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H2H Category Streamers - Week 15 Waiver Wire

Players to target or add from the waiver wire in Week 15 for fantasy baseball H2H (head-to-head) leagues. Nicklaus Gaut identifies the top pickups of the week based on rising fantasy value.

There are plenty of strategies that fantasy managers explore in hopes of getting 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:

 

Steals – Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Kevin Kiermaier (OF, TB) - 20% Owned

On pace to play in more games than he has since 2015, Kevin Kiermaier has so far appeared in 80 of the Rays' 91 games. And when Kiermaier plays, Kiermaier runs; he's reached double-digit stolen bases every year since 2015, even though he's only played in over 105 games once during that time. He's swiped seven bags since June 1st and 17 total on the year, with 19 RBI and 14 runs scored in the same period, so he's not just a stolen base play.

Jarrod Dyson (OF, ARI) - 13% Owned

Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Jarrod Dyson may be 34 years old, but he's still running. Running so much that his 20 stolen bases are good for third-most in baseball. But given playing time concerns in a crowded Arizona outfield, as well as often being sat against lefties.

Dyson remains widely available at only 13% ownership. For those who have a need for speed, now is a good time to pick up the veteran speedster, as the Diamondbacks will likely only face one lefthander this week. With four games against Milwaukee catcher Yasmani Grandal, who's allowed the fifth-most stolen bases in baseball this year, this could be a week that Dyson runs wild.

 

Home Runs – Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Miguel Sano (1B/3B, MIN) - 37% Owned

Maybe people still don't realize that Miguel Sano returned from injury on May 16th and that's why he's not more widely owned. Or maybe it's because his .236 average is too much of a sink for some. But if you looking for power, then you may want to look at Sano, as his 13 home runs since returning are tied for seventh-most over that time. Sano has six games at home this week, with four against Oakland and two against the putrid Mets. Likely to face two lefties against whom he carries a .338 ISO, now is a good time to grab Sano.

Matt Adams (1B/OF, WSH) - 2% Owned

Nationals first baseman Matt Adams has seen his playing time dip recently with Ryan Zimmerman returning from the IL. Even in limited at-bats, Adams continues to mash. Only getting 61 plate-appearances over the past four weeks, Adams still managed to hit seven round-trippers. And while not likely to start every game of Washington's four-game set in Atlanta, Adams should start both games in Baltimore, as the DH will be in play. That means two games at Camden Yards  a top-five park for left-handed power, and one game against the home run jack-in-the-box that is Dylan Bundy.

 

Batting Average – Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Luis Arraez (2B/3B/OF, MIN) – 3% Owned

Since being called up on May 18th, Luis Arraez has done nothing but hit, as he's batting .397 over his first 95 plate appearances with the big club. Consequentially, Arraez's playing time has increased and he's started ten of Minnesota's last 11 games. That lofty average is likely to see some regression given his .413 BABIP but with his success at the plate and the ability to play multiple positions, it looks like Arraez has a bead on regular playing time in the second half. With six games at home this week against the Mets and A's, it's a good week to grab Arraez if your batting average needs some doctoring.

Bryan Reynolds (OF, PIT) – 32% Owned

While he's cooled off over the past two weeks - as the bill for his .426 BABIP has started to come due - Bryan Reynolds still looks like an excellent addition, slashing .342/.414/.536 over his 250 plate appearances with the Pirates. Reynolds has no real issues with his splits, as his average against both hands, as well as his wOBA and wRC+, are separated by only a few points. This week Reynolds has three games on the road against the Cardinals and three at home against the Phillies and their suspect rotation. Their starters have an ERA north of five since June 1st with a bullpen whose ERA is over six.

 

Strikeouts – Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Tyler Mahle (SP, CIN) – 16% Owned

In his last two starts before the All-Star break, Cinncinati's Tyler Mahle struck out 15 batters over ten innings. He's still giving up a lot of runs - one of the "benefits" of playing his home games at the Great American Bandbox. Mahle has quietly put up better numbers in his sophomore campaign, improving his xFIP and SIERA both by over half a run, increasing his K-rate by four points, while shaving four points from his walk-rate.

This week, Mahle has a start at home against a woeful Cardinals offense that has a 77 wRC+ and 24.5% K-rate since the beginning of June. While it's no picnic pitching at home for Mahle, as far as his ERA goes, his 11.09 K/9 at home is actually superior to his 8.62 K/9 on the road.

Dinelson Lamet (SP, SDP) - 22% Owned

In his 2017 rookie year, Dinelson Lamet struck out 139 batters in just 11 innings, good for a 28.7% K-rate. Hopes were high for a 2018 encore. But like it has for so many others, Tommy John's revenge came for Lamet in spring, causing him to miss the entire season. Lamet returned to major league action on July fourth, and was immediately up to his old tricks, striking out seven Dodgers in five innings. Following the All-Star break, he'll return to action on the road against the Marlins and their 24.8% K-rate against righthanded pitching.

 

Wins - Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Michael Pineda (SP, MIN) – 36% Owned

Mercurial Minnesota pitcher Michael Pineda only has an 8.12 K/9 this season; but since the beginning of June, he has a 25% K-rate that is four points higher than his season-long mark. And in his last two starts, he struck out 17 batters in 12 innings while only giving up two earned runs. In his first start after the All-Star break, Pineda lines up to face a New York Mets team who had lost 17 of their last 25 games before the mid-season festivities. At home with a powerful Twins offense behind him, Pineda looks to be in a great spot to pick up a W.

Dylan Cease (SP, CHW) - 31% Owned

The wait was over for White Sox fans as top pitching prospect Dylan Cease was called up by Chicago on the third of July. The initial results were positive with the rookie striking out six over five innings, on his way to earning the win over Detroit. Cease lines up for two starts on the road this week, the first in Kansas City and the second coming in Tampa Bay. While he won't be a favorite when he faces the Rays, Cease will have a great opportunity to pick up the win in Kansas City, as the light-hitting Royal's .287 wOBA and 75 wRC+ are both worst in the league since the start of June.

 

ERA/WHIP - Head-to-Head Category Streamers

Zach Plesac (SP, CLE) - 15% Owned

Currently in Triple-A after being optioned on the sixth of June, it's no surprise to see Plesac's ownership so low. But the Cleveland rookie did a fine job in his nine starts with the Indians; going four and one with a 1.41 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP, along with 56 strikeouts in his 57 innings. Though in the minors now, Plesac is likely to be called up when Cleveland needs a fifth starter on either Monday or Tuesday, which would put him in line for a two-start week against two of baseball's worst offenses over the last month.  Plesac's first likely opponent, the Detroit Tigers, have won only six of their last 30 games; while his second opponent, the Kansas City Royals, have dropped 13 of their last 16. Plesac can help you in multiple categories, but facing two opponents who have a sub .700 OPS since the start of June, look for him to have a week of great ratios.

Tanner Roark (SP, CIN) - 31% Owned

Wait. Is Tanner Roark good again? No, probably not. But over his last four starts, he has been; tossing 25 innings with a 2.88 ERA and 0.96 WHIP. While there are plenty of issues in Roark's underlying metrics - namely an xFIP that's over a run higher than his ERA, a .235 BABIP, and an 85.7% strand-rate - he has the advantage of playing the St. Louis Cardinals in his next start. As in, the aforementioned offensively-challenged St. Louis Cardinals. To refresh your memory, St. Louis has a 77 wRC+ since the beginning of June, along with a .676 OPS and .288 wOBA. The hammer of regression will likely come soon for Roark but probably not this week against the recently flightless Cardinals and those woeful bats.

More Streamers and Head-to-Head League Columns




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Justin Verlander

Plans to Pitch in 2026
Junior Caminero

Day-to-Day With Back Tightness
Will Smith

Won't Return When First Eligible
Tyler Soderstrom

Returns to A's Lineup
Tyler Warren

Sidelined on Wednesday with Toe Injury
Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
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LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
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Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
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Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
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Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr

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Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

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Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
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Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
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Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
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Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

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Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
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Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
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CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
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Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
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Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
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An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
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Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
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Looks To Return To The Win Column
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In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks

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