X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Join the Best Live Fantasy Chat Community!

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
Player Comparisons
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Streaming Wars: Waiver Wire Targets For May 2

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 weakest categories and target players who may be available on your waiver wire.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Wednesday, May 2, 2018Let's get to it.

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

Agenda

  1. Average Help
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

1. Average Help

In today's game, most people are glued to their TVs to watch long home runs and runs batted in. Unfortunately, that has also led to a record rise in strikeout rates for hitters.

In the fantasy realm, it's become harder to find players that will boost your team's batting average. Two players both currently hitting over .300 -- Nick Markakis and Starlin Castro -- can help you, although they won't do you many favors in the counting stats.

Markakis, often avoided because of his lack of power, is being overshadowed in Atlanta by Ozzie Albies and top prospect Ronald Acuna, but the lefty batter has quietly hit .302 with four homers, 18 RBI and 16 runs in 106 at-bats.

Castro, traded to Miami from New York in the offseason, is the best hitter on a rebuilding club (.312/.366/.367), but he has not cleared the fences this year and has just 10 RBI and one steal.

Consider either of them in rotisserie or head-to-head leagues if you are struggling in the average department. Despite their high contact rates and helpful averages, you probably won't have too much competition while attempting to add them off the waiver wire.

2. Today's Weather and Updates

There's a chance of rain in Cleveland, Detroit and Chicago, but probably not enough to seriously threaten those contests on Wednesday. There is a chance of a thunderstorm at Busch Stadium for the White Sox-Cardinals tilt.

3. Streamer Picks - Monday, May 1

Pitchers to Use

Drew Pomeranz (48 percent owned) hasn't looked good at all in his first two starts (8 2/3 frames) off the disabled list, allowing seven earned runs, including three long balls in his most recent start against the Rays. The southpaw has also shown diminished velocity and less definition on his signature curveball.

If he's going to bounce back, though, it'll be against the Royals, who he pitched well against in two no-decisions in 2017. On a positive note, Pomeranz did have seven K's in his first outing of the season and has 11 in his 8 2/3 innings so far (11.4 K/9).

The Royals have struck out 82 times against southpaws in 2017, which ranks them sixth most in the majors. KC could also be without their brightest offensive star in Mike Moustakas.

After allowing six runs (five earned) in his season debut against the Nats, lefty Sean Newcomb has settled down to the tune of a 3.09 ERA in his last four starts, while going at least six innings in three of those outings. The high-upside youngster also gave up just two earned runs in six innings against his Wednesday opponent, the Mets, on April 20.

Perhaps most intriguing is that Newcomb has fanned at least five hitters in each of his five starts to begin 2018 (11.1 K/9). His BB/9 of 4.6 is a bit upsetting and he'll need to show better command in the long run to realize his potential, but his high-strikeout upside is tantalizing.

 

Other Targets: Ivan Nova

Pitchers to Exploit

Matt Moore is one of the most hittable starters in baseball, as evidenced by his 32 hits allowed in 25 1/3 innings this season. He's fortunately allowed just one homer on the season, but that is sure to change quickly. The left-hander hasn't been able to pitch into the sixth inning in four of his five starts this year.

Overall, he's sporting a 1-3 record, 5.33 ERA, scary 1.69 WHIP and meager 6.0 K/9. With Cleveland's offense heating up after a slow start -- they sport the sixth best OPS (.812) in the last seven games -- and Moore not missing many bats these days, he is one to stack against.

We're picking on southpaws on this hump day. Brett Anderson will be called up from Triple-A to make his first start with the A's since 2013. He posted a 6.34 ERA, 1.69 WHIP and weak 6.2 K/9 in 13 starts with the Cubs and Blue Jays in 2017.

The 30-year-old left-hander was pitching well on the farm, but he'll have a much tougher time against a Mariners team that has the fifth best OPS (.774) against southpaws on the year.

 

Other Targets: Wade Miley, Tyler Anderson, Lucas Giolito

Homers on the Wire

Tigers rookie third baseman Jeimer Candelario is still owned in far too few leagues (35 percent), and while his matchup against southpaw Blake Snell isn't the greatest, you can't ignore his .382 average, three homers, nine RBI and 1.125 OPS in the last two weeks.

Ryon Healy can be streaky and he just recently came off the disabled list, but he's been hot since his return (.353 average, 1.294 OPS, three homers). Oh, and he's facing Brett Anderson -- see above. Healy is owned in just 16 percent of leagues, but we imagine his ownership will increase in the coming days if he continues to produce.

Other TargetsYonder Alonso, C.J. Cron, Teoscar Hernandez, Mitch Moreland, Franchy Cordero, Robinson Chirinos

Steals on the Wire

Mallex Smith and Carlos Gomez have a combined seven steals in the last 14 days for the Rays and could be looking to run early and often against Michael Fulmer on Wednesday.

