate for the season.

While the Athletics got to Fiers two starts ago, this is a must-win game for Houston. The Astros are receiving significant chalk, and opposing hurler Felix Doubront resembles a pitching machine. Expect a solid outing from Fiers with the run support to return the four-point win bonus Friday.

Bumgarner's sterling stat line at AT&T Park makes him a difficult fade Friday. San Francisco is a huge favorite, and the southpaw has won seven consecutive home starts. For the season, Bumgarner owns a 1.85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 10.8 K/9 while holding opposing hitters to a .528 OPS on his turf.

Arizona isn't a pushover, but they're also the 23rd-ranked scoring offensive against lefties with a 21.3% strikeout rate. Just note, Bumgarner is much more viable at DraftKings.

Top Hitters

Back to the leadoff spot, Altuve enters Friday with a .928 OPS over his past 24 games and a .957 OPS and .407 wOBA against southpaws this season. For his career, Altuve boasts a .354 batting average and a .385 wOBA against lefties.

As the sixth most expensive option at FanDuel, Altuve stands as a solid value given he draws Doubront Friday. After all, the Oakland lefty has served up a .301/.360/.472 slash line to righties this year.

Kemp went 6-for-12 during his last series at Coors Field, and he has a .952 OPS with 10 home runs and 34 RBI over the past 30 games dating back to Game 1 of that mid-August series. He is also cruising down the stretch for a second consecutive season.

Bettis has allowed 32 runs through 50.1 innings at home this season and opposing righties own a .600 slugging percentage and .426 wOBA at home. The only knock might be Kemp's potentially high ownership.

De La Rosa has been beaten around all season by left-handed hitters allowing a .581 slugging percentage and a .409 wOBA. He also has served up 17 runs through 18 innings over his past four starts with opposing hitters boasting a 1.004 OPS.

Belt enters with a respectable .300 batting average and .360 wOBA against right-handed hurlers this season, and he is having a nice second half with 33 runs, 32 RBI and a .847 OPS since the break. Belt presents excellent value.

Way down the price list at third base, a red-hot Beltre -- 10 extra-base hits, 21 RBI and a .874 OPS over his last 25 games -- checks out as a high-end value Friday. He grabs the handedness advantage against Paxton who is making just his second start following a lengthy absence due to a finger injury.

Beltre has been significantly better against lefties, and he is hitting in the heart of a rolling lineup. There is a lot to like about Beltre Friday.

Value and Platoon Plays

Brandon Finnegan (SP - CIN) FD: $5,000 DK: $4,100

A true dice roll, Finnegan has struggled as a starter in the minors with a 6.50 ERA over 12 starts and two relief appearances at the triple-A level. Still, Milwaukee enters with an unimposing lineup, which stands to become even more tamable, if Ryan Braun sits. Finnegan boasts punchout potential.

John Jaso (C - TB) FD: $2,200 DK: $2,500

Opposing pitcher Tyler Wilson is making just his third career start, and Jaso enters the game with a respectable .836 OPS and a cap-friendly salary. He is a safe bet -- .377 on-base percentage -- who also boasts upside.

Brandon Crawford (SS - SF) FD: $2,300 DK: $3,700

Continuing to target left-handed batters against Rubby De La Rosa, Crawford should return to action Friday, and his salary has dropped. Crawford has 16 long flies and a .478 slugging percentage against right-handed arms, too.

Corey Dickerson (OF - COL) FD: $3,800 DK: $3,600

It is a target-worthy price for Dickerson. And while he has only played eight games since July, Dickerson's .351/.409/.670 career slash line at Coors Field is intriguing.

Elvis Andrus (SS - TEX) FD: $2,700 DK: $3,300

Andrus has been finding ways to pile on fantasy points over his past six games with three runs, four doubles, four RBI and two stolen bases. It isn't a cap-crippling salary to roll the dice on Andrus staying hot.

Yangervis Solarte (1B/3B - SD) FD: $3,800 DK: $4,000

A second-half surge has Solarte's value on the rise backed by a .477 slugging percentage. Add the Coors Field factor and a favorable pitching matchup, and the cap hit is less daunting.

Justin Morneau (1B - COL) FD: $3,800 DK: $3,300

With two multi-hit games through his past three outings, there are signs of life from Morneau. He doesn't break the bank and owns a .887 OPS through 354 plate appearances at Coors Field for his career.

Justin Ruggiano (OF - LAD) FD: $3,600 DK: $2,600

Feasting against lefties of late, Ruggiano is 7-for-23 with four runs, six extra-base hits and five RBI over his past five starts -- all against southpaws. Manager Don Mattingly is slotting him into prime lineup spots and he offers huge value at DraftKings.