There are plenty of hitters to stream this weekend for fantasy baseball, led by several strong options in a potentially high-scoring series between the Angels and Nationals. The D-backs can provide contributors at a variety of positions for an expected lopsided series with the Marlins, and the Brewers should be a great source of starting pitchers for their home matchup with the Rockies.
Matchups to Target
Angels vs. Nationals
The Nats rank 28th in baseball in ERA and are especially vulnerable during series in which ace MacKenzie Gore is unavailable. Such is the case this weekend, which means the Angels can provide No. 2 hitter Nolan Schanuel (18% rostered on Yahoo), slugger Jo Adell (36%) and rookie Christian Moore (6%) as streamers. On the other side of the same series, the Nats should get plenty of baserunners against three right-handed starters who each have an WHIP over 1.30 and a bullpen with a 1.50 WHIP. Streaming options from Washington are highlighted by first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (47%) and rookie Brady House (6%).
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Tigers vs. Twins
Detroit should score plenty of runs in an important divisional series when they face three right-handers who each have an ERA over 4.64. The Tigers have plenty of left-handed hitters, including leadoff man Colt Keith (10%), outfielder Parker Meadows (11%) and utilityman Zach McKinstry (31%). I listed them in my order of preference.
Brewers vs. Rockies
Colorado pitchers have struggled at virtually every venue this year, as the team has posted a 4.75 ERA when working away from their hitter-friendly home park. Leadoff hitter Sal Frelick (37%) is a good option to add, and in 15-team leagues, Isaac Collins (4%), Caleb Durbin (6%) and Joey Ortiz (5%) can help to fill out lineups.
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Diamondbacks vs. Marlins
Arizona has been one of baseball’s best teams against right-handers this year (.802 OPS), which puts them in great position to succeed when they face three unimpressive righties this weekend. Lefty slugger Pavin Smith (7%) is the easy player to stream for this series, and Alek Thomas (1%) is an option in deeper leagues.
Mets @ Pirates
Facing the Pirates but missing Paul Skenes is a recipe for success, which is the situation for the Mets this weekend. Jeff McNeil (14%) has swung a hot bat in recent weeks and is the only worthwhile streaming option from this lineup.
Matchups to Avoid
Braves vs. Phillies
Atlanta’s offense has rarely run on all cylinders this season, and that situation is unlikely to change when they face three solid starters this weekend. Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson and Austin Riley are the only must start Braves for this series. On the other side of the series, the Phillies will face two imposing starters (Spencer Schwellenbach, Chris Sale) and a solid bullpen. Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber are the must-start Phillies, while Alec Bohm and Nick Castellanos will find their way into some lineups.
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Rangers vs. Mariners
The Mariners are finally getting healthy in their rotation, and this weekend the Rangers will face three successful right-handers. Texas has struggled offensively this season (26th in runs scored), and Wyatt Langford is dealing with a minor injury, which makes Corey Seager the only Ranger who belongs in lineups for this series.
Seeking Saves
Shelby Miller, D-backs, 37%
As was predicted by most analysts, Miller has emerged as the D-backs closer thanks to his own strong performances (1.97 ERA, 1.03 WHIP) and injuries to Justin Martinez and A.J. Puk. The right-hander should pick up at least one save this weekend, when the D-backs host the 33-45 Marlins.
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Seeking Steals
Lourdes Gurriel Jr., D-backs, 52%
Arizona should rack up plenty of steals this weekend when they face a Marlins pitching staff that has allowed 22 more steals than any other team this season. The D-backs’ top stealers are widely rostered, but Gurriel already has seven steals and is an excellent secondary prize. Alek Thomas (1%) is a good option as well, as he is a lefty batter who will face three right-handed starters.
Streaming starters
In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo! roster rate in brackets.
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Eduardo Rodriguez vs. MIA (Sunday, 30%)
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Chad Patrick vs. COL (Sunday, 34%)
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Quinn Priester vs. COL (Saturday, 35%)
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Jose Quintana vs. COL (Friday, 22%)
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Jose Soriano vs. WSH (Friday, 47%)
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Landen Roupp @ CWS (Friday, 27%)
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Jake Irvin vs. LAA (Friday, 21%)
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Zack Littell @ BAL (Saturday, 47%)
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Lucas Giolito vs. TOR (Saturday, 34%)
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Justin Verlander @ CWS (Sunday, 24%)
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Eric Lauer @ BOS (Sunday, 20%)
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Dustin May @ KC (Friday, 42%)
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Nick Martinez vs. SD (Friday, 19%)
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Brandon Walter vs. CHC (Friday, 15%)
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Luis Ortiz vs. STL (Friday, 19%)
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Taj Bradley @ BAL (Sunday, 48%)
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Cade Horton @ HOU (Friday, 22%)