It’s going to be a tough week to generate a fantastic offense. I struggled to find three formations to target this week, when it was easy to label six clubs I would avoid. The situation for streamers on the launcher side isn’t much better, as there are a few good options but a low volume of launchers to choose from overall. Above all, it’s a week to start your usual stars while looking to make 1-2 clever waiver thread additions.
Target Matches
Spokes @ A
The Tampa Bay batters are by far the top targets of the week, as they will bring an offense ranked second in baseball in runs scored in a four-game series against a team with a 6.39 ERA. In order, Luc Raley (31% registered), Jose Siri (18%) and Harold Ramirez (49%) are my favorite streamers for this series.
Phillies @ D-backs
Philadelphia plays each of the next four days, with three of those contests against a starter with an ERA above 4.30. It’s an offense that disappointed overall, but Bryson Stott (63%) may be given the benefit of the doubt over the next few days.
Royals vs Reds
An unremarkable Royals line-up could be more productive than usual against three vulnerable Reds starters. It’s a good time to give Nick Prato (11%) a chance, while MJ Melendez (66%) is a good streamer in single receiver leagues.
Matches to avoid
Angels @ Rangers
Los Angeles could be thwarted by four tough starters from Texas (Dane Dunning, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, Nathan Eovaldi). Shohei Ohtani And Mike Trout are the only Angels who should be active in 10-team leagues, while Hunter Renfroe And Luis Rengifo can be considered in 12-team formats.
Marlins @ Mariners
Along with facing pitcher-friendly Safeco Field, the Miami hitters will face a tough luge against a trio of skilled right-handers (Bryce Miller, George Kirby, Luis Castillo). Luis Arraez can stay active anywhere, while Bryan De La Cruz Jorge Soler And Jesus Sanchez still deserve attention in 12-team formats.
Brewers @ Twins
Milwaukee is only playing two games over the next four days, and the pitching matchups are above average in difficulty. Christian Yelich is the only Brewer scheduled to start this week in 10-team leagues.
Mets vs. Yankees
Batters from both teams should be avoided as they face each other for only two games and have to deal with tough right-handers Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, Justin Verlander And Max Scherzer. Francisco Alvarez, Francisco Lindor, Anthony Rizzo And Gleyber Torres are the only shallow league starters in this series.
Padres versus Guardians
The Padres may struggle to score against three Guardians starters with sub-3.35 ERAs and a relief corps that ranks second in baseball. Beyond Juan Soto, Manny Machado And Fernando Tatis Jr.it’s an unattractive group for the days ahead.
Search flights
Those hoping to land a few more steals this week should target speedsters in these contests.
Chas McCormick vs. Patrick Corbin (Tuesday): McCormick has plagued southpaws throughout his career (.904 OPS) and has just enough speed to slip a sack against Corbin, who ranks eighth in baseball with 11 interceptions allowed this season.
Nico Hoerner vs. Rich Hill (Thursday): Those in the shallow leagues will want Hoerner active against Hill, who is one of 13 pitchers to allow at least 11 interceptions this season. Hoerner has done well against lefties and ranks 12th in baseball in sweeps.
Big Plugs
Looking to add a lap or two to your total this week? Consider streaming one of these players.
TJ Friedl vs. Jordan Lynch (Tuesday): Left-handed hitter Friedl has hit all but one of his twelve career home runs against right-handers, putting him in prime position to go deep against Lyles, who is tied for the Major League lead in home runs allowed.
Ryan Mountcastle, Anthony Santander vs. Yusei Kikuchi (Thursday): Both Mountcastle and Santander have produced over 1,000 OPS against lefties this season. They’re prime candidates to tear up a home run against Kikuchi, who is tied for the major league lead in home runs.
Streaming Starters
In order, here are the top streamers from Monday to Thursday, with their start date and Yahoo! list rate in parentheses.
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Taj Bradley @ OAK (Thursday 62)
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Tanner Bibee @ SD (Tuesday 52)
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AJ Smith-Shawver @ DET (Wednesday 55)
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James Paxton vs. COL (Monday 43)
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Aaron Civale @ SD (Wednesday 31)
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Dane Dunning vs. LAA (Monday 56)
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Logan Allen @ SD (Thursday 46)
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Yonny Chirinos @ OAK (Tuesday, 2)
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Garrett Whitlock vs. COL (Wednesday the 23rd)
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Kutter Crawford vs COL (Tuesday 2)
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Reese Olson vs. ATL (Monday, 3)
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Zack Greinke vs. CIN (Monday 10)
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Edward Cabrera @ SEA (Tuesday, 57)
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Rich Hill @ CHC (Thursday 15)