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Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for April 17

Welcome back to Streaming Wars, your daily source of waiver wire and streaming advice. Use this column to plug lineup holes, stream pitchers, or target categories of need.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, April 17th.

Let's get to it.

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Agenda

  1. Happy Easter
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. Happy Easter

Whether or not you celebrate this international holiday for rabbits, I have a gift for you.

That Yelich bomb... Don't let his slow-ish start fool you. He's going to have a monster year. As far as Stanton goes, well, we'll see if he stays on the field. I'm a believer. Research shows that there's no such thing as an injury prone hitter - Rocco Baldelli notwithstanding. Even Grady Sizemore eventually played a couple full seasons.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Today's forecast calls for fire and brimstone. Cleveland, Cincinnati, Oakland, and San Francisco are all scheduled for a good soaking. At this point, the forecasts are not specific enough to determine if these games will be postponed. Tomorrow, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Oakland may be at some risk according to this vague weather map.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Monday, April 17th

Pitchers to Use

Meager Monday includes 10 games this week. Surprisingly, we have a full handful of viable starters on the waiver wire, although none of them are must-play assets. Brandon McCarthy is the boring veteran of the bunch. His stuff has declined from his brief peak in 2014 and 2015. He likes to get ahead in the count and continue attacking the strike zone. He's opposed by a difficult Diamondbacks offense.

Yankees rookie Jordan Montgomery reminded me of Rich Hill during his debut last week. The southpaw likes to work up in the zone with an over-the-top delivery. He'll drop in a curve ball too. Montgomery only lasted 4.2 innings, but he did induce 15 swinging strikes in just 89 pitches. He'll face the Quad-A White Sox. Montgomery is far and away the best streaming option.

Blake Snell's biggest issue is command. It's been a noticeable problem in the early going. He's walked eight hitters compared to just six strikeouts in 11.1 innings. He's been fortunate enough to only allow five hits thanks to a .121 BABIP. His matchup against the Red Sox might be one to avoid.

Joe Musgrove is apparently struggling with mechanical consistency. It's affecting his usually superb command. When he's on, Musgrove will find his way to a decent strikeout total by virtue of working many 0-2 and 1-2 counts. His average stuff plays up due to the command. If he's still off his game, the Angels might thump him.

Andrew Triggs, a soft throwing righty, was a popular sleeper candidate entering the season. His velocity has declined over one mph, and he induced few whiffs through two starts. The ground ball pitcher has a risky pairing against the Rangers. He should receive run support.

Other Targets: Nah

 

Pitchers to Exploit

Knuckle balls are finicky things. Through two starts, Steven Wright has not shown his usual feel for the pitch. If that thing isn't dancing, then Wright is play slow pitch softball on a major league field. He's opposed by the Rays.

Lance Lynn's velocity is down slightly from his pre-injury peak. Of greater concern is that his command has taken a step back, and hitters aren't missing his frequently thrown fastball. The Pirates are well positioned to benefit.

Kyle Gibson is trying to breaking ball his way to better results. The righty is almost a good pitcher. His sinker is just a tad too hittable. He'll occasional pull together a strong outing, but he generally makes for a reliable source of runs.

Other Targets: Derek Holland, Jered Weaver, Jesse Chavez, A.J. Griffin, Tom Koehler, Ariel Miranda

 

Homers on the Wire

We have a few lineups to aggressively target. The Rays lefties have to contend with a park that suppresses left-handed home runs. They're still a good bet to supply big numbers. Logan Morrison and Corey Dickerson are the power plays from the group.

Professional lefty masher Chris Young is facing Snell. Over his very brief career, Snell has shown big platoon splits. Young is a career .267/.365/.480 hitter versus southpaws.

Matt Joyce hasn't gotten going yet, but he's still drawing starts atop the lineup. Fellow lefty Yonder Alonso made some offseason swing adjustments to produce more power and contact to all fields. The early results include an almost luck neutral .300/.400/.467 line. Even if the league doesn't find an answer for his new tendencies, Alonso is only a threat for 15 or 20 home runs. The A's face A.J. Griffin.

Other Targets: Aaron Judge, Nick Markakis, Adonis Garcia, Lonnie Chisenhall, Yandy Diaz, Josh Reddick, Danny Valencia, David Peralta

 

Steals on the Wire

Give Kevin Kiermaier a whirl if you want power upside with your stolen bases. It's relatively easy to swipe bags versus knuckleballers.

Speaking of power and speed, Ender Inciarte has adjusted his swing to produce more fly ball contact. He's still working out the timing. He's morphed into a 20-20 threat despite being available in 57 percent of leagues. Brandon Phillips is more widely available. He's running early and often as part of his audition for a new contract. They face the ever-exploitable Weaver.

With Gregory Polanco banged up, Adam Frazier will probably bat leadoff versus Lynn. Frazier's actually a terrible base thief despite frequent attempts. He's already 0-for-2 this year.

Other Targets: Tyler Saladino, Leonys Martin, Jarrod Dyson

 

Skill Positions

Austin Hedges finally hit a home run - right after I swapped him out for Jett Bandy in my two catcher formats. He'll face lefty Jaime Garcia. On the other side of the matchup, you'll find Tyler Flowers taking massive hacks at Weaver slowballs.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Joel Embiid

is Returning for Game 3 on Friday
Brandon Ingram

Undergoes Heel Surgery
Josh Hart

is Available to Play in Game 3
OG Anunoby

is Downgraded to Out for Game 3 on Friday
Mitchell Robinson

is Returning for Game 3
Mats Zuccarello

Expected to Play Saturday
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Be a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Jonas Brodin

Still Out Saturday
Josh Manson

Could Return Saturday
Kaedan Korczak

Scratched for Game 3 Against Ducks
Radko Gudas

Likely to Remain Out Friday
Sam Carrick

Won't Play Friday
Isiah Pacheco

Can Isiah Pacheco Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in Detroit?
Rico Dowdle

Dynasty Ceiling Limited By Backfield Committee in Pittsburgh
Rashid Shaheed

a High-Risk, High-Reward Buy-Low Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Marcus Mariota

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Jacoby Brissett

a Clear Sell-High Candidate for Dynasty Managers
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Najee Harris

Can Najee Harris Re-Establish Some Dynasty Value in 2026?
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Breece Hall

Jets Sign Breece Hall to Three-Year Extension Worth $45.75 Million
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
Denver Broncos

Broncos Sign GM George Paton to New Five-Year Deal
Brandon McManus

Packers Release Kicker Brandon McManus
New York Jets

Jets Talking to a "Number of Veteran Quarterbacks"
Travis Etienne Jr.

a Reliable Dynasty Starter Entering First Season With Saints
Kenneth Gainwell

Is Kenneth Gainwell's Dynasty Stock Still Rising After Offseason Change of Scenery?
Mac Jones

a Deep-League Dynasty Stash Candidate
Tez Johnson

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Jared Goff

Remains a High-Floor Dynasty QB2 Heading into 2026
De'Von Achane

Remains a High-End Dynasty RB Despite Uncertain Supporting Cast
Xavier Worthy

Chiefs Limited Xavier Worthy's Usage After Injury Last Year
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Not Ready to Discuss Extension With Rashee Rice?
Cade Otton

Remains a Quality Dynasty Depth Piece
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
Austin Reaves

Scores 31 Points in Game 2 Defeat
T.J. Hockenson

Bounce-Back Chances Stifled by Improved Pass-Catching Depth
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
Chet Holmgren

Anchors Thunder Past Lakers in Game 2
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
Jordan Addison

Facing Competition for No. 2 Role?
Tobias Harris

Stays Hot in Game 2 Victory
Cade Cunningham

Pushes Pistons to 2-0 Series Lead
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
Jarrett Allen

Provides Bright Spot in Cavs' Game 2 Loss to Pistons
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
James Harden

Struggles in Game 2 Loss
Donovan Mitchell

Finishes Game 2 Loss with 31 Points
Gradey Dick

Open to Trade Away From Toronto
Michael Porter Jr.

Wants to Stay in Brooklyn
Charlotte Hornets

Hornets Extend Charles Lee After 25-Win Improvement
Jarred Vanderbilt

Ruled Out for Game 2 Against Thunder
Luke Kennard

Cleared to Play Thursday
Ayo Dosunmu

Considered Questionable for Game 3 Against Spurs
Anthony Edwards

Remains Questionable on Injury Report Ahead of Game 3
Mitchell Robinson

Probable for Friday's Action
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out Thursday
Dan Vladar

Looks to Return to Winning Ways Thursday
Connor Dewar

Penguins Re-Sign Connor Dewar for Two Years
Mikko Rantanen

Played Through Torn MCL Late in the Season
Rasmus Dahlin

Ready to Go Friday
Alexander Nikishin

Set to Return Thursday
Christian Dvorak

Available Thursday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Thursday
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
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