👉 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


Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for April 19

Happy tax day and 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 Wednesday, April 19th.

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. Brewers Catcher Poll Results
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. Brewers Catcher Poll Results

Yesterday, I was pondering the future of catcher in Milwaukee. Including injured backstop Andrew Susac, the Brewers now own three offensively interesting backstops. Presently, Jett Bandy and Manny Pina are battling for primacy. I asked you to weigh in on Twitter.

With less than an hour left in the polling, Pina leads Bandy 62 to 38 percent (24 votes). They're both making strong bids. Pina has a .462/.481/.654 batting line with nearly 40 percent line drives. Regression will set in immediately, but he still projects to a roughly league average batting line.

Bandy is decidedly more strikeout prone - a trait from which the Brewers do not shy away. He hit his second home run of the season last night to go with a .321/.367/.607 line. His numbers are also ticketed for regression, although he's much closer to a sustainable pace. Bandy's biggest issue may be his aggression. He works his way into pitchers counts. Pitchers know they don't need to throw strikes to get him out.

For what it's worth, my fantasy money is on Bandy as the more productive member of the Brewers catcher platoon.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Only Atlanta is a serious rain risk today. Keep an eye on the potential for storms right around game time.  Tomorrow, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Cincinnati, and Chicago may be at risk according to this vague weather map.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Wednesday, April 19th

Pitchers to Use

Joe Ross is already 55 percent owned. He's returning to major league action tomorrow with a start against the Braves. Ross has a reliever's approach to starting - sliders, sliders, and more sliders. He throws his bendy ball nearly 40 percent of the time, and it's the only reason he's a viable major leaguer. His fastball is heavily exploitable. He may be rusty or overly amped up tomorrow.

I suppose I have to mention Amir Garrett since he's made two strong starts. Do yourself a favor - don't use Garrett tomorrow. He's a lefty with unimpressive stuff pitching at a hitter's haven. If you have an open spot and don't need a hitter, you can consider stashing Garrett. If he happens to pitch well on your bench, at least you'll have a trade asset. Oh, and he's somehow 53 percent owned.

Other Targets: Woof woof

 

Pitchers to Exploit

In Oakland, Martin Perez will face Jesse Hahn. Both have produced good results thus far. Perez's success can be pinned upon an ultra fortunate 95.4 percent strand rate. In fact, Perez is usually among the worst in the league at stranding runners. His command has been non-existent this season. He's going to melt. Hahn relies too much on an average fastball to survive the Rangers lineup.

I'd almost be tempted to use Tyler Anderson versus the lefty prone Dodgers if he wasn't opposed by Clayton Kershaw. Alas, Anderson's path to victory is covered with brambles. He's made a few too many mistake pitches. If you dig deep enough into the peripherals, you'll glimpse the same successful pitcher from 2016. He's a nice buy-low candidate in deep settings.

J.C. Ramirez isn't a major league reliever. That the Angels have asked him to make multiple starts is a scathing indictment of their farm system. And front office. Excluding the Padres, every other team has a better sixth starter than Ramirez. Dallas Keuchel and the Astros are the primary beneficiaries.

Other Targets: Tommy Milone, Dylan Covey, Ubaldo Jimenez, Trevor Bauer, Adalberto Mejia, Jhoulys Chacin

 

Homers on the Wire

Orioles prospect Trey Mancini is forcing his way into the every day lineup. After popping three home runs in 15 plate appearances last season, he's added another four bombs in 24 plate appearances this year. He'll almost certainly start versus a southpaw at Great American Ballpark. Remember, there's no designated hitter, so he'll play at the expense of Chris Davis, Mark Trumbo, or Craig Gentry.

Aaron Hicks is playing regularly thanks to a Matt Holliday injury. He picked a great time to pop three home runs. Hicks is showing early signs of a breakout, but we're still in super tiny sample land. Other Yankees of note include Aaron Judge, Chase Headley, and Greg Bird. They're in a good spot against Covey.

I really want to get excited about the Twins stack versus homer prone Bauer. Alas, Joe Mauer, Jorge Polanco, and Robbie Grossman aren't true blue home run threats. There's enough of a chance that it's worth consideration in an appropriately deep league. They'll be available in nearly any league not labeled AL-Only.

Other Targets: Josh Reddick, David Peralta, Scott Van Slyke, Enrique Hernandez, Chris Marrero, Brandon Guyer, Corey Dickerson, Logan Morrison, Lucas Duda, Neil Walker, Asdrubal Cabrera, Scott Van Slyke, Ryon Healy

 

Steals on the Wire

Ender Inciarte is still just shy of 50 percent owned despite strong early season production. Improbably, he's already hit four home runs with the help of his offseason swing path overhaul. He still mostly makes contact on the ground, leaving me hesitant to predict more than 12 to 15 home runs over the full season. He's only stolen one base thus far, but another 19 are coming. He'll face Ross. Matt Wieters is a mid-tier defensive catcher.

Gentry somehow bats leadoff when the Orioles face a lefty. He still have enough speed to be a base running threat.

Yankees leadoff man Brett Gardner may be the best pick off the wire if you're solely targeting stolen bases. He's up against an exploitable White Sox battery.

It's Rajai Davis day tomorrow. He'll face Perez who, as I noted above, is very due for a bad outing.

Other Targets: Travis Jankowski, Wilmer Difo, Kevin Kiermaier, Jose Reyes, Jarrod Dyson, Leonys Martin, Delino DeShields, Adam Frazier

 

Skill Positions

Sam Dyson is officially out in Texas. He'll head to the disabled list with a hand contusion. I'm pretty sure he also has some kind of arm injury. Matt Bush has been named "closer." However, due to his injured shoulder, Jeremy Jeffress, Tony Barnette, and Keone Kela could pick up the odd save.

If you need a one day catcher, Josh Phegley is always of interest when facing a mediocre lefty like Perez.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Yordan Alvarez

Continues Homer Barrage With Two More Long Balls on Wednesday
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Makes History With Seven More Shutout Innings Against Padres
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Lifted From Wednesday's Game Early With Hamstring Strain
Younghoe Koo

Jets Sign Kicker Younghoe Koo on Wednesday
Quinn Ewers

Looks Good in Wednesday's OTA Practice
Kenley Jansen

Exits Relief Appearance on Wednesday With Groin Injury
Ty Johnson

Taking Part in OTAs
Ja'Tavion Sanders

Cutting Laterally at OTAs
Tre' Harris

has Been a Top-Three Receiver During Offseason Program
Makai Lemon

Already Working With Starters in OTAs
AJ Barner

Undergoes Offseason Procedures, Not Taking Part in OTAs
Zach Charbonnet

Might Not Return Until Midseason
Von Miller

"For Sure" Plans to Play in 2026
Alvin Kamara

Not at OTAs But Preparing for the 2026 Season
Lamar Jackson

"Absolutely" Wants to Stay With Ravens Long-Term
Mason Plumlee

NBA Upgrades Mason Plumlee's Foul to a Flagrant 1
Victor Wembanyama

Receives Warning From NBA
Atlanta Hawks

Hawks Promote Onsi Saleh to President of Basketball Operations
Jalen Williams

Listed as Questionable for Game 6
Ajay Mitchell

Ruled Out for Game 6
Michael Penix Jr.

Not Cleared for 11-on-11 Work
Jacoby Brissett

Still Absent From OTAs This Week
George Kittle

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
Jacory Croskey-Merritt

Held Out of OTAs on Wednesday
Jayden Daniels

Participating in Commanders OTAs
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
Eury Pérez

Eury Perez Pulled Early on Wednesday With Hamstring Issue
CFB

Drew Mestemaker a Top Big 12 Quarterback Right Away?
PGA

Sungjae Im Remains Boom-or-Bust at Colonial
PGA

Michael Thorbjornsen Trending in Wrong Direction Entering Colonial
De'Aaron Fox

Limited to Nine Points in Game 5 Loss
Russell Henley

a Top Option at Colonial
Harry Hall

Hoping Putter Carries Him at Colonial
Julian Champagnie

Notches 22 Points With Four Triples Tuesday
Stephon Castle

Leads Spurs in Scoring Tuesday Night
Rickie Fowler

Looks to Regain Momentum at Colonial
Victor Wembanyama

Struggles in Game 5 Loss to Thunder
Alex Caruso

a Difference-Maker Again in Game 5
Pierceson Coody

Looking to Stay Hot at Colonial
Jared McCain

Produces 20 Points in First Playoff Start
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Scores Game-High 32 Points in Game 5 Win
Martin Necas

Collects an Assist in Game 4 Loss to Golden Knights
Gabriel Landeskog

Scores Only Avalanche Goal in Season-Ending Loss
Carter Hart

Finishes Series-Clincher With 20 Saves
Dylan Coghlan

Continues Unlikely Success Story
Cole Smith

Scores Series-Clincher Tuesday Night
Mark Stone

Nets Another Goal as Golden Knights Finish Off Avalanche
Ludvig Aberg

Looking to Exchange Momentum for a Victory in Fort Worth
Stephan Jaeger

Trending Upward as PGA Heads to Fort Worth
Max Homa

Comes Off Awful Putting Performance at PGA Championship
Tony Finau

Faces Different Test at the Colonial
Robert MacIntyre

Seeks Better Beginning in Fort Worth
Tom Hoge

Ups and Downs Could Continue at Colonial
Brian Harman

Not Having the Best Golf Season in 2026
Austin Eckroat

Struggling Too Often Heading to Charles Schwab Challenge
Zach Bauchou

Tries to Keep Momentum Rolling at Colonial
Keegan Bradley

Looking to Rebound at Colonial
Jared McCain

Moves into Starting Five
Boston Celtics

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
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of Charles Schwab Challenge
Akshay Bhatia

Lacking Driving Prowess Needed at Colonial Country Club
CFB

DJ Lagway Looking to Rebound at Baylor
CFB

Josh Hoover Tasked With Leading Indiana Back to the Playoffs
CFB

Braylon Staley the Next 1,000-Yard Tennessee Receiver?
CFB

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
Mikal Bridges

Cools Off in Game 4 Against Cavaliers
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
Gage Jump

Athletics to Promote Top Pitching Prospect Gage Jump to Major Leagues
Tatsuya Imai

Two Relievers Combine to No-Hit the Rangers on Monday
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

Wins at Charlotte in Rain-Shortened Coca-Cola 600
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte
Denny Hamlin

Falls Short of Winning and Places Third at Charlotte
Tyler Reddick

Places Fourth After Leading Laps at Charlotte
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

Should Be Strong at Charlotte
Carson Hocevar

Confident for Coca-Cola 600
Corey Heim

a Chalk DFS Pick at Charlotte
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Tournament Option for Charlotte Lineups?
MLB

Orioles-Tigers Game Postponed on Saturday
MLB

Rays-Yankees Postponed on Saturday
Mickey Moniak

Heads to Injured List With Ankle Sprain
Jackson Merrill

has Sore Ribs, Expected to Avoid Injured List
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Looking to Take Sophomore Leap
CFB

Jadan Baugh Primed to Lead Florida Offense in 2026
CFB

LSU Hires Ed Orgeron As Special Assistant
CFB

North Carolina and South Carolina Cancel Home-And-Home Series
CFB

Confidence High in Mississippi State's Kamario Taylor
MLB

Reds-Cardinals Game Postponed on Friday
Trevor Story

has Hernia Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-10 Weeks
Roman Anthony

Dealing With Sprained Ligament in his Finger
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF