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Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for April 18

Welcome back to Streaming Wars, your daily source of waiver wire and streaming advice. This is your one stop guide to plug lineup holes, stream pitchers, or target categories of need.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Tuesday, April 18th.

Let's get to it.

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Agenda

  1. My Dilemma of the Day
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. My Dilemma of the Day

The Brewers have two offensive-minded catchers - Jett Bandy and Manny Pina. A third, Andrew Susac, is recovering from injury. If either Bandy or Pina started, they would be borderline relevant in 12-team, single catcher formats. Since they split the action, they're just barely usable in two catcher leagues. I currently own Bandy, but I'm considering a swap to Pina.

Bandy is a great fit for Miller Park. His penchant for fly balls and pulled, hard contact should easily add up to 20 home runs in 400 plate appearances. Pina is more of a high contact guy. However, he also has a short track record for hitting pulled fly balls. Miller Park could help him to 15 home runs in 400 plate appearances with a healthier batting average than Bandy.

The Brewers clearly intend to split the time until one emerges over the other. The question is, which is the best Brewers catcher to own for immediate production? I'm running a twitter poll, the results of which will be reported tomorrow.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Yesterday, they postponed the action in Oakland. As such, the pitchers were bumped. Oakland is also the only rain threat for today, although I think they'll make a point of squeezing it in. Tomorrow, Minneapolis, Atlanta, and Oakland (again) may be at some risk according to this vague weather map. I thought it didn't rain in California?

Andrew Triggs is now scheduled to face Yu Darvish tomorrow. Joe Musgrove was bumped to Ricky Nolasco and the Angels. Tyler Flowers is out with a minor strain. He may require a minimum trip to the disabled list per reports.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Tuesday, April 18th

Pitchers to Use

Luis Severino is coming off a masterful seven-inning, 11 strikeout performance against the Rays. To this point, Severino has avoided handing out free passes. He's still strangely hit-prone for a pitcher with such potent strikeout stuff. Home runs have plagued him through his first 145 innings. He's allowed about one per start. Yankee Stadium contributes to his homer woes. Look to Severino for strikeouts at the expense of other ratios. He'll face the Quad-A White Sox.

Despite a 5.06 ERA, Shelby Miller appears to be in prime form. A combination of increased fastball velocity and a career low fastball usage leads me to believe in his 10.13 K/9 - at least to the extent that he can continue to exceed his career 7.40 K/9. Miller is visiting the Padres at Petco Park. A win is well within reach.

Chad Kuhl is throwing a nasty slider this season. Once he's ahead in the count, he'll frequently turn to his top offering. Kuhl likes to induce early count contact with his sinker so there's always a chance he'll record three or fewer strikeouts. He's opposed by a tricky Cardinals lineup.

Hyun-Jin Ryu mostly handled the Rockies at Coors Field. I think he can repeat the feat at Dodgers Stadium. Ryu is best used by somebody chasing a win who isn't too concerned about the ratios. His stuff has picked up right where it left off in 2014.

Other Targets: Jimmy Nelson, Joe Musgrove

 

Pitchers to Exploit

So. Many. Exploits. I'm going to focus my attention on the most interesting of these names - aka the ones you might consider using.

Eduardo Rodriguez's velocity is down. Again. He continues to induce plenty of whiffs. Unfortunately, he's also allowed three home runs in only 10 innings. For most pitchers, I'd shrug away the results of two starts. However, this looks like a continuation of E-Rod's 2016 struggles. He's facing the Blue Jays.

With Clay Buchholz on the shelf, the Phillies have turned to Zach Eflin as pitcher number six. Eflin is a pitch-to-contact volume guy. At his best, he'll keep the Phillies in a game without any positive fantasy contributions. At his worst, he's a dumpster fire.

Eflin is opposed by Zack Wheeler. Shockingly, Wheeler is currently one of the least injured Mets pitchers. For now. His velocity is down over one mph from his 2013-2014 peak, but let's give him a chance to build strength. Of greater concern is his penchant to make mistakes over the plate. The Phillies got to him last week. They could do it again.

Mike Foltynewicz is making his second start of the season. He hasn't looked sharp through two appearances, and his velocity is down about one mph. As with Wheeler, I'm inclined to wait for him to show he's back on track before using him. Folty allows a few too many home runs.

Other Targets: Miguel Gonzalez, Severino, Ubaldo Jimenez, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Andriese, Josh Tomlin, Phil Hughes, Rick Nolasco, Matt Cain, Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Yovani Gallardo, Kyle Freeland, Jarred Cosart

 

Homers on the Wire

Josh Tomlin made an interesting change to his delivery. He lowered his arm angle which has added about three inches of additional arm side run to his fastballs. Through two starts, opposing teams are unimpressed. Consider a whole slew of Twins. Max Kepler is the best of the bunch, followed by Joe Mauer, Robbie Grossman, and Jorge Polanco depending on your positional needs.

Neil Walker and Lucas Duda are must plays if they're on your waiver wire. Their matchup versus Eflin is highly favorable. And if you think Michael Conforto will play, try him too.

Nobody believes in Chase Headley's hot start. Teammates Aaron Judge and Greg Bird are slightly over 50 percent owned. The whole lot of 'em face a slightly homer prone pitcher at a hitter's haven.

Lonnie Chisenhall has jumped right into the action after missing the start of the season. He's a solid run production pick opposite Hughes.

Other Targets: David Peralta, Brandon Drury, Scott Van Slyke, Enrique Hernandez, Danny Valencia, Brandon Moss, Josh Reddick, Hyun-Soo Kim, Scott Schebler

 

Steals on the Wire

Some day, Jose Reyes will reach base. It's an open question as to whether or not he'll remember how to steal second. If anybody can help him aboard, it's Eflin.

Nick Hundley isn't the sharpest catcher when it comes to holding base runners. If Alcides Escobar or Raul Mondesi reach base against Cain, they will run. Often.

Brett Gardner remains available in 56 percent of leagues despite already stealing five bases. Maybe it's his lack of home runs, RBI, and batting average. He's a home run and stolen base threat versus Gonzalez and the Blight Sox.

Other Targets: Travis Jankowski, Leonys Martin, Delino DeShields, Adam Frazier, Gorkys Hernandez, Hernan Perez, Wilmer Difo, JaCoby Jones, Brett Gardner

 

Skill Positions

Joaquin Benoit and Addison Reed blew saves yesterday. Owners are clamoring for Hector Neris and the return of Jeurys Familia. It's a shame about Reed. He needed to be perfect to have a chance at holding the role. Now he'll await Familia's performance.

Russell Martin is doing his "I can't hit anything" routine again. Perhaps Rodriguez can help him back on track.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Michael Penix Jr.

Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Jacoby Brissett

Still Absent From OTAs This Week
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Still Hoping to be Ready for Week 1
Micah Parsons

Expected to Open Training Camp on the PUP List
Tucker Kraft

Packers Hopeful Tucker Kraft Will Participate in Training Camp
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Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

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Chris Bell

No Timetable for Chris Bell's Return from Knee Surgery
De'Von Achane

Limited in OTAs Due to Recovery From Shoulder Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

Participating in Packers OTAs
Josh Jacobs

No Criminal Charges Filed Against Josh Jacobs
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
Daniel Jones

Present at OTA Practice on Wednesday
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Dynasty Stock Continues to Trend Down
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Continues to Offer Depth in Dynasty Leagues
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Continues to Have Dynasty Appeal at 31 Years Old
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Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
Zach Ertz

Could Still Contribute in Dynasty Leagues
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Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
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a Top Option at Colonial
Dyami Brown

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Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
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Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
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Dynasty Value Has Run Dry in Crowded Running Back Room
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a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
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Mark Stone

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Robert MacIntyre

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Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
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Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
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Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
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Joe Mazzulla Wins Coach of the Year
Jalen Williams

is Ruled Out for Game 5 on Tuesday
Zion Williamson

to See More Versatile Role
Cleveland Cavaliers

Kenny Atkinson to Remain Cavaliers Head Coach Next Season
Claude Giroux

Planning to Return for 20th NHL Campaign
Carter Hart

Aiming for Sixth Consecutive Win Tuesday
Evgeni Malkin

Inks New One-Year Deal With Penguins
Mackenzie Blackwood

in Net for Game 4 Against Golden Knights
Valeri Nichushkin

a Game-Time Call Tuesday
Nathan MacKinnon

Will Suit Up Tuesday
Ben Griffin

Looking to Repeat This Week at Colonial
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Player to Avoid at Charles Schwab Challenge
Hideki Matsuyama

Needs Solid Driving Week at Charles Schwab Challenge
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Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
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Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
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Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
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Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
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Ahmad Hardy's Return Timeline Remains Unclear
Evan Mobley

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 15 Points
James Harden

Wants to Stay in Cleveland
Donovan Mitchell

Remains Committed to Cavaliers
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Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
OG Anunoby

Active on Both Ends in Blowout Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

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Jalen Brunson

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Ivan Demidov

Contributes an Assist in Losing Effort
Lane Hutson

Records Power-Play Goal in Game 3 Loss
Frederik Andersen

Enjoys Another Easy Night at the Office in Game 3
Shayne Gostisbehere

Scores First Postseason Goal
Taylor Hall

Ends Four-Game Goal Drought
Andrei Svechnikov

Scores Game 3 Winner in Overtime
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Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder is Ruled Out for Game 4 on Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Nets Could Trade Michael Porter Jr.
Valeri Nichushkin

Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin Uncertain for Game 4
Oliver Kapanen

Sitting as Healthy Scratch Monday
Max Domi

Out Indefinitely Due to Offseason Surgery Complications
Dylan Cease

Heading to Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Daniel Suarez

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Christopher Bell

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Denny Hamlin

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Tyler Reddick

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Kyle Larson

Strong and Consistent Day Ends in Fifth at Charlotte
Dylan Cease

Removed From Sunday's Start With Hamstring Discomfort
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Exits Sunday's Game Early with Elbow Contusion
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Sunday
Edward Cabrera

Cubs Place Edward Cabrera on the 15-Day Injured List
Denny Hamlin

the Favorite to Win at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

on Pole for Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Could Break Out of Slump
Kyle Larson

May have A Solid Day at Charlotte
Ryan Blaney

Is A DFS Risk for Charlotte Lineups
William Byron

Could have A Great DFS Performance at Charlotte
Chase Briscoe

Is A Solid Tournament Option for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

May not be Worth his Salary for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Chris Buescher

May be a Sneaky Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Has Favorable Upside for Charlotte DFS Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is A Strong Addition for DFS Lineups at Charlotte
Austin Dillon

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Austin Dillon for Charlotte DFS Lineups?
Chase Elliott

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Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

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MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
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Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
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Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
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Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
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LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
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North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
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Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
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Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
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Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
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Ronald Acuna Jr. Exits Early, X-Rays Come Back Negative
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