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 23

Brad Johnson's fantasy baseball daily streaming picks for May 23rd. Pitcher and hitter streamers for MLB DFS games, and head-to-head (H2H) waiver wire targets.

Welcome to Streaming Wars, your one-stop resource for streaming the waiver wire. Use this column to improve upon your neediest categories. We're back after taking an extra day off last Thursday.

Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Tuesday, May 23rd.

Let's get to it.

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

 

Agenda

  1. Dumb Veto Poop
  2. Today's Weather and Updates
  3. Tomorrow's Picks

 

1. Dumb Veto Poop

Vetoes are dumb. Simply by virtue of allowing vetoes in a league, unnecessary drama is created. A longtime reader of mine shared this story with me yesterday. Up until this weekend, he co-commissioned a league. He's won the last two seasons and was kind enough to give me a share of the spoils last year for my contributions. Here's what happened.

Joked to co-LM [League Manager] I would approve any trade he offered to a particular person.  He gets a trade accepted of Travis Shaw for Chase Headley and Jeremy Hellickson.  I approve it (because it looked fair also) and told him “I told you”.  He cries to the league that I am colluding and has me removed as LM.

This was a fair trade. Talent-wise, Shaw is in the same asset class as Headley. I think we'd all prefer to roster Shaw - as a cleanup hitter, his lineup role is more valuable than Headley's. However, a desperate owner could look at Hellickson and expect the strikeouts to revert to his career norms. And that would easily cover the difference between Shaw and Headley. It's not much of a stretch. In this case, a non-veto of a completely fair trade has gone a long way towards ruining a league.

On the topic of Hellickson's strikeouts, he's complete unrosterable so long as he continues to induce 3.62 K/9. To my eyes, I think the issue is a combination of lost velocity and a decline in his changeup. The pitch used to have a 10 mph differential from his fastball, but now it's down to only eight mph. He's throwing the changeup more than ever - mostly at the expense of his curve ball.

 

2. Today's Weather and Updates

Today's nine game slate has to contend with rain in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Atlanta, and New York. I've listed those in order of risk. The first two may be delayed. I'm pretty confident they'll play. Atlanta always has patchy storms. Either they'll get soaked for awhile or they won't. Getting hit by a storm doesn't guarantee a postponement either. New York has the most rain on the docket, but even they should play with a late start. Check reports again later.

The same northeast venue plus Chicago are at risk tomorrow.

 

3. Tomorrow's Picks - Tuesday, May 23rd

Pitchers to Use

There are quite a few names to try on Tuesday, but they all come with their share of risk.

Amir Garrett may be my favorite option. Hopefully you had the sense to dodge his start last week. Anytime you see Wrigley winds pushing 20 mph to dead center, it's time to sit your pitchers. Hell, I'd consider sitting Clayton Kershaw under such circumstances. Anyway, Garrett got bombed, but that hasn't turned me off him in the short or long term. His biggest issue is with command - it can get away from him at times. When it does, he usually misses off the plate, leading to walks. Better that than throwing cookies. The skill set reminds me of Cole Hamels with a breaking ball. I think he'll have a great career despite a lousy home ballpark.

My other favorite is another lefty, Jordan Montgomery. My rosy comp for him is Rich Hill with a full repertoire. He absolutely must abandon his sinker. It's his second most used pitch, and it just doesn't fit with anything he does. He needs to mix something like 30 percent high four seamers with a barrage of curves, sliders, and changeups.

If you just want volume, R.A. Dickey, Jimmy Nelson, and Pat Corbin offer different forms. Dickey occasionally chips in with quality starts, and there's a good chance the Braves will defeat Tyler Glasnow. Similarly, Corbin should earn a victory opposite Covey. One of those pitchers is OK and the other is dreadfully bad. Nelson has the toughest match of this trio opposite Joe Biagini. It's a no-DH game for the fractured Toronto offense.

Other Targets: German Marquez, Jesse Hahn

 

Pitchers to Exploit

At one time, Jacob Turner was one of my favorite breakout candidates. This was circa 2013 before injuries prevented him from accomplishing much in the majors. In retrospect, I have no idea why I was bullish about Turner. His numbers were always awful. Turner remains fully exploitable in 2017. He's a low strikeout guy who allows plenty of contact. On the plus side, he does fire 94 mph fastballs. He's opposed by Christian Bergman, a mediocre soft-tossy spot starter.

After a surprisingly effective start to the 2017 season - nine runs in 32 innings (five starts) - Zach Eflin had a regression game last week. Now his 4.25 ERA is up around where it should be for a pure pitch-to-contact, no walks guy who can avoid home runs. As for that latter bullet point, there's no guarantee he'll continue to limit the dongers. He's opposed by the Rockies.

Eflin had his regression game, but we're still somehow waiting for Andrew Cashner to crack. Every year, there's one or two guys who get away with being bad for a couple months. Then *poof* he's a pumpkin after all. Cashner has cut down on the walks in his last two outings. He also isn't inducing any strikeouts. The .242 BABIP will regress.

Other Targets: Jhoulys Chacin, Matt Harvey, Tyler Glasnow, Jordan Zimmermann, Dylan Covey

 

Homers on the Wire

I'm just going to note that Yonder Alonso's mini-injury has him back down to 55 percent owned. Fools! Matt Joyce and Jed Lowrie are the more widely available Athletics. Ryon Healy is down to 53 percent owned. They're all a great option versus Jose Urena.

I never talk about Nick Markakis because he doesn't hit for power OR steal bases. However, he is a high average/OBP guy with plenty of run production. He'll find his way on base versus Glasnow. Matt Adams and Rio Ruiz could reach base too. Too bad the Braves only have one stolen base threat - Ender Inciarte - and he's 61 percent owned.

This might be my last chance to discuss Justin Smoak. He's at 47 percent owned. Smoak has trimmed his typical 30 percent strikeout rate by 10 points with the help of more in-zone contact. Whether or not he can maintain the contact is an open question. So long as he does, he's a top 150 player. He'll face Nelson.

Justin Bour is woke. Since a four hit day on April 30, he's slashing .348/.438/.739 with eight of his 11 home runs in 80 plate appearances. While he won't continue to hit for this much power or average, he has a decent matchup tomorrow versus Hahn.

Other Targets: Derek Dietrich, Chris Taylor, David Peralta, Brandon Drury, Josh Reddick, Yuli Gutierrez, Josh Bell, Logan Morrison, Colby Rasmus, Lucas Duda, Neil Walker, Ryan Schimpf, Hunter Renfroe, Yangervis Solarte, Bradley Zimmer, Mitch Moreland, Tommy Joseph

 

Steals on the Wire

Kevin Kiermaier may finally be awakening. The lefty is hitting .324/.378/.559 over his last 38 plate appearances with a couple home runs and a stolen base. It's the speed we're looking to exploit tomorrow versus splitter specialist Matt Shoemaker. Splitters can be a challenge for catchers hoping to limit the running game.

Adam Frazier is back in the Pirates leadoff spot. He's a left-handed DJ LeMahieu, complete with the terrible stolen base success rate. He's tried five times and come away with one swipe. Unless you're in a net steals league, the only thing we really care about are the attempts. He reaches base often via a decent walk rate and high BABIP.

Other Targets: Jose Reyes, Manuel Margot, Freddy Galvis, Jarrod Dyson, Ben Gamel, Taylor Motter

 

Skill Positions

Austin Hedges is your best option for a catcher streamer. Chase that all or nothing home run.

 

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

Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Finds End Zone in First Training Camp Practice
Tyler Shough

Pushing for Fully Guaranteed Rookie Deal
Ar'Darius Washington

Goes on PUP List
Lamar Jackson

to be Even Better in 2025?
Tre Harris

Agrees to Terms on Rookie Deal
Justin Herbert

Off to Good Start at Training Camp
Jameson Williams

Earning Rave Reviews from Lions Coaches
Christian Mahogany

Expected to Start for Lions
Zach Allen

an Extension Candidate in Denver?
Zaire Franklin

May Miss Start of Training Camp
Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard Returning to Portland
Mason Taylor

to Play "Crucial" Role in Jets' Offense
Paul Skenes

Pirates Could Preserve Paul Skenes in Second Half
T.J. Watt

Once Again Becomes Highest-Paid Non-QB
RJ Harvey

Reaches Agreement on Four-Year Rookie Contract
Rashee Rice

Chiefs Believe Rashee Rice Will Receive Two- to Four-Game Suspension
Brooks Barnhizer

Grabs 19 Points, Nine Boards in Summer League Win
Jack Kiser

Inks Rookie Deal With Jaguars
Mike Green

Expected to Sign Rookie Deal with Ravens on Thursday
Mike Williams

Retiring After Eight NFL Seasons
Jeremiah Fears

Scores 22 Points in Summer League Loss to Thunder
Jordan Addison

Pleads Guilty to Lesser Offense, Gets Fine and Probation
Jordan Mims

Titans Add Backfield Depth With Jordan Mims
Isaiah Collier

Collects 17 Points In Summer League Win
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Believed to be Recovered From Shoulder Injury
Najee Harris

Chargers Place Najee Harris on NFI List
Caleb Houstan

Joins Hawks
AJ Johnson

Erupts for 25 Points in Summer League Loss
Washington Wizards

Leaky Black Logs Double-Double in Loss to Jazz
Connor Norby

Undergoes Surgery, Expected to Miss 6-8 Weeks
Trey Alexander

Tallies 25 Points in Losing Effort
Johni Broome

Records Second Consecutive Double-Double
Jahmir Young

Has Historic Summer League Outing
Rob Dillingham

Plays Big Role in Wednesday's Win
Tyrese Proctor

Erupts for 35 Points Against Kings
Cody Williams

Leads Jazz to Victory Against Wizards
LeBron James

Mavs Not Interested in "Gutting its Roster" For LeBron James
Josh Hart

Undergoes a Procedure on Right Finger
Jake Burger

Goes on 10-Day Injured List With Quad Strain
Sal Frelick

Dealing With Grade 1 Hamstring Strain, TBD for Start of Second Half
Chris Sale

Plays Catch
Los Angeles Clippers

Bradley Beal Heading to Los Angeles to Join Clippers After Contract Buyout
Rayan Rupert

Scores 24 Points in Summer League Win
Derik Queen

Collects Third Consecutive Double-Double in Summer League Loss
GG Jackson II

Records 13 Points in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Johni Broome

Logs Double-Double Against Wizards
DaRon Holmes II

Records Double-Double in Summer League Loss to Raptors
Kyle Schwarber

Named All-Star Game MVP
Harris English

Takes Stellar 2025 Performance to The Open Championship
Aldrich Potgieter

Seeks Better Result in Northern Ireland
Cameron Young

Likely to Hang Around at The Open Championship
Cameron Smith

Just Trying to Make the Cut at Royal Portrush
Jordan Spieth

Is Jordan Spieth Still a Natural for Links Style Golf?
Patrick Reed

a Viable Option at The Open Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Wants to Rebound from Last Experience at Royal Portrush
Xander Schauffele

Looks to Defend His Claret Jug at Royal Portrush
Tony Finau

Trying to Turn Tide at Royal Portrush
Daniel Brown

Seeks a Rebound at The Open Championship
Rory McIlroy

Will be the Most Watched Player This Week at Royal Portrush
Daniel Berger

Trending Poorly as The Open Championship Looms
Clayton Kershaw

Retires Both Batters In ASG Appearance
Eugenio Suárez

Eugenio Suarez Hit In Pinky In All-Star Game, X-Rays Negative
MLB

NL All-Stars Win On Tie-Breaker Home Run Swing-Off
Robert MacIntyre

Hoping to Bounce Back at Open Championship
Shane Lowry

Hopes to Repeat at Royal Portrush
Brian Harman

Hopes to Rekindle Some Magic at the 153rd Open
UTA

Michael Carcone Returns to Utah on One-Year Contract
Bowen Byram

Signs Two-Year Deal with Sabres
Morgan Barron

Jets Re-Sign Morgan Barron for Two Years
PGA

Chris Gotterup Punches Ticket to Royal Portrush With Win at Scottish Open
Bryson DeChambeau

Hopes to Reverse Links Golf Struggle at the 153rd Open
Keegan Bradley

Needs to Find The Weekend at Royal Portrush for Ryder Cup Hopes
Oneil Cruz

Ties Home Run Derby Distance Record
Cal Raleigh

Wins 2025 Home Run Derby
Justin Thomas

Finishes Tied For 22nd at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Eighth at Genesis Scottish Open
Jon Rahm

Finishes in Second at LIV Andalucia
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round TKO
Derrick Lewis

Scores First-Round TKO
Michael Lorenzen

Royals Put Michael Lorenzen on Injured List With Oblique Strain
Stephen Thompson

Loses Controversial Split Decision
Gabriel Bonfim

Wins Controversial Split Decision
Calvin Kattar

Gets Outclassed At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Extends His Win Streak
Nate Landwehr

Gets Knocked Out
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere Scores Third-Round Knockout
Austen Lane

Suffers Submission Loss
Vitor Petrino

Scores First-Round Submission In Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Earns His First UFC Win
Junior Tafa

Unsuccessful in his Light-Heavyweight Debut
Chase Elliott

Charges to A Finish of Third At Sonoma
Chase Briscoe

Finishes Second With his First Career Road-Course Top-Five at Sonoma
Christopher Bell

Rollercoaster Day Ends With Top-5 Finish at Sonoma
William Byron

Maintains the Regular-Season Points Lead
Kyle Busch

Earns A Hard-Fought Top-10 Finish At Sonoma
Alex Ovechkin

Not Thinking About Retirement
PIT

Penguins Acquire Arturs Silovs
NHL

Nikolai Kovalenko Returns to Russia
Yoshinobu Yamamoto

Tosses Gem Against Giants
Shota Imanaga

Shuts Down Yankees on Sunday
Nathan Eovaldi

Dominant Again in Seventh Win
Tyler Reddick

Evades Near Upset to Remain Alive in In-Season Challenge
Ty Gibbs

One of Three Tylers to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinals
Kyle Larson

Curiously Mediocre at Sonoma Before Late-Race Crash
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek Edges Out Teammate to Make In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Alex Bowman

Ty Dillon Bumps Alex Bowman to Advance to In-Season Challenge Semifinal
Chicago White Sox

Billy Carlson Goes 10th Overall to White Sox
Cincinnati Reds

Steele Hall Selected Ninth by Cincinnati
Toronto Blue Jays

Blue Jays Select JoJo Parker with Eighth Overall Pick
Miami Marlins

Marlins Select Aiva Arquette With Seventh Overall Pick
Pittsburgh Pirates

Pirates Select Seth Hernandez with Sixth Overall Pick
Kyle Stowers

Punishes Former Team with Three-Homer Game
Shane Van Gisbergen

Can Anyone Beat Shane van Gisbergen at Sonoma?
Tyler Reddick

Better at Sonoma Than Record Shows
Chase Elliott

a Prime DFS Option at Sonoma
Michael McDowell

Struggling a Bit at Sonoma
NASCAR

Christopher Bell Has Never Finished Better Than Ninth at Sonoma
Ryan Blaney

Has Top-10 Upside at Sonoma
NASCAR

Sunday at Sonoma Will Likely Be a Long Race for Bubba Wallace
Kyle Larson

Is A Likely Top-Five Contender for Sonoma
Ryan Preece

Points Position Could Affect Race at Sonoma
Todd Gilliland

Struggling to Find Speed at Sonoma
Ty Gibbs

May be an Underrated Favorite to Compete for the Win at Sonoma
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF