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Below are my top MLB hitter streamer options for Week 5 of fantasy baseball starting May 4th 2015. All players listed here are under 50% owned in Yahoo leagues and play seven games this week.
Streaming hitters is a great way to increase production and fantasy stats off the waiver wire for your head-to-head matchups, or if you're dealing with some underperformers on your roster. Check back weekly for my favorite hitter streamers for the upcoming week.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
1. Josh Reddick, OF, Athletics
(4 @ Minnesota, 3 @ Seattle) - 34% owned
Reddick isn't playing this week in hitters' parks, and he isn't facing the softest pitching matchups. However, he has a career OPS 80 points higher versus righties and will face six of them. After posting an .869 OPS in the second half last year, he has started this year with an .883 OPS. As a player who hit 32 homers in 2012, he could be a nice source of power during his current hot streak, despite park issues.
2. Chris Owings, SS/2B, Dbacks
(3 @ Colorado, 4 vs. San Diego) - 8% owned
The Diamondbacks get to play three in Colorado and four at home. However, most of their players either (a) are over 50% owned or (b) do not play every day. Enter Chris Owings. Owings could find his power stroke this week, and is always a threat to steal a base. Despite facing seven righties and being right-handed, Owings has an OPS 80 points higher versus righties in his brief career. Owings is a great middle infield option and widely available.
3. Dexter Fowler, OF, Cubs
(4 @ St. Louis, 3 @ Milwaukee) - 44% owned
The Cubs have let their players run the basepaths this year, and Fowler has taken advantage - stealing six bases so far. Combine that with his low double-digit home run power, and the fact that he hits at the top of a Cubs lineup with a lot of potential. His matchups are not great, but are acceptable, and his stolen base potential may be limited by facing the Cardinals for four games. Nonetheless, if available, he is worthy as a streaming option.
4. Angel Pagan, OF, Giants
(3 vs. SD, 4 vs. MIA) - 29% owned
Pagan hits in the middle of a lineup, even if it is the Giants lineup. He faces seven righties, and has a career OPS of .773 vs righties. He has minimal power, but could produce in the other four categories. While he has only stolen two bases so far this year, with his back now appearing healthy, there is reason to believe that his base-stealing pace will rise. If you do not need power this week, Pagan is a good streaming option.
5. Desmond Jennings, OF, Rays
(3 @ Boston, 4 vs. Texas) - 24% owned
Jennings is coming off a knee injury, so it is necessary to check his status as Monday approaches. But, he has favorable pitching matchups, and the Rays have let him run so far. His power has not shown itself this year, but with his blend of speed and power, combined with the favorable matchups, he is worth a start.
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