 

Other Targets: Delino DeShields, Jose Peraza, Manuel Margot

Skill Positions

Jonathan Lucroy was a huge fantasy disappointment with the Rangers and Rockies last season, leaving many to completely forget about him in 2017 with Oakland. He's starting to heat up a bit, hitting .308 (4-for-13) in the last week.

He'll face James Paxton, who he is hitting .455 against in 11 at-bats with one homer and four RBI.

More Streamers and Waiver Wire Pickups




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

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

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Ilya Sorokin10 mins ago

Lasts 27 Minutes In Game 3
Frederik Andersen16 mins ago

Stops 29 Pucks In Another Win
Cincinnati Bengals10 hours ago

Bengals Have No Plans To Trade Trey Hendrickson
Justin Herbert10 hours ago

Patriots, Vikings Reached Out Regarding Justin Herbert
Deebo Samuel10 hours ago

Niners "More Likely" To Deal Deebo Samuel Than Brandon Aiyuk
Xavier Legette10 hours ago

Goes To Panthers To Close Out First Round
Ricky Pearsall11 hours ago

Niners Add To Receiver Room With Ricky Pearsall
Baltimore Ravens11 hours ago

Nate Wiggins Heading To Baltimore
Dallas Cowboys11 hours ago

Cowboys Select Tyler Guyton With 29th Pick
Mitchell Robinson11 hours ago

Injured Again On Thursday
Xavier Worthy11 hours ago

Chiefs Get Speed At Receiver In Xavier Worthy
Arizona Cardinals11 hours ago

Darius Robinson Goes To Cardinals At Pick No. 27
Jalen Brunson11 hours ago

Has Another Big Game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers11 hours ago

Buccaneers Draft Graham Barton At No. 26 Late In First Round
Tyrese Maxey11 hours ago

Helps Philly Take Game 3
Green Bay Packers11 hours ago

Packers Select Jordan Morgan With The 25th Selection
Joel Embiid11 hours ago

Dominates In Game 3
Detroit Lions11 hours ago

Lions Trade Up To Select Terrion Arnold With The 24th Overall Pick
Brian Thomas Jr.12 hours ago

Selected By Jacksonville
Philadelphia Eagles12 hours ago

Quinyon Mitchell Taken With The 22nd Pick
Miami Dolphins12 hours ago

Dolphins Select Chop Robinson With The 21st Pick
Pittsburgh Steelers12 hours ago

Troy Fautanu Goes To Steel City
Los Angeles Rams12 hours ago

The Rams Select Jared Verse With The 19th Overall Pick
Cincinnati Bengals12 hours ago

Cincinnati Looks To Strengthen Line With Amarius Mims
Minnesota Vikings12 hours ago

Minnesota Vikings Trade Up To Select Dallas Turner
Seattle Seahawks12 hours ago

Seahawks Take Byron Murphy II With The 16th Overall Pick
Indianapolis Colts12 hours ago

Laiatu Latu Taken At No. 15 By Indianapolis
Olivier-Maxence Prosper14 hours ago

Won't Play In Game 3
Kawhi Leonard14 hours ago

Questionable For Game 3
Stephen Curry14 hours ago

Named Clutch Player Of The Year
Joel Embiid15 hours ago

Good To Go Thursday
J.P. France16 hours ago

Optioned To Triple-A Sugar Land
José Ramírez16 hours ago

Jose Ramirez Launches Grand Slam In Three-Hit Day
Daniel Gafford16 hours ago

Listed As Questionable For Friday
Tim Hardaway16 hours ago

Jr. Ruled Out For Game 3
Giannis Antetokounmpo16 hours ago

Doubtful For Game 3
Khris Middleton16 hours ago

Misses Thursday's Practice, Questionable For Game 3
Dean Wade16 hours ago

Ruled Out For First Round
Sonny Milano17 hours ago

Misses Practice On Thursday
Filip Chytil17 hours ago

Joins Rangers For Trip To Washington
Jesper Fast17 hours ago

Remains Out On Thursday
Matt Martin17 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Thursday
Anton Lundell17 hours ago

Takes Over As Second-Line Center Thursday
Ryan Lomberg17 hours ago

Ruled Out For Game 3
Zack Gelof18 hours ago

A's Place Zack Gelof On 10-Day Injured List
Alec Marsh18 hours ago

Lands On Injured List
Keibert Ruiz19 hours ago

Back From The Injured List
Jackson Merrill19 hours ago

Scratched With Groin Tigthness
Nolan Jones20 hours ago

Remains Sidelined Thursday
Max Muncy20 hours ago

On The Bench Thursday
Alex Vlasic21 hours ago

Inks Six-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Kyle Okposo21 hours ago

To Suit Up In Game 3
William Nylander21 hours ago

Reportedly Dealing With Migraine Issue
Framber Valdez21 hours ago

To Start Sunday
Brett Pesce21 hours ago

Tony DeAngelo To Replace Brett Pesce
Cal Raleigh21 hours ago

Back In The Lineup Thursday
J.P. Crawford21 hours ago

Heading To The Injured List
Sam Bennett21 hours ago

To Miss At Least A Week
Ceddanne Rafaela21 hours ago

The Team's Everyday Shortstop
Vaughn Grissom22 hours ago

Unlikely To Return This Weekend
Rafael Devers22 hours ago

Likely To Return To Third Base On Saturday
Corey Seager22 hours ago

Serving As Designated Hitter Against Seattle
Jonathan India22 hours ago

Back In Action Thursday
Bryce Harper22 hours ago

Back From Paternity List
Jack Eichel23 hours ago

Makes NHL History In Game 2 Win
Brad Marchand23 hours ago

Racks Up Three Points In Game 3 Victory
Leon Draisaitl24 hours ago

Posts Two Assists In Wednesday's Loss
Anze Kopitar24 hours ago

Completes Three-Point Night With Overtime Game-Winner
Mason Marchment24 hours ago

Exits With Injury Wednesday
Radek Faksa1 day ago

Injured In Game 2
Trey Murphy1 day ago

III Cools Off In Game 2
CJ McCollum1 day ago

Blows Hot And Cold In Game 2
Brandon Ingram1 day ago

Overcomes Cold Start In Game 2
Jonas Valanciunas1 day ago

Leads Pelicans In Scoring Wednesday
Jalen Williams1 day ago

Contributes In All Areas Wednesday
Chet Holmgren1 day ago

Sets The Tone For Thunder In Game 2
Uros Medic1 day ago

A Massive Favorite At UFC Vegas 91
Tim Means1 day ago

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 91
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander1 day ago

Leads Thunder To Victory
Austen Lane1 day ago

Searching For First UFC Win
Jhonata Diniz1 day ago

Making UFC Debut
Bogdan Guskov1 day ago

Gets Ranked Opponent At UFC Vegas 91
Ryan Spann1 day ago

Looks To Snap Losing Skid At UFC Vegas 91
Garrett Whitlock1 day ago

Still Not Cleared For Mound Work
Max Scherzer1 day ago

Serves Up Two Homers In Rehab Start
John Means1 day ago

Could Start Sunday
Alec Marsh1 day ago

X-Rays Come Back Negative On Alec Marsh
Naz Reid1 day ago

Named Sixth Man Of The Year
Ryan Lomberg2 days ago

Could Be Back For Game 3
Cam Talbot2 days ago

Starts Game 2 For Kings
Tyler Reddick4 days ago

Survives At Talladega For First Win Of 2024
Brad Keselowski4 days ago

Finishes Second At Talladega After Last-Lap Wreck
Anthony Alfredo4 days ago

Gets Best Finish For Beard Motorsports Since 2022
Todd Gilliland4 days ago

One Of The Strongest At Talladega
NASCAR4 days ago

Bubba Wallace Finishes 36th At Talladega Superspeedway
Kyle Larson4 days ago

Fails To Deliver Value In DFS At Talladega
NASCAR4 days ago

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Finishes Fourth At Talladega
Noah Gragson4 days ago

Surprisingly The Most Consistent Driver At Talladega
Shane Van Gisbergen4 days ago

Shane van Gisbergen Acquits Himself Nicely In Drafting Debut
Michael McDowell4 days ago

Ends Talladega Wrecked From The Lead
Alex Bowman4 days ago

Quietly Captures Top-Five Finish At Talladega
Daniel Hemric5 days ago

Surges To Ninth-Place Result At Talladega
Harrison Burton5 days ago

Squeezes Into Top 10 At Talladega
NASCAR5 days ago

Bubba Wallace Will Start 14th For the GEICO 500
Tyler Reddick5 days ago

Avoid Rostering Tyler Reddick At Talladega?
John Hunter Nemechek5 days ago

Should DFS Players Roster John Hunter Nemechek At Talladega?
Joey Logano5 days ago

Expect Joey Logano To Compete For The Win At Talladega
Denny Hamlin5 days ago

Is Denny Hamlin Recommended For Talladega?
Justin Haley5 days ago

Is A Top DFS Value At Talladega
William Byron5 days ago

Is One Of The Top Favorites To Win Talladega
Christopher Bell5 days ago

Is Best Suited As A Tournament Play At Talladega
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF