🖥 CYBER MONDAY - TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE CYBER
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

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets for May 15

Brad Johnson's fantasy baseball daily streaming picks for May 15th. Pitcher and hitter streamers for MLB DFS games, and head-to-head (H2H) waiver wire targets.

Welcome to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. Use this column to bolster your neediest categories.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, May 15th.

Let's get to it.

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

 

Agenda

  1. Bad Trade Offers - In Retrospect
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. Bad Trade Offers - In Retrospect

I play in a lot of leagues which means I make a lot of trade offers. And I tend to start with ideas and frameworks rather than making a taut offer. Why pay Clayton Kershaw for Mookie Betts if Jake Arrieta and Tony Watson can get the job done? Some fantasy players want their trades to be cut and dried, but I skew in the other direction - we usually have a nice long chat before it's time to press accept. It might have something to do with being a professional fantasy baseball writer...

I searched my inbox for rejected trade offers which I initiated. You'll find a sampling below. Notice a theme?

March 20: I get Travis Jankowski, he gets Matt Harvey
March 28: I get Greg Bird, he gets Tony Watson
March 31: I get Jonathan Villar/Chris Owings, he gets Ryon Healy/Justin Upton/Michael Pineda
April 19: I get Greg Bird, he gets Jose Reyes
April 20: I get Matt Carpenter/Villar, he gets Upton/Kyle Hendricks
April 21: I get Villar, he gets Upton/Jordan Montgomery
April 28: I get James Paxton, he gets Eugenio Suarez

These are all examples of trades in which my offer seemed weak at the time. In retrospect, they all look like really good trades for the other guy. Most of these are attempts to buy low on Villar or Bird. Maybe they rebound or maybe they continue to scuffle. Bird had a Ryan Howard-sized hole in the upper quadrant of the strike zone. I'm as confused as the next guy about Villar. He's gone back to pulling a billion crappy ground balls. He was a spray hitter last season.

At the time of the Paxton offer, he was healthy. His owner is trotting Alex Bregman out at third base. Now Paxton is on TJS watch and my Suarez has continued to rake. Suarez is one of the most underappreciated assets in fantasy baseball.

This is not to say that all of my trade offers turn out this way. I tried to acquire Keon Broxton and Charlie Morton in all of my leagues. Some of the buy-low offers I sent involve waiver wire fodder like Joe Musgrove. The point is that you should take a moment before feeling insulted about a trade offer. Baseball has a way of humbling us all.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

The Boston game is looking doubtful. The Astros-Yankees doubleheader in New York is also under threat of rain.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Monday, May 15th

Meager Monday is actually meager this week. We have just eight games to peddle.

 

Pitchers to Use

Surprisingly, there are quite a few pitchers to try. None of them are must-roster types like an Alex Wood, but they all have quality start upside.

Luis Perdomo may be my favorite of the bunch versus a volatile Brewers lineup. Milwaukee hitters have the second highest strikeout rate in the majors, but they also have an above average offense (104 wRC+). Perdomo is in the process of developing swing-and-miss stuff and currently leads the league with a tiny 20.7 percent hard contact rate. His curve ball is elite, but his pitch-to-contact sinker doesn't exactly compliment it. The sinker does generate a ton of ground ball contact. Unfortunately, it's quite hittable. Perdomo is working on discovering a third weapon. Personally, I think he should emphasize a high four seam fastball so his curve can play up. He's a work in progress.

Perdomo is opposed by Chase Anderson. Despite a shiny 2.97 ERA, the Brewer doesn't appear to be any different from the guy who posted a 4.30 ERA in 2015 and a 4.39 ERA in 2016. Perhaps he's sequencing slightly better. Expect over a 4.00 ERA going forward, starting tomorrow. The Padres narrowly trail the Brewers in strikeout rate, and their offense is much less dangerous.

Brandon McCarthy is a cerebral pitcher who knows how to get the most out of his stuff. Apparently healthy, he's thrived through five starts by limiting hard contact. He's visiting pitcher friendly AT&T Park. Although the Giants are not strikeout prone, they also aren't a threatening opponent.

Other Targets: Joe Musgrove, Dan Straily, Zack Godley, Jesse Chavez

 

Pitchers to Exploit

Is it truly necessary to explain why Mike Pelfrey is a bad pitcher? He's never been worse - 2.84 K/9, 3.32 BB/9, and a 5.21 ERA. I'll give him this, he isn't homer prone.

Shockingly, Matt Cain has six solid starts compared to just one disaster. More disasters are on the horizon, starting with the righty mashing Dodgers. His home park could gift him with some outs on should-be homers.

Sadly, Bartolo Colon's goose looks cooked. Better times could be ahead if he can figure out how to strand runners on base. His 55.8 percent LOB% is among the worst in the league. We usually consider LOB% to be a "luck" stat, meaning the pitcher doesn't have much influence over it. There are exceptions, although Colon has a very long track record as a luck neutral pitcher. He's opposed by Mike Bolsinger and the Blue Jays. Bolsinger tends to be  extremely hittable any time he makes a spot appearance in the majors.

Other Targets: Yovani Gallardo

 

Homers on the Wire

I know I said good things about Perdomo, but the Brewers also have some of my favorite hitters tomorrow. Domingo Santana is one of the best sluggers on the block. Do note, he's a ground ball hitter which isn't a good formula for beating a ground ball pitcher. If he does get under one though, it'll fly.

Sean Manaea is back from the disabled list. If there's any rust, look for Danny Valencia and Taylor Motter to post big games. Valencia bats fifth for the Mariners. After an icy start, he's recovered his power stroke. Over his last 61 plate appearances, he has a .357/.410/.625 slash (.410 BABIP). I still prefer Motter and his blend of hard contact and pulled fly balls. He's also a stolen base threat.

If Colon continues to struggle, look for Steve Pearce and Justin Smoak to provide fireworks. May has been kind to Pearce with four home runs in 32 plate appearances. Meanwhile, Smoak may be experiencing a mini-breakout. He's cut his strikeout rate to 20.9 percent - down from 32.8 percent last season. The change looks real. He's continued to produce line drives and hard contact at above average rates. He's quietly emerged as yet another 20 home run threat.

Other Targets: Chris Taylor, Christian Arroyo, Yangervis Solarte, Ryan Schimpf, Hunter Renfroe, Matt Joyce, Jed Lowrie, Luis Valbuena, Asdrubal Cabrera, Lucas Duda, Neil Walker, Curtis Granderson, David Peralta, Steve Pearce, Justin Smoak, Josh Reddick, Derek Dietrich

 

Steals on the Wire

Oh, the power of cold starts. Hernan Perez remains available in the majority of leagues despite a .277/.327/.535 slash - better than he achieved last season. Ignore the first half of April, and he's slashing .333/.386/.667 in his last 83 plate appearances with all kinds of extra base contact. He's even batting third in Ryan Braun's absence. Roster him. Permanently.

Kevin Pillar, leadoff extraordinaire, is probably the next player to climb above 50 percent owned. His power, speed, and average should be owned in every league. While RBI production is typically scarce for leadoff hitters, Pillar is a solid four-category asset. Few of those offer stolen bases.

I've been giving firm recommendations for Jose Reyes. Now I get to back off. With Duda and Cabrera back, Reyes has ceded playing time to T.J. Rivera. It doesn't erase that Reyes has played well lately, and Rivera will eventually be overexposed in the majors. I'd bet on Reyes starting - and thriving - at Chase Field versus Godley.

Snag a share of Cameron Maybin in time to prey upon Pelfrey and the Pale Hose. Maybin is suffering from a .232 BABIP, but he's already stolen six bases despite a pitiful .293 OBP. BABIP regression is imminent.

Other Targets: Denard Span, Manuel Margot, Rajai Davis

 

Skill Positions

It's probably Jett Bandy's turn tomorrow. He's turned into quite the home run threat. Bandy won't maintain a 130 wRC+, but he shouldn't have any problems pummeling deep flies. He's an extreme pull hitter. Petco Park may limit his value on Monday. Austin Hedges is available on the other end of this matchup.

Aroldis Chapman is on the disabled list with rotator cuff inflammation. Regrettably, Dellin Betances is only available in 18 percent of leagues.

 

More Lineups Advice

 

Premium Tools & DFS Research

Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.

Sign Up Now!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Boone Jenner

Close to Returning
Tre Mann

Uncertain for Monday's Game Against Nets
Lian Bichsel

Exits With Injury Sunday
Deandre Ayton

Leaves Game With Knee Soreness
Petr Mrazek

Injured in Sunday's Loss
Adam Fox

Placed on Long-Term Injured Reserve
Brandon Williams

Questionable With Adductor Issue
P.J. Washington

Uncertain For Monday's Contest
Daniel Gafford

Expected To Miss Second Straight Game
Zach Ertz

Leads Washington in Receiving in Overtime Loss
James Cook

Handles Career-High 32 Carries for 144 Yards in Win
Egor Demin

Available Against Hornets
Justin Herbert

Planning to Play Through Broken Bone in Left Hand in Week 14
Terance Mann

in Danger of Missing Monday's Game
Sauce Gardner

Likely to Miss a "Couple of Weeks" With Calf Strain
Noah Clowney

Considered Probable for Monday
Michael Porter Jr.

Listed as Probable for Monday's Matchup
Caris LeVert

Expected Back Monday
Duncan Robinson

Questionable to Face Hawks
Jalen Duren

Likely to Return Against Hawks Monday
Brock Bowers

Records Two Touchdown Grabs in Week 13
Alexandre Sarr

Iffy for Monday
Mark Williams

Available Against Lakers Monday
Ryan Dunn

on Track to Return Monday
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Uncertain for Monday
Coby White

Returning to Bulls Lineup Monday
Paolo Banchero

Unavailable Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

to Miss 3-4 Weeks
Jarrett Allen

to Miss a Week of Action
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic Listed as Probable for Monday
Justin Herbert

Suffers Fractured Hand in Week 13, Will Have Surgery
Kimani Vidal

has Season-High in Rushing Yards in Win Over Raiders
De'Von Achane

Looks Unstoppable on the Ground in Week 13
Davante Adams

has Another Two-Touchdown Game
Aaron Jones Sr.

is Questionable to Return With Shoulder Injury
Adonai Mitchell

has Career Day With 102 Yards, Touchdown in Win
Bijan Robinson

Compiles 191 Total Yards, Touchdown in Loss to Jets
Shedeur Sanders

Will Start Again in Week 14 Against Titans
Mike Evans

Could Return in Week 14
Keon Coleman

Active for Week 13
Dalton Kincaid

Officially Inactive for Week 13
Kyren Williams

Returns in Week 13 After Injury Scare
Kyren Williams

Suffers Apparent Leg Injury in Week 13, Status Unclear
Woody Marks

Returns in Week 13 After Injury Scare
Sauce Gardner

Colts Rule Out Sauce Gardner With Knee Injury
Woody Marks

Questionable to Return With Foot Injury
CFB

Lane Kiffin to be Introduced as LSU's Next Head Coach on Monday
CFB

Florida Poised to Land Jon Sumrall as Next Head Coach
CFB

Alex Golesh Taking Over Auburn Head-Coaching Job
CFB

Arkansas Expected to Hire Ryan Silverfield as Next Head Coach
Joel Hofer

Shuts Out Mammoth
Owen Tippett

Amasses Three Points in Saturday's Win
Stuart Skinner

Bounces Back With Shutout
Brock Nelson

Notches Four Points in Big Win
Oliver Ekman-Larsson

Sustains Upper-Body Injury
Logan Cooley

Hurt in Saturday's Loss
Warren Foegele

Not Ready to Return Saturday
Simon Benoit

Won't Play Saturday
Henri Jokiharju

Lands on Injured Reserve
Zack Wheeler

Likely to Return in May
Pavel Zacha

a Game-Time Call Saturday
Ryan Helsley

Agrees to Two-Year Deal With Orioles
David Pastrnak

Out for Second Consecutive Game
William Nylander

Available Saturday
Kyle Palmieri

Out for 6-8 Months With Torn ACL
Jake Walman

Sidelined for Third Consecutive Game
Jack Roslovic

to Miss Two Weeks
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins

to Return Saturday
Mattias Samuelsson

in Concussion Protocol
Dylan Cease

Agrees With Blue Jays on Seven-Year, $210 Million Deal
Anthony Rendon

Angels Could Buy Out Final Year of Anthony Rendon's Contract
Josh Hader

Says his Shoulder is "Back to Normal"
Ketel Marte

Diamondbacks "Actively Listening" on Ketel Marte
J.T. Realmuto

Red Sox Showing Interest in J.T. Realmuto
Sonny Gray

Red Sox Acquire Sonny Gray From the Cardinals
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Makai Lemon, Skyler Bell Named Biletnikoff Award Finalists

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP