RADIO
Welcome back to my hitting streamers column for Week 3, taking a look at hitters to add or stream off the waiver wire for this week's scheduled games.
To keep things simple, I pick from players who are 50% owned or less and who play at least seven games in the week. If someone jumps off the page at me as a less than seven game player, I may make an exception, but otherwise the advantage in number of games dictates my choices.
With that said, let’s dive right in.
Bats to Stream and Start in Week 3
Yulieski Gurriel (1B, HOU) - 32% owned
In just 139 games last year, Gurriel posted a .299/18/69/75/3 line. He looked poised to be a regular fantasy contributor this year before fracturing his hamate bone this spring. While such an injury can often sap a player's power, Gurriel has already homered since returning this week. There is surely some risk given his recent return from injury, but he is a very good hitter in a strong lineup facing favorable pitching matchups. Stream him with confidence.
Kevin Pillar (OF, TOR) - 41% owned
The last three years Pillar has been fairly consistent and averaged 12 homers and 18 steals. With stolen bases becoming increasingly sparse relative to homers, Pillar is an interesting pickup. This year, he is up to more of the same, with a homer and three steals in his first 14 games. He only faces average pitching matchups this week, but he has the opportunity to be a five category contributor nonetheless. If you need steals without losing much in the other categories, Pillar should be your choice this week.
Leonys Martin (OF, DET) - 2% owned
Martin's defense will be of no use in fantasy leagues, but that doesn't mean he can't provide you offensive value this week. Martin has always stolen bases, and he even has some pop. For his career, his 162-game averages are 10 homers and 30 steals. Martin is off to a decent start this year, batting .271 with a homer and a steal. Facing favorable pitching matchups this week, he is a sneaky streaming option that could provide you with stolen bases and maybe more.
Colin Moran (3B, PIT) - 16% owned
Moran is an interesting enough player to be a major part of the return for Gerrit Cole. The former top-100 prospect has now joined the fly ball revolution, and there are hopes that he will be the latest beneficiary of that approach. In 79 games at AAA last year, he batted .308 with 18 homers. This year he is off to a fast start, batting .343 with a homer. While he is unlikely to steal you bases and his power is a question mark, he should provide you with good batting average and decent run production, with the potential for more against average pitching matchups this week.
Jeimer Candelario (3B, DET) - 5% owned
After his trade to the Tigers last year, Candelario got off to a hot start. He batted .330 with two homers and a .874 OPS in 27 games. Even though he is only batting .200 to start this young season, he already has six extra base hits and he has prospect pedigree. Facing favorable pitching matchups this week, he has the potential to provide you with good power and run production, along with a decent average. Don't be dissuaded by his slow start.
Jackie Bradley, Jr. (OF, BOS) - 27% owned
Bradley is a defensive ace who occasionally has shown some success with the bat. In 2016, for example, he posted a line of .267/26/94/87/9. While that is likely the upper end of his ability, the 27 year-old has some power, a touch of stolen-base ability, and should not hurt you badly in the other categories. Facing decent pitching matchups this week, he is a serviceable play if the top options are off the board.
Others To Consider
Jorge Soler (OF, KC) 2% owned - Soler has consistently struggling since bursting onto the scene in 2014. Nevertheless, he faces good pitching matchups and is a potential power source if you want to gamble on power this week.
Tim Beckham (2B/3B/SS, BAL) 27% owned - Despite starting the year slowly, Beckham has gobs of talent and career 162 game averages of 20 homers and six steals.
Amed Rosario (SS, NYM) 16% owned - Rosario is another former top prospect who is off to a slow start. His emerging power combined with his stolen base ability make him a worthy gamble if the others are off the board.
