Head-to-Head Hitter Streamers and Starts Week 21

August 17, 2019

Elliott Baas analyzes hitter streamers and starts for Week 21. These bats are potential fantasy baseball waiver wire adds to stream for head-to-head leagues.

Welcome to the hitting streamers column for the week of 8/19 through 8/25. Whether you're looking to maximize the number of games played, exploit favorable matchups, or fill in for injured players, streaming hitters can be a fruitful strategy for those willing to put in a little work every week.

Keep in mind that this column highlights players owned in approximately 50% or fewer of Yahoo leagues who could present nice streaming options for the upcoming week. This applies to any league but specifically is geared toward head-to-head weekly leagues where matchups are more critical.

If the following names aren't available, don't hesitate to check our famous waiver wire pickups list to find some appealing alternatives. Let's get to it.

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Bats to Stream and Start in Week 21

Seven Game Weeks: BAL, CHW, COL, DET, HOU, PIT, STL, TB, TEX, WAS

Stream of the Week

Jesus Aguilar (1B, TB): 40% Owned

Aguilar was one of the biggest busts during the first half, but things have quietly picked up for the slugging righty. He hit .298 in July with a .277 ISO, and is hitting .394 thus far in August. The Rays take on four low-quality lefties next week thanks to a three game series with Seattle followed by four in Baltimore. Aguilar will be hitting cleanup for his new club and should provide plenty of punch in the middle of that lineup. He’s the top streaming option at all positions this week.

Behind the Plate

Travis d'Arnaud (C/1B, TB): 54% Owned

Travis d’Arnaud’s hot July hasn’t quite carried over to August, but he’s still in a pretty good spot this week. As previously mentioned, the Rays take on four left-handed starters this week, which is great for d’Arnaud, as he’s hit nine of his 13 homers against lefties with a .286 ISO. The Rays have also used d’Arnaud in premium lineup spots against lefties, with him sometimes hitting first or second in the order. That fact coupled with Tampa Bay’s willingness to use him at first base or DH on occasional should ensure tons of volume for d’Arnaud this week.

Robinson Chirinos (C, HOU): 44% Owned

It’s too bad that most of Houston’s hitters are universally owned, because the club has an excellent schedule this week. They have four games at home against Detroit, and are fortunate enough to not face Matt Boyd (although, based on his last two starts the tide may be turning for Boyd). The Astros follow that series up with three home games against the Angels, with two of those games coming against weak left-handed pitchers. Chirinos has been much better against lefties this season, with a .279 AVG and .899 OPS. He’s a great option in leagues where d’Arnaud is unavailable.

Also Consider: Kurt Suzuki (C, WSH): 10% Owned

At the Corners

Renato Nunez (1B/3B, BAL): 34% Owned

The Orioles have a nice week in front of them, with seven games in hitter-friendly Camden Yards, and at least four coming against left-handed starters. Nunez has pounded lefties this season for an .849 OPS and .258 ISO. He should have plenty of RBI opportunities as the Orioles’ cleanup hitter, making Nunez one of the best power hitters available to stream this week.

Ryan McMahon (1B/2B/3B, COL): 36% Owned

It can be hard to consider Colorado hitters when they have seven road games, but McMahon still has a solid slate ahead of him this week. The Rockies face only one lefty this week, and McMahon has put up respectable numbers against lefties anyway with am .805 OPS and .198 ISO. There likely won’t be a bidding war on McMahon or any Colorado hitters while they hit the road, making McMahon a sneaky player to add this week.

Also Consider: Ian Desmond (1B/OF, COL): 40% Owned

Up the Middle

Rougned Odor (2B, TEX): 53% Owned

Odor may be fighting a battle with the Mendoza line, but the slugging second baseman still provides plenty of power with 21 homers and a .228 ISO this season. He also chips in with a little speed, making him a good choice for those looking to boost counting categories while sacrificing some batting average. Owners may be scared off by the four lefties on Texas’ schedule, but Odor has actually been better against lefties this season. He’s hit .273 with an .891 OPS and .264 ISO versus lefties thus far. Those reverse splits shouldn’t make anyone afraid to pick up Odor for this week.

Kevin Newman (2B/SS, PIT): 18% Owned

Newman has been a dependable source of batting average and moderate speed all season long, and with even platoon splits and every day playing time, it’s the perfect week to deploy him. The Pirates have seven home games against Washington and Cincinnati, and Newman should be in line for plenty of volume this week. He’s not flashy or high-upside like Odor, but he’ll put up numbers in a few forgotten categories for owners in need.

Also Consider: Willy Adames (SS, TB): 17% Owned, Adam Frazier (2B/OF, PIT): 9% Owned

In the Outfield

Adam Eaton (OF, WSH): 50% Owned

Apparently, it’s the week of reverse splits, as we’re looking at Eaton despite four lefties on the slate for Washington. Eaton has been essentially equal against both righties and lefties this season, putting forth solid, if unexciting production against both. Eaton hits second for Washington every day between Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon, and there aren’t many better places to be in a seven-game week. He’s a good hitter to balance with someone like Rougned Odor, as Eaton provides stability and batting average, while Odor provides power and speed at a cost.

Anthony Santander (OF, BAL): 29% Owned

I love the Orioles’ schedule this week, but unfortunately they don’t have many quality hitters for us to capitalize on their juicy seven-game home slate. Santander is one of their few quality hitters that is widely available, and the switching-hitter outfielder is a great option for batting average and run production this week. With his .297 AVG and 17.8% strikeout rate, we’re getting a solid floor from Santander. We also get a nice ceiling, as Santander has a .925 OPS and .203 ISO at home this season. Owners should be looking to add him where Eaton isn’t available.

Also Consider: Willie Calhoun (OF, TEX): 10% Owned, Dexter Fowler (OF, STL): 2% Owned, Josh Reddick (OF, HOU): 10% Owned, Raimel Tapia (OF, COL): 10% Owned

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