Fantasy Baseball 2015: Best MLB Position Player Picks for July 5

There are a ton of inviting individual matchups for position players on Sunday. Jose Reyes of the Toronto Blue Jays has an excellent chance to make a daily fantasy splash when the Blue Jays visit Justin Verlander and the Detroit Tigers.

In his career, Reyes has had great success against Verlander. In 11 at-bats, Reyes is hitting .455 with an on-base percentage of .500 and an OPS of 1.045 against the 32-year-old right-hander. It's only 11 at-bats, but that's just enough to constitute a trend, and Reyes has been a consistent fantasy performer this season.

Coming into Sunday's game, he is averaging 7.8 fantasy points per game. Also, Verlander has struggled since making his debut this season. In three starts, his ERA is 5.09, his WHIP is 1.53 and he's yet to pick up a win. 

Everything points to Reyes sparking the Blue Jays to a successful offensive performance against the Tigers' former ace. Here's a look at the rest of the top position players to tab for Sunday's games.

Position	Player	Opponent	Salary
C	Jonathan Lucroy	Cincinnati	$3,800
1B	Ryan Howard	Atlanta	$3,400
2B	Robinson Cano	Oakland	$3,800
3B	Kris Bryant	Miami	$4,400
SS	Jose Reyes	Detroit	$4,200
OF	Cameron Maybin	Philadelphia	$3,700
OF	Gerardo Parra	Cincinnati	$3,500
OF	Jorge Soler	Miami	$3,900

Kris Bryant Is Mashing

Jeff Roberson/Associated Press

Fresh off an explosive Fourth of July performance on Saturday, look for Kris Bryant to keep crushing baseballs on Sunday. In the Chicago Cubs' 7-2 win over the Miami Marlins on Saturday, Bryant had two home runs—including a grand slam—with six RBI. 

He's on a modest five-game hitting streak with a .333 batting average in those games. For the season, Bryant is averaging 9.2 fantasy points per game, and he's facing a pitcher that he should be able to pound on Sunday.

The Marlins' Mat Latos has yet to find his groove this season. His ERA is 5.27, and he's allowed three or more runs in five of his last six starts. With Bryant apparently seeing the ball well, he's a solid pick to click on Sunday.

Jonathan Lucroy Is an Automatic Pick

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

To put it plain, the Milwaukee Brewers' Jonathan Lucroy has owned Mike Leake in their previous career meetings. Lucroy is hitting an impressive .444 in 27 at-bats against the Cincinnati Reds pitcher, and there's no reason to believe he won't continue to eat him up.

Lucroy is hitting an insane .458 in his last five games overall. With his past success against Leake and his current hot bat, Lucroy seems like the most automatic selection of the day for DK players. Jump all over him, especially for an affordable DK salary of $3,800.

Cameron Maybin Hits Cole Hamels...Really

John Bazemore/Associated Press

Normally, we wouldn't target a hitter to have a big day against the Philadelphia Phillies' Cole Hamels, but Cameron Maybin has pounded Philly's ace. Maybin is hitting .375 against Hamels in 32 at-bats. 

Of all current Atlanta Braves hitters with at least three at-bats against Hamels, Maybin has the highest batting average. Maybin happens to be on fire as well.

In his last four games, he's hitting .500. The Braves may not collectively batter Hamels, but Maybin is a smart selection for any DK lineup.

Gerardo Parra Is a Value Pick

John Minchillo/Associated Press

Things aren't looking good for Leake on Sunday.

Along with Lucroy, the Brewers' Gerardo Parra has also hit Leake well. In 16 at-bats, the Brewers outfielder is hitting .375 against Leake. Like Lucroy, Parra has also been hot at the plate coming into Sunday's game. He's on a four-game hitting streak, and he's .441 in his last nine games.

For just $3,500 in DK salary, Parra is set up to be one of the biggest steals of the day. Look for him to play a big role in knocking the Reds starter around for as long as he lasts in Sunday's game.

---

Follow Brian Mazique on Twitter.