Fantasy managers should be aware that the list of one-start streamers is already starting to dry up. There’s a phenomenon in the early weeks of every campaign where enough attractive streamers remain available on waivers, as the fantasy community usually needs a few weeks to create roster space to add these surprise performers.
But by now, most breakout pitchers have either been added in a big way or have proven themselves to be fools’ gold. On the batting side, weekend streamers should revolve around the Mariners, with contributions also coming primarily from the Rockies and Brewers.
Matchups on target
Sailors @ Rockies
There are some fascinating matchups in this series. On one hand, the Mariners’ struggling offense (.643 OPS) goes up against the Rockies’ ineffective pitching staff (6.01 ERA). On the other hand, Colorado’s mediocre lineup faces a number of Seattle starters (Luis Castillo, George Kirby) who so far can best be classified as underperforming top prospects. There are plenty of Seattle hitters to stream, including Mitch Garver (44%), Mitch Haniger (25%), JP Crawford (41%) and Ty France (13%). Luke Raley (8%) is also an option in deep formats. The Rockies’ top picks are a pair of outfielders, Charlie Blackmon (15%) and Brenton Doyle (10%).
Red vs. Angels
Cincinnati hitters are always a threat to go deep in their homer-happy location, and they’ll face three nondescript starters this weekend. With two of the pitchers throwing from the left side, Will Benson and Jake Fraley are poor options this weekend. Jeimer Candelario (49%) is a good alternative, provided he loses his everyday status, and Stuart Fairchild (1%) could steal a base for those in deep leagues.
Brewers @ Cardinals
Milwaukee hitters should thrive against Kyle Gibson and Miles Mikolas on Friday and Saturday before holding up against Sonny Gray. With all three pitchers throwing from the right side, Brice Turang (78%) should be active everywhere, and Sal Frelick (25%) is a great option on the waiver wire.
Guardians vs. A’s
Cleveland hitters should enjoy a series against three Oakland hitters who each possess an ERA above 5.00. The Guardians’ top four hitters – José Ramírez, Steven Kwan, Andrés Giménez and Josh Naylor – are all locked into the lineup this weekend. Outside of this group, Bo Naylor (37%) is an attractive, catchy streamer.
Matchups to avoid
Tigers @ Gemini
Detroit’s offense is unlikely to produce a mediocre start to the season (.616 OPS) when facing a trio of right-handed Minnesota starters, including formidable foes Joe Ryan and Bailey Ober. There’s no Tiger I’d be confident about, although some managers will have to bring in Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson or Kerry Carpenter.
Giants vs. D-backs
San Francisco could find success against Jordan Montgomery on Friday before facing two tough right-handers in Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly on Saturday and Sunday. Matt Chapman and Thairo Estrada should be on the bench whenever possible.
White Sox @ Phillies
The White Sox have only two hitters who have appeared in more than 30% of the leagues, and one of them is on the IL (Luis Robert Jr.). With this disappointing lineup up against a trio of tough righties, this is a good weekend to bench Eloy Jiménez and leave the rest of his lineup mates on waivers.
Looking for rescues
Kirby Yates, Texas Rangers (43% on list)
Yates will head into a series against his former club (Atlanta) with his head held high, having taken over the closer role from the Rangers. The 37-year-old has been stellar this season (0.00 ERA, 0.41 WHIP), and while Texas will struggle to find wins against a talented Braves squad, the leads it carries into the ninth inning will likely be slim – and those of Kirby too. to rescue.
Looking for stems
START: James Outman (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Outman is part of a group of fringe starters – players who are included in 50-70% of leagues and are part of the daily sit-start decisions – but he should definitely start this weekend.
Outman and his teammates could potentially steal several bases this weekend against Mets catcher Francisco Álvarez, who was second in the Majors in steals allowed last year despite sitting outside the top 10 in innings behind the plate. Outman (16 SB in 2023) will be especially dangerous against right-handed starters on Saturday and Sunday.
Streaming starters
In order, here are the top streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in brackets.
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Spencer Turnbull vs CWS (Friday 49)
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Javier Assad vs. MIA (Saturday 39)
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Logan Allen vs. OAK (Sunday 35)
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Martín Pérez vs. BOS (Sunday 34)
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Xzavion Curry vs. OAK (Sunday, 1)
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Jack Flaherty @MIN (Friday, 44)
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Reese Olson @MIN (Saturday 16)
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Seth Lugo vs. BAL (Sunday, 54)
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Dean Kremer @KC (Friday 22)
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Edward Cabrera @CHC (Saturday 50)
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Clarke Schmidt vs. TB (Friday 19)
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Ryan Weathers @CHC (Sunday, 8)
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Triston McKenzie vs. OAK (Friday 63)
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Frankie Montas vs. LAA (Sunday, 45)
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MacKenzie Gore vs. HOU (Friday 55)
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José Buttó @LAD (Saturday 25)
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Gavin Stone vs. NYM (Saturday 39)
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Graham Ashcraft vs LAA (Saturday 17)
