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Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for April 20th

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 Thursday, April 20th.

Let's get to it.

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Agenda

  1. More Marte Maunderings
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. More Marte Maunderings

Undoubtedly, you've already gone afield looking for opinions about Starling Marte. The Pirates star was suspended 80 games for a PED violation. Just 79 more to go. I'll add my quick thoughts.

To stash or not to stash? That is the question, and it depends on your league depth and settings. The shallower your bench, the more benefit you'll receive from moving to an active player. Similarly, you're much better off when your replacement options are Kevin Kiermaier or Ender Inciarte rather than Daniel Nava or JaCoby Jones. Marte will have a chance to play in up to 69 games at the end of the season. The best stash scenario involves a deep league with deep benches. Yahoo's NA slot would help.

The primary beneficiary is not Austin Meadows. It's not call up Jose Osuna. It's not even Josh Bell. No, the winner of this exchange is Adam Frazier. I've dubbed Frazier the left-handed DJ LeMahieu. He has an oppo-field oriented, line drive approach at the plate. He's even fast but inefficient at stealing bases - just like DJLM. Frazier should produce a high average while starting most days.

We'll see Meadows as he raises his hand loudly enough. He's hitting .162/.220/.270 through 41 Triple-A plate appearances. So we'll wait. As for Osuna, he might be able to fake it in the outfield. Scouts insist he's a first baseman, and they're not sure his hit and power will play in the majors. He seems destined for Korea.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Rain threatens a few venues, but only Minnesota is a postponement risk. Actually, "risk" understates the situation - the Minnesota game will be postponed.  The Twins and Mets games might be in trouble tomorrow per my not-so-handy weather map.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Thursday, April 20th

Thin Thursday is accompanied by 11 games this week.
Pitchers to Use

Tigers lefty Daniel Norris remains weirdly under-owned at only 17 percent. He's gotten away with way too many walks through his first two starts. Aside from the free passes, Norris looks fine. He should post acceptable ratios with a decent chance for victory opposite Erasmo Ramirez. The Rays have been very strikeout prone through the first two weeks.

RA Dickey is a decent volume play as long as all you need is a chance for a win. It won't be a high chance either. He'll face Stephen Strasburg and the Nationals. Dickey's knuckle ball has looked good this year. Knuckle balls tend to be very inconsistent start-to-start.

The Athletics are calling upon 32-year-old Cesar Valdez. The former Diamondbacks prospect disappeared into the Mexican League from 2012 through 2015. He re-emerged as a depth piece with the Astros last year. Now he's filling the same role in Oakland. Valdez has posted tantalizing numbers in the minors - solid strikeout rate, a tiny walk rate, and a good ERA. I have no additional information to share.

Other Targets: No grazi
Pitchers to Exploit

The Rays are calling on swingman Erasmo Ramirez for a spot start. There's a reason he's mostly in a multi-inning relief role. The best pitchers generally induce a lot of ground balls or fly balls. Ramirez skews towards grounders, but not enough to produce a lot of soft contact. The result is mushy ratios and an issue with home runs.

Matt Shoemaker was a viable fantasy starter entering the season. Through three starts, he's looked broken. Let's rewind to 2015. He had a similar start to his season. Splitter ball pitchers are prone to losing feel for their top offering. When they don't have another weapon, that leads to disaster. Just as in 2015, Shoemaker will probably recover his splitter later in the season. Until then, target him.

Several regression candidates who have pitched well are on the bump. There's a decent chance at least one of Scott Feldman, Wade Miley, Pat Corbin, or Clayton Richard will continue to pitch relatively well. I'll put my money on Miley or Richard. Individually, they're all likely to regress above a 4.00 ERA. Feldman and Miley face each other at Great American Ballpark. Corbin and Richard are tilting at Petco Park.

Other Targets: Andrew Cashner, Zach Davies
Homers on the Wire

With Matt Carpenter banged up, the Cardinals are getting some extra looks at Jose Martinez. The massive first baseman earned a spot on the Opening Day roster even though he (or Matt Adams) are completely extraneous. Despite his size, Martinez is a high contact hitter with middling power. He has enough pop to matter, but he's not a candidate to drop 20 bombs. Visiting Miller Park upgrades his power potential.

The Rays have Steven Souza and Rickie Weeks available. They bat first and cleanup respectively when facing left-handed pitching. Through his first 63 plate appearances, Souza has trimmed his strikeout rate to a palatable 23.8 percent. However, he continues to swing through pitches at his normal rate. I suspect he'll return to his usual numbers before long. You all agree or else he wouldn't be available in 75 percent of leagues.

The Mets also have a small stack opposite Aaron Nola. Michael Conforto is getting starts as the leadoff hitter. Wither Jose Reyes. Neil Walker, Lucas Duda, and Asdrubal Cabrera are available in the majority of leagues too. New York has an answer for any position of need.

Other Targets: Brandon Drury, Josh Reddick
Steals on the Wire

Your speed options aren't very potent tomorrow. I suggest going with power or pitching. Of the icy performers available, I'd prioritize Peter Bourjos and Alcides Escobar. Bourjos will bat second versus Norris. Escobar bats down in the order, but he'll face Cashner.

Other Targets: Jarrod Dyson, Leonys Martin, Alcides Escobar, Raul Mondesi, Delino DeShields, Wilmer Difo, Peter Bourjos
Skill Positions

Now it's the Nationals bullpen in turmoil. Blake Treinen is on the outs. There no official word on Plan B. For stability, the club should turn to Shawn Kelley. They've been hesitant about using him as a full inning reliever. Koda Glover is the other obvious choice. Perhaps they'll bite the bullet and go get David Robertson.

If you need a shortstop, Nick Ahmed is usually viable versus left-handed pitching. For catchers, Austin Hedges is finally tapping into his power.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Adds




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
KC Concepcion

Can KC Concepcion Immediately Assume the WR1 Role in Cleveland?
George Pickens

' Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Future in Dallas
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Brandon Aiyuk

a Huge Question Mark for Dynasty Managers
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Now Only a Gadget Player/Kick Returner?
Elic Ayomanor

Offseason Additions Hurt Elic Ayomanor's Dynasty Outlook
Tyler Warren

a Clear Top-Five Dynasty Tight End
Jonathon Brooks

a Dynasty RB to Target Despite Injury History?
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Tyler Allgeier

Currently in a Dynasty Buy Window Amid Rollercoaster Offseason
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Austin Reaves

Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract
Jalen Duren

Available to Finish Game 6
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Not Expected to Be Ready for Start of Next Season
Jalen Williams

Declares Himself Healthy for Conference Finals
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Will Play Friday Night
Kevin Huerter

is Available for Game 6
Duncan Robinson

is Returning for Game 6
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 6 on Friday
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
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