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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 Tuesday, May 22. Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Brinson Part Two
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Brinson Part Two
I wrote about Lewis Brinson earlier in the season after he had a multi-homer game. Yesterday, he blasted a grand slam. Dynasty and deep keeper league owners should look to buy low, assuming you can stash him on your bench. He's struggled to a .168/.213/.297 batting line, but his physical talent vastly outstrips that production. Just watching the linked clip shows the upside - explosive power and a rangy build that should parlay to athletic feats in the outfield. He just needs to buckle down on his swings. I'm reminded of a less tamed version of Byron Buxton.
2. Today's Weather and Updates - Monday, May 21
Check reports for the Midwest closer to game time. We should be good to go tonight, but there's a small chance for interruptions in Minnesota, Chicago, and St. Louis.
3. Streamer Picks - Tuesday, May 22
Pitchers to Use
Jeremy Hellickson has always had good offspeed stuff. His issue is a below average fastball. Hitters wait for it and tee off. This year, Hellickson is throwing fewer fastballs than ever while commanding his curve and change. He won't continue to post a 2.20 ERA and 2.80 FIP - regression is coming. However, said regression may wait a game while he dismantles a ragged Padres offense. Going forward, he could pitch something like he did in 2016 when he posted a 3.71 ERA. Coupled with the Nationals lineup providing run support, that's 12-team ownable.
Speaking of 12-team ownable, Trevor Cahill is back in action. He... survived... a start against the Red Sox last week. That's an acceptable result against a tough opponent. He should do more than survive a start versus the Mariners. As with his early-2017 breakout, Cahill's improvement appears entirely linked to better command and a resultant lower walk rate. Anytime you get a 60 percent ground ball rate with over a strikeout per inning, it's a good thing.
Other Targets: Caleb Smith, Zack Wheeler, Chad Bettis
Pitchers to Exploit
Eric Lauer's first stint in the majors has not made a lasting impression. The southpaw has allowed a 8.14 ERA with the terrible peripherals to support it. He's thrown mostly fastballs and cutters. Perhaps the repertoire would play up in the bullpen versus fellow lefties. Right-handed hitters are batting .373/.458/.667 in 85 plate appearances. It's a tiny sample. It's also a clear sign he's not MLB ready. Load up on righty Nationals.
Other Targets: Matt Harvey, Jake Faria, Matt Koch, Jhoulys Chacin, James Shields, Lance Lynn, Andrew Suarez, Jason Hammel
Homers on the Wire
Mark Reynolds is back in the majors thanks to injuries to Ryan Zimmerman and Howie Kendrick. The all-or-nothing slugger is even batting cleanup or fifth in the lineup. A matchup against Lauer is the perfect time to snipe Reynolds off the waiver wire for a heroic homer. Alternatives include Wilmer Difo and Michael Taylor.
Josh Harrison returned with a bang on Sunday, going 3-for-4 with a double. The contact-oriented righty has eligibility at multiple positions and a useful blend of power and speed. He also bats leadoff. Harrison is a great roster patch, especially when facing a pitcher like Harvey.
Other Targets: Jose Pirela, Franmil Reyes, Franchy Cordero, Wilmer Flores, Ian Kinsler, Zack Cozart, Jefry Marte, Chris Young, Colin Moran, Austin Meadows, Mitch Moreland, Jesus Aguilar, Miguel Andujar, Gleyber Torres, Pedro Alvarez, Robbie Grossman, JaCoby Jones, John Hicks, Niko Goodrum, Dexter Fowler, Max Muncy, Chase Utley, Dustin Fowler, Stephen Piscotty
Steals on the Wire
Tony Kemp is one of my favorite overlooked role players. I have a soft spot for contact-oriented batters with non-zero pop and speed. These are the guys who can suddenly ascend from nobody to stardom. In fact, I spent the last five minutes figuring out who to cut from my 20 team dynasty roster for Kemp (it was Sam Travis). Kemp stole 13 bags in 15 attempts this year at Triple-A (183 PA). He appears to be the everyday left fielder for now, bringing potentially borderline elite defense with plenty of balls in play. In 2017, he hit 10 home runs and stole 24 bases in the minors.
Other Targets: Travis Jankowski, Manuel Margot, Byron Buxton, Leonys Martin
Skill Positions
Devin Mesoraco is getting an extended look in New York due to their dearth of quality catching alternatives. He still has more pop than the average backstop.
