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Below are my top MLB hitter streamer options for Week 11 of fantasy baseball. All players listed here are under 50% owned in Yahoo leagues and play seven games this week.
Streaming hitters is a great way to increase production and fantasy stats off the waiver wire for your head-to-head matchups, or if you're dealing with some underperformers on your roster. Check back weekly for my favorite hitter streamers for the upcoming week.
Editor’s Note: RotoBaller’s fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups list is updated every single day. Our awesome writers bring you analysis on hot or emerging starting pitchers, and also all other fantasy positions. You can also download our waiver wire iPhone app for free, and easily stay updated.
1. Andre Ethier, OF, Dodgers
(2 @ Texas, 2 vs. Texas, 3 vs. San Francisco) - 33% owned
Ethier has cooled off a bit after his hot start to his season. His OPS has declined each month: .987, .874, .742. However, as I have mentioned here before, he has always hit righties. This week he is facing six righties. He also has hit much better at home this year and has 5 home games to go along with two games in hitter-friendly Arlington. With the logjam in LA, he likely will not play all seven games, but having a DH in two games could help. Given the Dodgers’ lineup, good matchups, and good parks, Etheir is this week’s number one streaming option.
2. Randall Grichuk, OF, Cardinals
(2 vs. Minnesota, 2 @ Minnesota, 3 @ Philadelphia) - 3% owned
Grichuk is a former first round pick with a lot of power. In 2014, he hit 25 homers in 108 games in AAA. In 2013, he hit 22 homers in 128 games in AA despite being only 21 at the time. He also averaged 12 steals a year over his last three years in the minors. With Holliday out, he should see playing time. Despite facing five righties, he has hit righties very well so far in this short season and faces favorable pitching matchups. If you’re looking for a streaming source of power, Grichuk is a good choice.
3. Geraldo Parra, OF, Brewers
(3 @ Colorado, 2 vs Kansas City, 2 at Kansas City) - 4% owned
After rolling with Parra last week in a shallow pool of options, I will spare you the repetition of his statistics and focus on what is happening this week specifically. He has 3 games in Colorado and 2 at home this week, to go with 2 at Kansas City. He also faces five righties. In leagues where the top options are not available, he is a good choice who could possibly produce in all five categories.
4. Chris Colabello, OF, Jays
(2 vs Mets, 2 @ Mets, 3 vs Orioles) - 35% owned
Who is this 31 year-old hitting .336 and slashing .866, and is he for real? Who knows. What we do know is he hit 58 home runs over 309 games in AA and AAA the last three years. This year, he was hitting .337 in the minors with 5 homers in 23 games. While he probably will not keep this up, he is a power hitter who plays five games in homer-friendly Rogers Centre. If he had better pitching matchups this week, he would be higher on the list. However, he is worth a shot to see if he has turned a corner and can continue to produce.
5. J.J. Hardy, SS, Orioles
(2 vs. PHI, 2 @ PHI, 3 @ TOR) - 27% owned
Hardy looks like he is finally healthy. Despite facing six righties this week, he has held his own against righties in his career. All seven of his games are in hitters’ parks. Last year, he hit only 9 homers after hitting 25, 22, and 30 the previous three years. While he is unlikely to reach those numbers again, he is likely to exceed the 9 from last year if he’s healthy. The matchups and parks make him worth a start this week if you need a middle infielder.
6. Miguel Montero, C, Cubs
(3 @ Minnesota, 2 @ Cleveland, 2 vs Cleveland) - 29% owned
If you need a catcher, Montero is the top option, as he faces seven righties. He likely will not play every game , but having the DH for two games will help. Even through Montero’s struggles the past couple years, he managed to hit righties at an average clip. He is hitting .243 this year with 8 home runs, and he has hit double digit home runs every season he has played over 100 games. While not the best utility hitting option, sub him in if you need a catcher this week.
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