👉 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 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.

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. 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

Caris LeVert

is Available for Game 5 on Wednesday
Duncan Robinson

is Out for Game 5
Keegan Murray

Undergoes Ankle Procedure
Josh Giddey

Undergoes Ankle Surgery
Pete Fairbanks

Returns From Injured List
Christian Yelich

Out With Back Tightness on Wednesday Night
Nathan MacKinnon

Chasing History Wednesday
Ryan Poehling

Won't Be an Option for Game 6
Sam Malinski

Set to Miss Second Straight Game
Artturi Lehkonen

Unlikely to Play Wednesday
Matthew Schaefer

Wins Calder Trophy
TOR

Maple Leafs Fire Head Coach Craig Berube
Jalen Hurts

Can Jalen Hurts Bounce Back as a Rusher in 2026?
Robby Snelling

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Sprain
Zach Charbonnet

Dynasty Value in Question Entering 2026
DeVonta Smith

Poised to Reach a New Level of Production in 2026?
Chris Olave

Facing Increased Target Competition in New Orleans Entering 2026
Chris Bell

Dynasty Stock Rising Following NFL Draft
Ted Hurst

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Tampa Bay
Francisco Alvarez

Mets Place Francisco Alvarez on Injured List With Torn Meniscus
Max Fried

Dealing With Left Elbow Posterior Soreness
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
Chris Brazzell II

Is Chris Brazzell II the Top Deep Threat in Carolina's Receiver Room?
Kaelon Black

a Threat to Win Backup RB Job in San Fran?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
De'Zhaun Stribling

to be 49ers' New "F" Receiver?
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
Drew Allar

Steelers "Uninstalling" Everything Drew Allar Learned in College
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Ja'Kobi Lane

Is Ja'Kobi Lane the Pass-Catching Answer the Ravens Have Been Seeking?
Zachariah Branch

Does Zachariah Branch Have a Path to Immediate Production?
Max Klare

Can Max Klare Separate Himself in Rams' Tight End Room?
Eli Stowers

the Tight End of the Future in Philadelphia?
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
Germie Bernard

Already in a Tough Spot to Hold Dynasty Value
Ayo Dosunmu

Has Busy Night in Game 5
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Jaden McDaniels

Notches 17 Points in Game 5 Loss
Denzel Boston

a Smart Bet to Meet or Exceed Value in Dynasty Rookie Drafts
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Julius Randle

Posts a Double-Double in Losing Effort
Matthew Stafford

a Sell Candidate with Touchdown Regression Likely on its Way
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Anthony Edwards

Held to 20 Points in Game 5 Loss
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Keldon Johnson

Comes Alive in Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Jayden Reed

Dynasty Value Tethered to His Underwhelming Usage
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Stephon Castle

Makes All-Around Impact in Game 5
Kenyon Sadiq

Is Kenyon Sadiq the Next Great Rookie Tight End?
Victor Wembanyama

Leads Spurs to Big Win in Game 5
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Mason McTavish

Delivers Two Assists Tuesday Night
Pavel Dorofeyev

Pots Two Goals in Vital Game 5 Win
Josh Doan

Records Two Assists in Game 4 Victory
Evgeni Malkin

Penguins Want Evgeni Malkin Back
Sidney Crosby

Joins Team Canada for World Championship
Ryan Poehling

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 5 Loss
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
Cade Klubnik

Becoming Fan Favorite, in Play to Win Backup QB Job?
Michael Penix Jr.

Throwing During Offseason Program
Brandon Nimmo

Leaves Game on Tuesday with Apparent Ankle Injury
Philadelphia 76ers

76ers Part Ways With Daryl Morey
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Game 5 Against Cavaliers
Dylan Harper

Cleared for Action Tuesday
De'Aaron Fox

Available for Game 5 Against Timberwolves
Caris LeVert

Remains on Injury Report With Heel Issue
Duncan Robinson

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
Memphis Grizzlies

Brandon Clarke Dies at Age 29
Charlie McAvoy

Slapped With Six-Game Suspension
Jonas Brodin

Unavailable for Game 5 Against Avalanche
Joel Eriksson Ek

to Remain Out Wednesday
Sam Malinski

Day-to-Day With Upper-Body Injury
Jacob Wilson

A's Place Jacob Wilson on Injured List With Shoulder Subluxation
Artturi Lehkonen

Considered Day-to-Day
Charlie Coyle

Lands Six-Year Extension
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

to Start Game 4 Against Canadiens
Drew Helleson

Unavailable for Game 5
Radko Gudas

Still Out Tuesday
Christian Yelich

Brewers Reinstate Christian Yelich From Injured List
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Admits He Wasn't Close to Returning Before Season Ended
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
LeBron James

Uncertain About Future After Season-Ending Loss
Ajay Mitchell

Continues to Excel for Thunder
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
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF