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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.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

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




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
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Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
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Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
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Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
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Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
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Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
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Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
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Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
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Remains an Overrated Road Racer
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Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
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John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
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Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
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Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
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Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
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Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
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Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
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Sitting Out With Foot Issue
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Impresses at Minicamp
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Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
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Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
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Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
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Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
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Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
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Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
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Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
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1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF