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Brad Johnson's fantasy baseball daily streaming picks for May 4, 2018. Pitcher and hitter streamers for MLB DFS games, and head-to-head (H2H) waiver wire targets.
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 4. Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Buehler
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Buehler
I could make the low hanging Ferris Buehler joke. I still might. Nah.
Dodgers top pitching prospect Walker Buehler is set to join the rotation on a regular basis following a serious groin strain to Hyun-Jin Ryu. It's a shame since Ryu was in the midst of a rebound campaign.
Buehler figures to provide modest streamer quality production at a hyped prospect cost. In other words, now is a great time to sell high if you own a share. He probably won't perform much differently than Trevor Cahill. Both are ground ball pitchers with iffy command and some strikeout ability. Buehler is on a far tighter leash.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
The early games have already begun today. Cleveland has some lingering storms to dodge. Chicago is a rainout risk tonight. Texas may run afoul of a passing storm cell too. Keep monitoring.
3. Streamer Picks - Friday, May 4
Pitchers to Use
I'm not sure why Nick Pivetta is a hair under 50 percent owned. He should be rostered in 10 team and deeper. The righty has combined improved command with a truly weaponized curve ball. He's an easy top 40 starter. Use him against any opponent other than the Yankees or Astros. He'll face the Nationals tomorrow.
Daniel Mengden is a command and control type who provides steady, unexceptional production. He's a good source of value with a chance to win against most opponents. The strikeout prone Orioles make for a strong target tomorrow.
Other Targets: Mike Foltynewicz, Junior Guerra
Pitchers to Exploit
The Diamondbacks are already dipping deep into their depth. Kris Medlen is the next guy to get a look. He's been getting hammered at Triple-A (luck neutral 6.00 ERA). Notably, Arizona's Triple-A affiliate has a more difficult run environment than the big leagues. Medlen hasn't experienced major league success since 2015. Even that was tepid. It's too bad we can't really load up on Astros.
Those who don't follow the Rays can be excused for not recognizing Ryan Yarbrough. He's been working in long relief for the club with poor results. The southpaw doesn't induce whiffs nor does he possess any above average traits. He's just an arm; one the Blue Jays should fully appreciate.
Other Targets: Josh Tomlin, German Marquez, Ryan Yarbrough, Carson Fulmer, Andrew Cashner, Mike Leake
Homers on the Wire
Aaron Hicks is below 50 percent owned. He's one of the most glaring opportunities on the waiver wire. The switch hitter has combined improved plate discipline with natural pop and speed to offer five category production. He'll be opposed by a homer prone righty - Tomlin. Progressive Field is friendly to left-handed power.
Ryon Healy has returned from the disabled list with a bang. The streaky slugger has popped four home runs in 47 plate appearances. Nothing has changed about his profile. He remains one of the most aggressive batters in baseball. He'll punish mistakes, but he'll usually sit down quietly if the opposing pitcher can execute a plan.
Other Targets: Miguel Andujar, Brandon Guyer, Aaron Altherr, Derek Dietrich, Brian Anderson, Miguel Rojas, Carlos Gomez, C.J. Cron, Teoscar Hernandez, Max Kepler, Dexter Fowler, Enrique Hernanez, Yuli Gurriel
Steals on the Wire
It's a Rajai Davis day with CC Sabathia on the bump for the Yankees. Davis is batting just .196/.255/.239 on the season, albeit with five steals in 53 plate appearances.
JaCoby Jones is becoming an increasing popular sleeper. While I'm encouraged by his early performance, it's worth noticing his terrible plate discipline and contact rates. Pitchers will continue to exploit these flaws enough to render him a streamer-only in normal formats. Jones is usually one of the most obviously athletic players on the field.
Other Targets: Jose Peraza, Kevin Pillar, Jackie Bradley
Skill Positions
Austin Barnes is set to face a left-handed pitcher. It's usually a good opportunity to get some solid stats out of the catcher slot.
