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Welcome back to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. This article, which began last season, runs seven days a week. We are always ready to stream.
For those who are newcomers to this feature - use this column on a daily basis to improve upon your neediest categories, and target players who may be available on your waiver wire.
Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Friday, May 18. Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Found Nimmo
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Found Nimmo
An injury to Yoenis Cespedes has opened up everyday action for Brandon Nimmo. The Mets should-be leadoff hitter has been stranded on the bench for most of the season. Although he's not a big source of power or speed, he's athletic enough to provide some fantasy value. His true purpose is to provide a high OBP and copious runs scored. This season, he's benefited from taking a less passive approach at the plate.
2. Today's Weather and Updates - Thursday, May 17
Atlanta has a 50 percent risk of storms throughout the day. Having lived there, I can attest to the spotty nature of typical summer storm cells. SunTrust Field could be completely dry while Turner Field gets a postponing quantity of rain. And vice versa. In any case, check closer to game time.
3. Streamer Picks - Friday, May 18
Pitchers to Use
Kyle Gibson will wield his newfound 10.07 K/9 against a strikeout prone Brewers lineup. He's proven slightly inconsistent this season. A high walk mixed with a BABIP driven approach leads to volatility. The fastball remains a below average pitch, adding additional variance. Consider him high risk, high reward.
Sometimes you just need a shot at a win. CC Sabathia can provide one with tolerable ratios against a feeble Royals offense. I'd like to say more, but it would be a waste of time.
Other Targets: Nick Tropeano
Pitchers to Exploit
As recently as last season, I was still willing to consider using Felix Hernandez against weaker opponents. His fastball was ancient history, but he still had two plus offspeed pitches. These days, he's working on fumes. Even the Triple-A Tigers can do some damage against the 32-year-old.
Alex Cobb appears to have turned a corner. His stuff and command look to be back in 2017 form when he posted a 3.66 ERA. Run estimators expected around a 4.20 ERA. On the right days, Cobb will be streamable. Tomorrow is not one such day. He's likely to suffer at the hands of the Red Sox.
Other Targets: Brett Anderson, Marco Estrada, Homer Bailey, Carson Fulmer
Homers on the Wire
John Hicks is making a concerted effort to hit more fly ball contact. His catcher eligibility is valuable whilst filling in at first base for Miguel Cabrera. He's running a 50 percent hard contact rate which has served to offset a high strikeout rate. He'll face Deposed Felix.
Mark Trumbo is only 31 percent owned which feels correct. It's also a wonderful streaming opportunity to chase a double-homer game. He'll be attempting to hit a chip shot over the Green Monster. His opponent, Drew Pomeranz, appears to be pitching hurt - or at the very least, he isn't at full strength. Danny Valencia is worth a try for the same reasons.
Other Targets: Hunter Dozier, Aaron Hicks, Gleyber Torres, Miguel Andujar, Brandon Nimmo, Mitch Moreland, Yangervis Solarte, Mark Canha, Stephen Piscotty, Franchy Cordero, Franmil Reyes, Matt Adams, Howie Kendrick
Steals on the Wire
Robinson Chirinos is one of the worst catchers at gunning down base thieves - at least this year. While you likely don't have access to Yoan Moncada or Tim Anderson, it's possible to get lucky with Leury Garcia, Yolmer Sanchez, or Adam Engel.
Other Targets: Mallex Smith, Byron Buxton, Jonathan Villar, Ronald Guzman, Kevin Pillar, Travis Jankowski
Skill Positions
Twins catcher Mitch Garver is probably something like the 15th best offensive player at the position. He should be owned in the majority of leagues. As of yesterday, he had zero percent ownership on Yahoo. He'll have the platoon advantage against Brent Suter.
