👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Featured Promo: Save 50% the regular price with discount code SPRING, for a limited time. Exclusive access to our Team Sync platform, DFS cheat sheets, Lineup Optimizers, betting/prop picks, and exclusive content from Nick Mariano and Eric Cross! GAIN ACCESS NOW

 

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




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Stefon Diggs

Found Not Guilty of Assault, Strangulation
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 Merrill

Heads to Locker Room in Game 1
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Anthony Edwards

Iffy for Game 2
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Ayo Dosunmu

Listed as Questionable Wednesday
Kevin Huerter

Remains Out for Series Opener
Carter Bryant

Questionable for Game 2
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Joel Embiid

Expected to Play Wednesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Radko Gudas

to Remain Sidelined Wednesday
Sam Carrick

Upgraded to Day-to-Day
Noah Cates

Considered Day-to-Day
Alexander Nikishin

Cleared to Play in Game 3 Against Flyers
Josh Manson

Expected to Remain Out Tuesday
Filip Gustavsson

Starting Game 2 Against Avalanche
Victor Hedman

Reveals Reason for Absence
Travis Kelce

Dynasty Value Fading Entering 2026
DJ Moore

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Trade
Derrick Henry

Dynasty Value Holding Steady Following NFL Draft
Ladd McConkey

Can Ladd McConkey Re-Establish His Dynasty Value in 2026?
Ryan Flournoy

Is Ryan Flournoy a Dynasty Stash Candidate Due to Long-Term Upside in Dallas?
Dante Fowler Jr.

Signing with Seahawks
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
Micah Parsons

Packers Expect Micah Parsons to be Ready "Early in the Season"
Tucker Kraft

Expected Back "Early in the Season"
Calvin Ridley

Brian Daboll Says it's "Good to Have" Calvin Ridley on Roster
Isaac Guerendo

Buried on Depth Chart, Looking for New Team?
Jalen Nailor

Raiders Expect Jalen Nailor to Take "Big Leap" in "Featured Role"
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

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

Braves Officially Reinstate Raisel Iglesias From Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
Cedric Tillman

on the Trade Block?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
Emmett Johnson

Andy Reid Compares Emmett Johnson to LeSean McCoy
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
Ty Simpson

a Great Fit With the Rams?
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Alvin Kamara

"Excited" to Share the Backfield With New RB Addition
Carson Beck

Could Carson Beck Sit on the Bench for his Entire Rookie Season?
Devaughn Vele

Upside Takes a Hit After the NFL Draft
Brenen Thompson

Compared to Tyreek Hill
Jonathan Taylor

Could Jonathan Taylor Finish as the RB1 if he Stays Healthy?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Firmly Entrenched in Top Tier of Dynasty Receivers
Tyrese Maxey

Limited to 13 Points in Second-Round Opener
Joel Embiid

Stays Quiet in Game 1 Against Knicks
Jalen Brunson

Torches 76ers With 35 Points Monday
Dylan Harper

Leads Spurs With 18 Points Monday
Julius Randle

Collects First Double-Double of Postseason
Anthony Edwards

Tallies 18 Points in Comeback Game
Victor Wembanyama

Posts Unique Triple-Double
Jackson LaCombe

Sets New Record With Another Assist
Mikael Granlund

Continues Postseason Success With Third Goal
Mitchell Marner

Notches Two Points in Series-Opening Win
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Taylor Hall

Makes History With Overtime Winner
Rickie Fowler

Faces a Challenge at Quail Hollow
Nikolaj Ehlers

Collects Two Points in Comeback Win
Cale Makar

Good to Go for Game 2 Against Wild
Gary Woodland

on a Nice Wave Approaching Truist Championship
Ridly Greig

Suspended for Two Games
Sepp Straka

Hoping for More Success at Truist Championship
J.J. Spaun

Approaching Charlotte With Optimism
Alex Smalley

Carries Momentum into Truist Championship
Nicolai Hojgaard

Roller Coaster Heads to Charlotte
Keegan Bradley

Desperate to Bounce Back from Doral Encounter
Dallas Mavericks

Masai Ujiri Hired as Mavericks Team President
Anthony Edwards

to Come Off Bench Monday
Chicago Bulls

Bryson Graham Hired as Bulls Lead Executive
Jalen Williams

Sidelined Tuesday vs Lakers
Carter Bryant

Unavailable for Game 1 Against Minnesota
Anthony Edwards

Set to Return Monday with Restrictions
Joel Embiid

is Cleared for Monday's Game 1
Kevin Huerter

is Questionable for Tuesday's Contest
Roman Anthony

Pulled Early on Monday After Tweaking his Wrist
Jhoan Duran

to Come Off the Injured List on Tuesday
Owen Tippett

Remains Out Monday
Roope Hintz

Recovering From Hamstring Injury
Tyler Seguin

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
Sam Carrick

Could Practice Tuesday
Alexander Nikishin

Won't Play Monday
Jeremy Lauzon

Expected to Miss Round 2
William Karlsson

Rejoins Golden Knights Lineup Monday
Jackson Chourio

Brewers Reinstate Jackson Chourio From the Injured List
Tarik Skubal

to Undergo Elbow Surgery
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
Raisel Iglesias

to be Activated on Tuesday
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
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote No. 1-Ranked Prospect Bryce Eldridge to MLB Roster
Anthony Volpe

Reinstated From Injured List, Optioned to Triple-A
Ranger Suarez

Exits Sunday's Start With Hamstring Tightness
Agustín Ramírez

Marlins Demote Agustin Ramirez to Triple-A
Ben Rice

Exits Sunday's Contest With Left-Hand Contusion
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
Cal Raleigh

Considered Day-to-Day With Soreness in his Side
William Byron

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

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Joe Ryan

Exits Early From Start on Sunday Due to Elbow Soreness
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?
Daniel Palencia

Cubs Reinstate Daniel Palencia From the Injured List on Sunday
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Braves Place Ronald Acuna Jr. on Injured List With Strained Hamstring
Nick Lodolo

Expected to Make Season Debut on Friday
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
Jack Della Maddalena

Returns At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Set For UFC Perth Main Event
Quillan Salkilld

Set For Co-Main Event
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Tim Elliott

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Ollie Schmid

Set For His UFC Debut
Marwan Rahiki

Looks To Remain Undefeated
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF