On both the hitting and pitching side, there are plenty of great streamers for the weekend. The Mets should score many runs in Colorado, and several of their regulars are widely available. The Rangers and Mariners can also chip in plenty of great streamer options.
There are several starting pitchers to stream, and I would feel comfortable deploying the top five hurlers on the list in any league, led by Michael Wacha. Let’s unpack the details:
Matchups to Target
Mets @ Rockies: Adding players from the Mets is an easy call this weekend, as they will roll into offense-inducing Coors Field to face a Rockies pitching staff that has logged a 5.93 ERA and a 1.65 WHIP at home. Any player who is getting regular playing time is worth a look in 12-team leagues, and that list includes Brett Baty (15%), Francisco Alvarez (18%) and Jeff McNeil (3%). Recently recalled infielder Ronny Mauricio (15%) offers a nice combination of weekend value and long-term upside.
Rangers @ Nationals: The Rangers could show signs of life in their disappointing offense when they face three Washington starters with an ERA over 4.70 and a bullpen with a 5.87 ERA. Josh Smith (16%) has been hitting leadoff, making him an excellent player to add. Jake Burger (47%) is among the best options in this entire article since he blends weekend potential with long-term upside.
A’s vs. Orioles: The Athletics should fare well offensively when they play three games at home against mediocre right-handed starters and a relief corps with a 5.19 ERA. With all three starters throwing from the right side, left-handed outfielder JJ Bleday (11%) is the most obvious player to add. On the other side of the same series, the Orioles could succeed against a pair of mediocre lefties and a right-handed starter (Luis Severino) who has struggled at home. After all, the A’s have allowed 75 earned runs in their past eight games. The top Baltimore players to add are switch-hitter Dylan Carlson (1%) and righty bats Coby Mayo (5%) and Ramon Urías (1%).
Mariners @ Angels: Teams are having great success against the Angels of late, as their rotation lacks reliable arms and the bullpen sits 28th in baseball with a 5.75 ERA. Jorge Polanco (36%) could break out of a recent slump, while veteran J.P. Crawford (10%) and rookie Cole Young (6%) are options in deep leagues.
Matchups to Avoid
White Sox vs. Royals: Chicago rarely provides fantasy managers with offensive help, and this weekend could be especially dire when it faces three starters who each have an ERA below 3.50. Roto managers may wish to start Luis Robert for his steals potential, but he could hurt teams more than he helps. The rest of the lineup is not worthy of consideration.
Blue Jays @ Twins: Toronto’s mediocre offense will be in for tough sledding this weekend when the Twins deploy two effective starters (Chris Paddack, Joe Ryan) and an intriguing youngster (David Festa). Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette are the only two Blue Jays who should remain in most lineups.
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Pirates vs. Phillies: This is a bad weekend to expect Pittsburgh’s underwhelming offense to find a spark, as it will take on three Philadelphia starters who each have an ERA under 3.20. On the other side of the same matchup, Phillies hitters who struggle against lefties, such as J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh and Max Kepler could have a quiet weekend, as the Pirates will start southpaws on Friday and Saturday before deploying right-handed ace Paul Skenes on Sunday.
Nationals vs. Rangers: The Nats have had some good offensive games of late, but they may take a step back when they face three Rangers starters who have respective ERAs of 3.71, 2.34 and 2.02. James Wood and CJ Abrams are the only players who must remain in lineups, although Luis García Jr. will get the nod in some leagues.
Seeking Saves
Daniel Palencia, Cubs, 45%: This will be my last chance to use Palencia in this space, as his roster rate should climb to 70% in the next week. The 25-year-old has been outstanding this season (1.74 ERA, 0.77 WHIP), and he has collected as many saves (5) as anyone in baseball since May 21. It’s hard to believe that managers can grab the closer on the team with the third-best record in baseball.
Seeking Steals
José Caballero, Rays, 36%: The Rays will likely rack up many steals this weekend when they face a Marlins team that has allowed 19 more swipes than any other team. Caballero, who sits fifth in baseball with 19 swipes, figures to lead the way on the basepaths, while outfielders Jake Mangum (6%) and Kameron Misner (2%) could swipe a base as well.
Streaming starters
In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.
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Michael Wacha @CWS (Saturday, 48)
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Hayden Birdsong vs. ATL (Friday, 37)
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Ryan Weathers @TB (Saturday, 36)
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Zack Littell vs. MIA (Friday, 30)
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Chad Paddack vs. TOR (Friday, 23)
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Chad Patrick vs. SD (Friday, 15)
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Tyler Anderson vs. SEA (Sunday, 18)
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Shane Smith vs. KC (Sunday, 23)
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Andrew Heaney vs. PHI (Saturday, 23)
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Gavin Williams vs. HOU (Saturday, 47)
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Cade Horton @DET (Sunday, 30)
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Ryne Nelson @CIN (Saturday, 5)
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Tomoyuki Sugano @ATH (Sunday, 33)
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