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Week 8 Waiver Wire: H2H Category Streamers

Jason Katz identifies fantasy baseball category streamers for week 8 of 2018. Waiver wire pickups, adds, and streamers for weekly head-to-head (H2H) leagues.

I like to consider myself a pioneer of the streaming approach. I won a league about seven years ago completely ignoring saves and just stacking up the starts each week. While streaming is undoubtedly more directly associated with pitching, there's plenty of value in streaming for offense as well.

Maybe you have a stacked roster and you can't drop anyone. But for those of us with a couple of guys on the roster fringes, it's never too early to look into targeting a specific player or two to gain an edge in a particular category. This season, I will be making weekly recommendations for extreme short term category specialists every week in three offensive areas: speed, power, and average; and three pitching areas: strikeouts, wins, and ratios (ERA/WHIP).

Below are my Week 8 category streamers for fantasy baseball. All position eligibility and ownership percentages are based on Yahoo! fantasy leagues.

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

 

Head-to-Head Category Streamers to Consider

Speed

Travis Jankowski (OF, SD) - 9% Owned

While he's not amongst the league leaders in steals, Travis Jankowski does have a track record of speed on his resume. In just 383 plate appearances in 2016, he stole 30 bases. Between the prolonged injury to Wil Myers and Manuel Margot's struggles, Jankowski has been seeing regular playing time this season. He stole three bases over roughly a week span early-mid May.

Mallex Smith (OF, TB) - 28% Owned

Here we go again with Mallex Smith. He's cooled off a bit recently, but he's still hitting over .300 and he's still stealing bases. I don't know if he can keep up the batting average, but I am confident he can keep running - the getting on base part only helps. He will be a mainstay on this list until he either faceplants or sees an uptick in ownership percentage.

 

Power

Adam Duvall (OF, CIN) - 39% Owned

If you find yourself inclined to look at Adam Duvall's batting average, just don't. Seriously. This is a PG rated website and Duvall's batting average is not suitable for children. If you want some cheap pop from a guy with back to back 30 home run seasons the past two years, then you can note that Duvall has four home runs over the past two weeks and a history of hitting the ball very far. Additionally, of his six games next week, he will spend half of them at home in Cincinnati and the other half at Coors.

Logan Morrison (1B, MIN) - 17% Owned

While his 38 home run 2017 is undoubtedly the outlier and will be his career year, Logan Morrison is still capable of going on home run sprees. One could come next week as he should face a slew of right handed pitchers on the Royals and Indians. While the Indians' right handed pitchers are pretty talented, he's capable of launching a big fly or three. And the Royals' pitching is far from imposing.

 

Average

Howie Kendrick (2B/OF, WAS) - 19% Owned

I really should just leave Howie Kendrick in this list weekly. He doesn't do enough to be owned much more than he is, but he also consistently gets on base. Kendrick is still hitting over .300 and has been strong the past two weeks, hitting .341. He's just empty batting average, but if that's what you're looking for, he can provide that.

Daniel Descalso (1B/2B/3B/OF, ARI) - 12% Owned

Only a career .241 hitter, Daniel Descalso finds himself on the average help portion of this least due to his recent hot streak that has also come with an increase in walks. While walks don't help in average, they are indicative of a more patient approach at the plate and Descalso's .324 average over the past two weeks supports that. His BABIP his a little higher than his career average, but nothing beyond normal variance. I say ride the hot streak.

 

Strikeouts

Freddy Peralta (SP, SD) - 22% Owned

If he was scooped in your league after his 13 strikeout debut, I'm sorry. There were definitely a lot more positives than negatives in Freddy Peralta's first major league appearance. For our purposes, all we care about are the strikeouts. There were many. The Mets are actually slightly above average in terms of avoiding strikeouts, but Peralta has struck out over a batter an inning throughout his entire professional career. He may not go deep into the game, but if he can get you six innings, you're getting at least six strikeouts.

Trevor Cahill (SP, OAK) - 21% Owned

Trevor Cahill just returned from the DL this past Wednesday. His career strikeout rate is under 7.00, but he's been a new man this season, with a K/9 over 11. His second start next week is the one I'm interested in because it should come against the Diamondbacks, a team that is top five in strikeouts. Paul Goldschmidt is the newest Diamondback on the list of hitters striking out more than 30% of the time. He and the rest of the team should provide Cahill with plenty of swings and misses.

 

Wins

Zack Wheeler (SP, NYM) - 11% Owned

Guess what team Zack Wheeler pitches against on Monday? It's the Marlins! Wheeler shut down the Marlins en route to a 4-1 victory during his last outing against them. This time he has the comfort of home field advantage. Wheeler will beat the Marlins again.

Jeremy Hellickson (SP, WAS) - 41% Owned

Once a big time Rays prospect, Jeremy Hellickson's career has derailed over the past few seasons. He seems to be experiencing a renaissance in 2018, though. Hellickson has a 2.20 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP so far this season. On Monday, he pitches in PETCO Park against the Padres, a team he has already beaten once this season. The Nationals are a better team than the Padres - a lot better. Hellickson should win again.

 

ERA/WHIP

Jordan Lyles (SP, SD) - 10% Owned

Is Jordan Lyles this good? No. But, he is definitely an improved pitcher. He's been around a while, but is still only 27 years old. His .215 BABIP is definitely playing a big part in his breakout, but for the career 5.30 ERA pitcher, he's just not that guy anymore. His FIP indicates he's more of a mid 3s ERA guy, which is still a vast improvement and certainly fantasy viable. He should start against the Nationals next week. Not the greatest of matchups, but right now, Lyles is damn near unhittable.

Francisco Liriano (SP, DET) - 19% Owned

There's only one team that scores runs at a worse rate than the Chicago White Sox, who just happen to be Francisco Liriano's opponent next week. The White Sox can't score and Liriano has actually been decent this season, with an ERA hovering around 4.00. He is the perfect type of streamer - someone you can reasonably rely on in favorable matchups. The White Sox are one of them. Fire up Liriano for a solid outing.

 

More Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers

 




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return

RANKINGS

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RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP