Batting position streamers are hard to find this weekend as many teams are prepared to face their opponents’ best starters. The outlook is brighter on the pitching side, as there are a handful of widely available streamers who could make a big impact, along with a wide group of useful options.
Combinations to target
Brave vs.
Atlanta’s offense has underperformed this year, but could take off this weekend against a mediocre lefty (JP Sears) and two weak righties. Most of the Braves’ regulars are already rostered, but Orlando Arcia (17%) and Adam Duvall (10%) are weekend options in 12-team leagues.
Rangers at Marlins
While the park won’t do them any favors, Texas hitters could find success during a series in which the lowly Marlins will use two starters with an ERA above 5.50. Josh Smith (32%) and Leody Taveras (12%) are third and fifth in the lineup, respectively, making them potential streamers for this series.
Blue Jays vs. Pirates
Toronto caught a big break this weekend when they lost both of Pittsburgh’s rookie pitchers during a three-game series. The best Blue Jays to stream are Davis Schneider (23%) and Danny Jansen (25%).
Furthermore, Schneider’s roster rate is very low for someone who is holding down the starting position and has a lifetime .903 OPS.
Dodgers vs. Rockies
The Dodgers aren’t used to having a mediocre offense, but that’s what happened in May. But they remain a talented group and are in prime position to get back on track when they face a Rockies pitching staff that ranks last in ERA. The bottom half of this lineup is icy, but Gavin Lux (9%) and Andy Pages (24%) are passable in 12-team leagues.
Fights to avoid
Giants vs. Yankees
Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt and Nestor Cortes were three key starters on a dynamite Yankees team that included a bullpen with a 2.98 ERA. The recommendation here is to move all Giants to the bench, including Thairo Estrada and Matt Chapman, who played in May.
Rays @ Orioles
While Albert Suárez, Kyle Bradish and Cole Irvin are not considered aces, they each have a sub-3.00 ERA and should use their pitcher-friendly home park to keep the Rays’ offense in check. There are no mandatory Rays for this series, although Isaac Paredes remains in some lineups.
Reds @ Cubs
The Reds’ offense has fallen short of expectations this year and is unlikely to change course when playing on the road against three talented Cubs starters. Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer are the only two members of this offense expected to remain in the lineup.
Defenses D @ Mets
Arizona has had a rough month offensively and is unlikely to get on track against three Mets starters with a sub-3.30 ERA. Ketel Marte is the only member of this attack who belongs in every lineup.
Rockies @ Dodgers
Colorado hitters typically struggle on the road and could be even worse than usual when facing three talented Los Angeles right-handers. Aside from desperate exceptions, every member of this roster should be placed in co-ed leagues.
Angels @ Sailors
Los Angeles should struggle to generate much offense against three Seattle right-handers, each with an ERA under 3.50. Taylor Ward can remain active in most leagues, and Luis Rengifo can use his four-spot eligibility to earn a spot on some rosters, but the rest of the team’s hitters are fringe options.
A’s @ Braves
Oakland’s hitters should be benched against a successful Braves trio of Chris Sale, Charlie Morton and Max Fried. Brent Rooker is the only possible exception, as he is good enough to remain on the roster in five outfielder leagues.
Looking for Salvages
Daniel Hudson (Los Angeles Dodgers, 32%)
Hudson will soon be replaced by Evan Phillips, who could return from the IL tomorrow. But the veteran could get one more save over the weekend, as Los Angeles could sweep the lowly Rockies and may not be willing to immediately use Phillips on consecutive days.
Looking for robberies
Dylan Moore (2B/SS/OF, Seattle Mariners, 51%)
Despite being a huge fantasy factor during May (5 HR, 3 SB, 16, RBI, 12 R), Moore remains available in about half of Yahoo’s leagues. The multi-position asset could steal another purse over the weekend at the expense of Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who has allowed more steals than anyone else at his position.
Streaming Beginners
In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.
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Gavin Stone x COL (Sunday, 53)
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Robert Gasser x CWS (Saturday 24)
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Ben Brown x CIN (Sunday 13)
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Tylor Megill x ARI (Sunday 7)
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Cole Irvin x TB (Sunday, 38)
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Reese Olson @BOS (Saturday 49)
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Ryan Weathers x TEX (Saturday, 26)
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Sean Manaea x ARI (Saturday, 31)
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José Soriano @SEA (Friday, 14)
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Taj Bradley @BAL (Saturday 49)
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Zack Littell @BAL (Sunday 41)
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Albert Suárez x TB (Friday, 8)
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Cooper Criswell x DET (Saturday, 10)
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Ben Lively x WSH (Saturday 34)
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Mitchell Parker @CLE (Saturday 21)
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Alec Marsh x SD (Saturday 31)
