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H2H Category Streamers - Week 1 Waiver Wire

Players to target or add from the waiver wire in Week 1 for fantasy baseball H2H (head-to-head) leagues. Zach Alexander identifies the top pickups of the week based on rising fantasy value.

There are plenty of strategies that fantasy managers explore in hopes to get an advantage over their opponent. Heavy lineup, heavy starting pitchers, no catcher, all (or mostly) reliever staff, no reliever staff, etc. Even if you play a balanced lineup, injuries can cause holes. A few weeks without a key player won’t kill a season, but why accept losing when you can stream?

Streaming can be a risky business. If you do it right and check the necessary boxes, you can win the week. This column will do most of the work for you. It’ll cover weekly recommendations for when you need: steals, home runs, average, strikeouts, wins, and/or ratios (ERA/WHIP).

All position eligibility and ownership percentages are based on Yahoo! Fantasy leagues.

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

 

Head-to-Head Category Streamers to Consider (Offense)

Steals

Delino DeShields (OF, TEX) - 4% Owned

DeShields hit in the leadoff spot on Opening Day and has the speed to swipe a lot of bags. He will probably hit lower in the lineup against right-handed pitchers, as Shin-Soo Choo will have leadoff locked up. However, he successfully stole 20 bases last year in just 106 games. The first part of the week he’ll face a tough challenge in the Astros pitching staff, but there is a light at the end of the week otherwise known as the Angels pitching staff.

Brett Gardner (OF, NYY) - 19% Owned

Gardner will likely man center field and bat leadoff until Aaron Hicks is ready to come back to the lineup. The Yankees continue their slate of sub-par matchups with the Tigers and Orioles next week. Even at age 34, Gardner stole 16 bases in 140 games in 2018. Now at age 35, the opportunity is still there for him to run on two of the weaker squads in the league. He’ll feature serious run-scoring upside at the leadoff spot as well.

 

Home Runs

Kike Hernandez (1B/2B/SS/OF, LAD) - 23% Owned

He earned the starting second baseman job and ran with it, blasting two home runs on Opening Day. The Dodgers will have a six-game slate next week starting at home against an underwhelming Giants staff and ending the week at Coors against the Rockies. Fair warning, this spot will feature Coors often.

Justin Bour (1B, LAA) - 9% Owned

With Justin Upton injured, Bour hit out of the three spot on Opening Day. Although he went hitless, he’s going to get a six-game slate against the Mariners and the Rangers. Bour is much better against right-handed pitching, hitting 18 of his 20 home runs off of righties in 2018. He projects to see at least three of those next week.

 

Batting Average

Jeff McNeil (2B, NYM) - 18% Owned

McNeil should continue to man third base until Jed Lowrie and Todd Frazier return from injury. The youngster will be fighting to keep an everyday job in the crowded Mets lineup. Three games against the Marlins to begin the week should be a good recipe for some hits, although it gets a bit more challenging in the second half of the week against the Nationals.

Eduardo Nunez (2B/3B, BOS) - 8% Owned

The Red Sox sport a full, seven-game slate next week and Nunez should man second or third for most of them. He remains a quality hitter against both right-handed and left-handed pitchers. He could have fit in the speed section here as well, as he had a stolen base on Opening Day and Boston is one of the more aggressive teams on the base paths. It shouldn’t be this easy to grab a piece of the Sox lineup.

 

Head-to-Head Category Streamers to Consider (Pitchers)

Strikeouts

Steven Matz (SP, NYM) - 38% Owned

Matz has posted a consistent strikeout rate of around 23% throughout his major league career (with the exception of a short 2017 campaign). He’ll get the Marlins on Monday and should grab a good amount of K’s with a good chance at getting a win. Don’t count on a second start from him as it would probably come against a strong Nationals lineup.

Domingo German (SP/RP, NYY) - 19% Owned

Manager Aaron Boone has floated the idea of using German as an opener next week, but as I mentioned with Gardner above, the Yankees get a couple of weak matchups with the Tigers and Orioles. It would be smart to let him work as late into the game as he can, but even in a shortened start, he provides great strikeout upside. A 27.2 percent strikeout rate in his appearances in 2018 projects for some promising strikeout numbers this week. If Boone does let him go, there’s good win potential here too. He would line up for a two-start week.

 

Wins

Brad Peacock (RP, HOU) - 46% Owned

The Astros lineup roughed up Blake Snell on Opening Day. If we’re looking for wins this is the kind of offense we’ll start with. Add in his start against the Rangers Monday and he makes for a good streaming option. Even in a second start against the A’s later in the week, it could be a two-win week for Peacock.

Kyle Gibson (SP, MIN) - 23% Owned

Gibson quietly put up a 3.62 ERA in 2018 and now has an improved offense to support him. He also improved his strikeout rate from 17.5 percent to 21.7 percent in 2018. Missing more bats brought improved results and puts him in a good position to get a win on Tuesday against the Royals. He should post good ratios in this one as well.

 

ERA/WHIP

Marcus Stroman (SP, TOR) - 50% Owned

Stroman started the season out with a two-hit bid over seven innings against the Detroit Tigers on Opening Day. We’ve seen brilliance from him before in his 2017 campaign where he pitched to a 3.09 ERA. Injuries marred his 2018, but he looks to be healthy and confident heading into a two-start week against the Orioles and Indians. This is mostly a vote of confidence for the Orioles start, however, the Lindor-less Indians could be in play after they were shut-out by Jose Berrios and the Twins on Opening Day.

Marco Gonzales (SP, SEA) - 30% Owned

Gonzales had a nice start against the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day allowing three earned runs on nine hits. Gonzales had a rough start to the game and then got into a groove pitching into the fifth inning. He was a good piece for the Mariners rotation in 2018 pitching to a 4.00 ERA with a 3.43 FIP. He’ll look to build on his solid first start next week against the Angels. With Justin Upton injured, the Angels lineup doesn’t look too scary (outside of Trout), especially against a left-handed pitcher.

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
Spencer Schwellenbach

Going on Injured List With Fractured Elbow
Maxwell Hairston

Facing Sexual-Assault Lawsuit
Tai Felton

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

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
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
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Brandon Woodruff

Likely to Pitch on Sunday in Miami
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
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
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

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

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

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
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

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
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF