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Head-to-Head Hitter Streamers & Starts for Week 9

Elliott Baas analyzes hitter streamers and starts for Week 9. 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 5/27 - 6/02. 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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Bats to Stream and Start in Week 9

Seven-Game Weeks: ARI, BOS, CHW, CIN, CLE, COL, KC, LAA, LAD, MIA, NYM, NYY, SEA, TB, TEX

 

Streamer of the Week

Hunter Pence (OF, TEX): 55% Owned

In perhaps one of the most unexpected career bounce backs in recent memory, Hunter Pence is raking for Texas this season. His .339 ISO is by far a career high, and he’s lighting up the Statcast hitting metrics like never before. Pence has a 93.3 MPH average exit velocity, 48.3% hard hit rate, and .407 xwOBA.

That type of power plays well in a park like Globe Life, which is great news since the Rangers have seven home games this upcoming week, including four games against weak left-handed pitchers. Pence is just above the 50% threshold this piece usually targets, but he’s out there in enough leagues that it’s worth checking for him. Expect Pence to continue his hot hitting with a great slate of matchups ahead.

 

Behind the Plate

James McCann (C, CWS): 40%

McCann has been one of the biggest surprise at catcher this season, with a .333 AVG and .896 OPS on the year, both career highs by a significant margin. He has stolen the starting job away from Welington Castillo, and this semi-regular playing time means he should get 4-5 starts next week as the White Sox have seven games ahead. The White Sox have seven home games to boot, so McCann will get to play in an excellent hitting environment all week.

Christian Vazquez (C, BOS): 37% Owned

Vazquez has also been a nice surprise behind the plate, and the Red Sox have been riding him pretty hard as a result. He even played DH a few days ago, although J.D. Martinez has been sitting with back soreness over the past couple games. Vazquez still started six of the last seven games for Boston, and brings a .295/.338/.488 triple slash to the table. If McCann isn’t available, then Vazquez is the number one alternative.

Also Consider: Jorge Alfaro (C, MIA): 23% Owned, Tony Wolters (C, COL): 2% Owned

 

At the Corners

Christian Walker (1B, ARI): 36% Owned

Walker has cooled off after a hot start, hitting just .197 with a .607 in May. The good news, is that Walker’s cold stretch has caused his ownership to dip 40% just as the Diamondbacks head into a four game series at Coors Field. Walker still has a 93.2 MPH average exit velocity and a 53.6% hard hit rate. The power is here, it’s just lying dormant. A trip to Coors Field should change that. Now is the time to buy back into Walker, before he jumps back on everyone’s radar with a big series in Colorado.

Mitch Moreland (1B, BOS): 37% Owned

There’s just one lefty on the slate for Boston this week, and you know what that means: Mitch Moreland time! One would think having a .336 ISO and hitting cleanup for the Red Sox would have Moreland owned in more leagues, but perhaps his .238 AVG and reputation as a replacement-level player have kept his ownership low. Sure, Moreland sits against lefties, but he has a .969 OPS and .374 ISO against right-handed pitching. Moreland also benefits from a four-game series in Yankee Stadium, one of the most favorable ballparks for left-handed power hitters. He could provide some great run production off the wire this week.

Also Consider: Gio Urshela (3B/SS, NYY): 21% Owned, Derek Dietrich (1B/2B/OF, CIN): 25% Owned, Ji-Man Choi (1B, TB): 3% Owned

 

Up the Middle

Brendan Rodgers (SS, COL): 33% Owned

Long considered one of the game’s best middle infield prospects, Rodgers is finally getting his chance thanks to the futility of Ryan McMahon and Garrett Hampson. The young second baseman has a big opportunity this week, as the Rockies have seven home games, including three games against a weak Toronto pitching staff. Rodgers was dominating Triple-A pitching for a .356 AVG and 1.066 OPS, and this week would be his chance to ride his Triple-A success into major league production. Pick Rodgers up for the stream, and hope he turns into a valuable long term asset.

Logan Forsythe (1B/2B/3B/SS, TEX): 17% Owned

Forsythe has been hot for Texas lately, hitting .368 in May with a 1.031 OPS. His efforts have been rewarded as well, as Forsythe is hitting near the top of the Rangers’ order on most days. It’s true he might be on borrowed time with Elvis Andrus on a rehab assignment, but Texas has plenty of slumping infielders and could move Forsythe around the diamond while he’s hot even if Andrus returns. The Rangers have seven games at home with four against lefties this week, which is about as good as it gets for a player like Forsythe. His quadruple eligibility makes him even more valuable in daily lineups leagues for the upcoming week.

Also Consider: Nicky Lopez (SS, KC): 16% Owned, Nick Ahmed (SS, ARI): 7% Owned, Jose Iglesias (SS, CIN): 3% Owned

 

In the Outfield

Jorge Soler (OF, KC): 33% Owned

It’s a good week to play for the Royals, as Kansas City has three games at the White Sox and four at the Rangers. Not only do those series offer big ballpark upgrades for a power hitter like Soler, but it gives him plenty of exposure to two of the worst pitching staffs in baseball. Soler has hit much better in May; he has a .286 AVG and .836 OPS on the month, both upgrades of more than 60 points compared to April. This week presents a great opportunity for Soler to feast on bad pitching in hitter-friendly ballparks.

Jarrod Dyson (OF, ARI): 25% Owned

Dyson has claimed Arizona’s leadoff spot for his own, which means he’ll have plenty of run scoring opportunities as the Diamondbacks head into Colorado for a four-game series. Dyson has improved his speedster profile by upping his walk rate to 13.6% and increasing his groundball rate to 57.1%. From most players, a 57% groundball rate would be horrible to see, but for a rabbit like Dyson it’s exactly what owners should want. Dyson should be a good source of batting average, steals, and runs scored this week. He’s even better in OBP leagues thanks to his above average plate discipline.

Raimel Tapia (OF, COL): 15% Owned

Not only do the Rockies have seven home games this week, but they only have one lefty on the upcoming schedule. Tapia should start all the games against right-handed pitching, which means plenty of at bats in Coors Field. He’s been crushing the ball in May as well, owning a .902 OPS and .214 ISO this month. The Rockies have finally learned their lesson and are playing Tapia over Ian Desmond, and it has paid off for them so far. It can pay off for fantasy owners too, as Tapia is out there in 85% of leagues with a juicy week coming up.

Also Consider: Jesse Winker (OF, CIN): 35% Owned, Mallex Smith (OF, SEA): 36% Owned, Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB): 10% Owned, Leury Garcia (MI/OF, CWS): 13% Owned, Charlie Tilson (OF, CWS): 1% Owned

More Streamers and Head-to-Head League Columns




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Josh Naylor

Returning to Diamondbacks Lineup
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Oronde Gadsden

an Active Pass-Catcher This Offseason
Brashard Smith

Speed Could be Put to Use
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Pat Bryant

Off to a Good Start
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs With Islanders for Two Years
Cody Barton

Quickly Becoming a Leader With his New Team
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal With Mammoth
Montaric Brown

has Worked With Starters
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
DET

James van Riemsdyk Joins Red Wings on One-Year Contract
Viktor Arvidsson

Traded to Boston
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Josh Jung

Sent to Triple-A
Jurickson Profar

Officially Reinstated and Hitting in Five-Hole on Wednesday
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Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
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Rookie Season Likely to be Spent on Special Teams
LeQuint Allen Jr.

to Have Receiving Role for Jaguars?
Justin Walley

Turning Heads Going into Rookie Season
Bud Cauley

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Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

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Jamari Thrash

Establishing Himself as Reliable Option
Grayson Murphy

Could Provide Rotational Pass-Rush Depth
Joe Andreessen

in a Good Position to Compete for Backup Job
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Bhayshul Tuten

Needs to Improve Pass Protection
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Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
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Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
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Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
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a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
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Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
PHI

Dan Vladar Links Up With Flyers on Two-Year Deal
EDM

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact With Oilers
SEA

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
PHI

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NYI

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NJ

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
SJ

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Jeff Green

Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
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Suffers His First UFC Loss
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Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
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Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
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Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
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Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
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Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
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Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
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Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

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Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
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