It’s a great weekend for player streaming, as there could be some offensive fireworks when the Astros and Rockies meet in Mexico City. Additionally, the Rays need to secure several players who can be productive in a variety of ways. Finally, there are a few starters that are widely available and should enjoy excellent outings.
Fits the purpose
Rockies vs. Astros
Colorado and Houston play just two games this weekend, but their contests should be high-scoring thanks to park effects at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City. The Astros are starting righties in both games, making lefty Charlie Blackmon (11%) a viable option. Those looking for more power and speed might consider Brenton Doyle (13%).
All of Houston’s top hitters are heavily involved, but Chas McCormick (59%) is a possible streamer in the shallow leagues and Mauricio Dubon (5%) makes sense in deep formats.
Marlins vs. Nationals
Sending forwards to Miami is a risky proposition this year, but the club could have success against Washington’s three mediocre starters. The Nats are starting lefties Saturday and Sunday, making Brian De La Cruz (55%) an option in shallow formats and Tim Anderson (14%) a possible source of steals in deep leagues.
Cardinals @ Mets
St. Louis’ forwards can turn around their slow start to the season when they face an unproven Jose Buto and two understated veterans (Adrian Hauser, Jose Quintana). Brendan Donovan (44%) and Lars Nutbar (40%) should hit high in the lineup all weekend. In deeper leagues, Masyn Winn (11%) is a possible source of steals.
Rays vs. White Sox
A matchup with Chicago is usually good news for hitters this year, making Rays hitters great streaming options against a trio of White Sox righties. Lefty Richie Palacios (2%) is widely available, swings the bat well and hits high in the lineup. He’s a great fit in most leagues. Harold Ramirez (7%) is also a good option.
Matches to avoid
Phillies @ Padres
Phillies hitters may find life a little more difficult at Petco Park as they will be facing a trio of respected righties. The team has a few stars who will need to stay active, but this could be a good weekend to bench Nick Castellanos and Bryson Stott.
Cubs @ Red Sox
Boston continues to lead the tournament in ERA, which means Chicago will be in a tough spot for scoring this weekend. There isn’t a single Cubs hitter I wholeheartedly recommend this weekend other than left-handed hitting Michael Bush, who will face three right-handed starters.
Tigers vs. Royalty
The Tigers and Royals rank in the top five in ERA and will meet this weekend at pitcher-friendly Comerica Park. Riley Green is Detroit’s only priority hitter, but he can still be pushed into three outfielder formations. The outlook is rosier for Kansas City, with Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez remaining must-have starters.
Search for savings
Jason Adam (Tampa Bay Rays, 45% on roster)
Although Garrett Clevinger earned the save yesterday, Adam collected 12 saves last season and should get the bulk of the save chances while Pete Fairbanks is in Illinois. With a 1.50 ERA and 0.50 WHIP, Adam is also showing his best form this season, which should make managers excited to push him into the lineup when the Rays spend the weekend against a White Sox club that is last in the majors .
Search for thefts
Jose Caballero (2B/SS, Tampa Bay Rays, 47%)
Caballero leads the Rays in steals, which puts him in prime position to give fantasy managers a shot or two during a series against the White Sox. Caballero should reach base multiple times against a lackluster Chicago lineup, and the White Sox’s No. 1 catcher (Martin Maldonado) allowed more steals than all but four catchers last year.
Streaming Launchers
In order, here are the top streamers of the weekend, with their start date and number of Yahoo participants in parentheses.
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Seth Lugo @DET (Friday 60)
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Zach Littell @CWS (Sunday 43)
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Albert Suárez vs OAK (Sunday 11)
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Michael Wacha @DET (Sunday, 57)
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Keaton Winn vs PIT (Sunday 12)
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Jose Bhutto vs. STL (Friday 32)
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Jose Soriano vs MIN (Saturday 6)
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Bryce Elder vs CLE (Sunday 33)
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Mitchell Parker @MIA (Sat 27)
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Casey Mize vs KC (Sat 26)
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Cole Irvin vs OAK (Saturday 2)
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Trevor Williams @MIA (Friday 8)
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Lance Lynn @NYM (Sunday 39)
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Ryan Weathers vs WSH (Sunday 19)
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James Paxton @TOR (Sunday 38)
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Ben Brown @BOS (Sat 5)
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Reese Olson vs KC (Friday 16)
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Martin Perez @SF (Saturday 27)
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José Quintana vs STL (Sunday 14)
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Chris Paddock @LAA (Sat 9)
