👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for April 17

Welcome back to Streaming Wars, your daily source of waiver wire and streaming advice. Use this column to plug lineup holes, stream pitchers, or target categories of need.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, April 17th.

Let's get to it.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

Agenda

  1. Happy Easter
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. Happy Easter

Whether or not you celebrate this international holiday for rabbits, I have a gift for you.

That Yelich bomb... Don't let his slow-ish start fool you. He's going to have a monster year. As far as Stanton goes, well, we'll see if he stays on the field. I'm a believer. Research shows that there's no such thing as an injury prone hitter - Rocco Baldelli notwithstanding. Even Grady Sizemore eventually played a couple full seasons.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Today's forecast calls for fire and brimstone. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Oakland, and San Francisco are all scheduled for a good soaking. At this point, the forecasts are not specific enough to determine if these games will be postponed. Tomorrow, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Oakland may be at some risk according to this vague weather map.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Monday, April 17th

Pitchers to Use

Meager Monday includes 10 games this week. Surprisingly, we have a full handful of viable starters on the waiver wire, although none of them are must-play assets. Brandon McCarthy is the boring veteran of the bunch. His stuff has declined from his brief peak in 2014 and 2015. He likes to get ahead in the count and continue attacking the strike zone. He's opposed by a difficult Diamondbacks offense.

Yankees rookie Jordan Montgomery reminded me of Rich Hill during his debut last week. The southpaw likes to work up in the zone with an over-the-top delivery. He'll drop in a curve ball too. Montgomery only lasted 4.2 innings, but he did induce 15 swinging strikes in just 89 pitches. He'll face the Quad-A White Sox. Montgomery is far and away the best streaming option.

Blake Snell's biggest issue is command. It's been a noticeable problem in the early going. He's walked eight hitters compared to just six strikeouts in 11.1 innings. He's been fortunate enough to only allow five hits thanks to a .121 BABIP. His matchup against the Red Sox might be one to avoid.

Joe Musgrove is apparently struggling with mechanical consistency. It's affecting his usually superb command. When he's on, Musgrove will find his way to a decent strikeout total by virtue of working many 0-2 and 1-2 counts. His average stuff plays up due to the command. If he's still off his game, the Angels might thump him.

Andrew Triggs, a soft throwing righty, was a popular sleeper candidate entering the season. His velocity has declined over one mph, and he induced few whiffs through two starts. The ground ball pitcher has a risky pairing against the Rangers. He should receive run support.

Other Targets: Nah

 

Pitchers to Exploit

Knuckle balls are finicky things. Through two starts, Steven Wright has not shown his usual feel for the pitch. If that thing isn't dancing, then Wright is play slow pitch softball on a major league field. He's opposed by the Rays.

Lance Lynn's velocity is down slightly from his pre-injury peak. Of greater concern is that his command has taken a step back, and hitters aren't missing his frequently thrown fastball. The Pirates are well positioned to benefit.

Kyle Gibson is trying to breaking ball his way to better results. The righty is almost a good pitcher. His sinker is just a tad too hittable. He'll occasional pull together a strong outing, but he generally makes for a reliable source of runs.

Other Targets: Derek Holland, Jered Weaver, Jesse Chavez, A.J. Griffin, Tom Koehler, Ariel Miranda

 

Homers on the Wire

We have a few lineups to aggressively target. The Rays lefties have to contend with a park that suppresses left-handed home runs. They're still a good bet to supply big numbers. Logan Morrison and Corey Dickerson are the power plays from the group.

Professional lefty masher Chris Young is facing Snell. Over his very brief career, Snell has shown big platoon splits. Young is a career .267/.365/.480 hitter versus southpaws.

Matt Joyce hasn't gotten going yet, but he's still drawing starts atop the lineup. Fellow lefty Yonder Alonso made some offseason swing adjustments to produce more power and contact to all fields. The early results include an almost luck neutral .300/.400/.467 line. Even if the league doesn't find an answer for his new tendencies, Alonso is only a threat for 15 or 20 home runs. The A's face A.J. Griffin.

Other Targets: Aaron Judge, Nick Markakis, Adonis Garcia, Lonnie Chisenhall, Yandy Diaz, Josh Reddick, Danny Valencia, David Peralta

 

Steals on the Wire

Give Kevin Kiermaier a whirl if you want power upside with your stolen bases. It's relatively easy to swipe bags versus knuckleballers.

Speaking of power and speed, Ender Inciarte has adjusted his swing to produce more fly ball contact. He's still working out the timing. He's morphed into a 20-20 threat despite being available in 57 percent of leagues. Brandon Phillips is more widely available. He's running early and often as part of his audition for a new contract. They face the ever-exploitable Weaver.

With Gregory Polanco banged up, Adam Frazier will probably bat leadoff versus Lynn. Frazier's actually a terrible base thief despite frequent attempts. He's already 0-for-2 this year.

Other Targets: Tyler Saladino, Leonys Martin, Jarrod Dyson

 

Skill Positions

Austin Hedges finally hit a home run - right after I swapped him out for Jett Bandy in my two catcher formats. He'll face lefty Jaime Garcia. On the other side of the matchup, you'll find Tyler Flowers taking massive hacks at Weaver slowballs.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Rory McIlroy

Among The Favorites This Week at Aronimink
Michael Mayer

More Opportunities Coming for Michael Mayer?
Brooks Koepka

Hoping Good Vibes Travel to Year's Second Major
Chris Gotterup

Needs an Accurate Driving Week For Success at PGA Championship
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Brandon Clarke

Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Mark Stone

Won't Play Tuesday
Carnell Tate

Is Carnell Tate Poised for Immediate Stardom in Tennessee?
Jeremiyah Love

Will Jeremiyah Love See a Limited Role in Arizona as a Rookie?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Dynasty Stock Fading Following NFL Draft
Bucky Irving

Not Yet Cleared to Participate in OTAs
Tyler Shough

Dynasty Stock Rising with Improved Supporting Cast in New Orleans
Garrett Wilson

Dynasty Upside Limited by Quarterback Questions
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Ted Hurst

Viewed as "True X" Receiver Going into Rookie Campaign
Kenneth Gainwell

Zac Robinson Thinks Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell Have Similar Skill Sets
Emeka Egbuka

to Settle into "Z" Role in Year 2
Trey Benson

Droppable in Some Dynasty Leagues?
Cameron Ward

Looking to Make a Year 2 Leap
Omar Cooper Jr.

to Require Some Patience in Dynasty Leagues?
Jordyn Tyson

Is Jordyn Tyson the Best Rookie Receiver in Dynasty Leagues?
Nico Collins

Still in the WR1 Tier for Dynasty Fantasy Football
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
Colston Loveland

Is Colston Loveland a Top-25 Dynasty Asset?
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
Zay Flowers

Is Zay Flowers Still Undervalued Coming Off a Career Season?
Ajay Mitchell

Continues to Excel for Thunder
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
LeQuint Allen Jr.

a Steady Dynasty Riser During Quiet Jaguars Offseason
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Posts 35 Points in Series Clincher
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
Cade Cunningham

Struggles in Game 4 Loss
Shedeur Sanders

a Dynasty Hold Amid Quarterback Room Uncertainty
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
James Harden

Records 40th Postseason Double-Double
Quinshon Judkins

' Dynasty Stock on the Rise with Offensive Improvements
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Donovan Mitchell

Ties NBA Playoff Record With 39 Second-Half Points
Tommy Fleetwood

on Upward Trend Ahead of PGA Championship
Bryson DeChambeau

a High-Upside Play With Risk at PGA Championship
Isaiah Davis

' Dynasty Value Takes a Hit Thanks to Teammate's Extension
Draymond Green

Set to Stay With Warriors
Stephen Curry

Warriors Looking to Extend Stephen Curry in Offseason
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks Listening to Offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
OG Anunoby

Expected to Be Ready for Game 1 of East Finals
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Kevin Huerter

to Remain Sidelined in Game 4
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 4 on Monday
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Remains Out Monday
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Rasmus Dahlin

Records Two Points in Game 3 Loss
Tage Thompson

Comes Alive in Game 3 Against Canadiens
Cole Caufield

Ends Dry Spell Sunday
Alex Newhook

Nets Two More Goals in Sunday's Victory
Mitchell Marner

Notches Three Assists in Losing Effort
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF