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Welcome to Streaming Wars, your one-stop shop for streaming the waiver wire. Use this column to improve upon your neediest categories.
Below are your pitcher and hitter streaming targets for Monday, August 21.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Chapman Down
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Chapman Down
Aroldis Chapman is in a funk. Over his last four appearances, he's posted a 14.54 ERA with 10.38 BB/9 and 4.15 HR/9 (also 10.38 K/9). He's now officially out as the Yankees closer - for now. If by some stroke of luck Dellin Betances or David Robertson are available to you, grab a share.
This has the look of a mental slump. A little time out of the ninth inning could help. Chapman's velocity and stuff remain as potent as ever. He just needs to do a better job hitting his spots.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Kansas City could be delayed by early storms today. It's only a 35 percent chance. As for tomorrow, Chicago may get spotty showers for the doubleheader between the Twins and ChiSox.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Monday, August 21
Pitchers to Use
Despite only nine games on the schedule, we have a few pitcher streamers to try. Mike Clevinger is once again the most talented of the available arms. However, I'm inclined to avoid him against the Red Sox. The effectively wild righty was bumped to relief prior to his last scheduled start. The Twins tagged him for a pair of runs in 2.2 innings.
Mike Foltynewicz is the quintessential streaming pitcher for 2017. In 24 appearances, he's posted 10 wins to go with 8.57 K/9, 4.75 ERA, and a 1.50 WHIP. He hurts two of four categories for starting pitchers but not in such a way as to be disastrous. Folty is hosting a solid Mariners offense.
Other Targets: Dillon Gee, Tyler Skaggs
Pitchers to Exploit
Don't let yourself be fooled by Andrew Albers. The 31-year-old lefty has served as a swing-starter since 2013. Although he's posted superb numbers at Triple-A - 8.58 K/9, 1.42 BB/9, and 2.61 ERA - expect major league hitters to reach base often and slug some homers.
The Twins are calling upon Tim Melville for a spot start. Long viewed as a minor league depth piece, Melville is in the midst of his best minor league season (far worse than Albers though). He has a 2.70 ERA with 8.64 K/9 and 3.11 BB/9. In the majors, I anticipate a high walk rate and a serious issue with home runs. He's a fly ball pitcher with spotty command.
Other Targets: Chris Smith, Ubaldo Jimenez, Doug Fister, Robert Gsellman, Carson Fulmer, Chris Stratton
Homers on the Wire
Fantasy owners have taken notice of Eddie Rosario's hot hand and high average. The lefty slugger is slashing .302/.341/.505 with 16 home runs in 419 plate appearances. His homers have come in bunches, including six since the start of August. While I'm not eager to use him in Game 1 versus Carlos Rodon, a start versus Fulmer could be exciting. The same goes for Max Kepler.
Curtis Granderson hit fifth in his Dodgers debut. Although he's been widely available in fantasy leagues all season, he's having a strong campaign. Since May 3, he's been one of the top hitters in the league, slashing .263/.381/.570 with 18 home runs in 302 plate appearances. There's just one obvious downside - his owners have to put up with him being used as a platoon bat. He's only 26 percent owned for a start against Gerrit Cole.
Other Targets: Keon Broxton, Neil Walker, Hernan Perez, Jarrett Parker, Mike Napoli, Brandon Phillips, Mitch Haniger, Ketel Marte, Mitch Moreland, Seth Smith, Matt Joyce, Jed Lowrie, Matt Chapman
Steals on the Wire
Don't look now (ok, go ahead and look) but Byron Buxton is running hot. He's slashed .438/.457/.875 over his last 36 plate appearances. He's also tallied a double, two triples, three home runs, and two stolen bases over the span. He has a tasty matchup against the White Sox terrible battery. Hopefully he starts the game against Fulmer. The hot streak has him up to 42 percent owned.
Other Targets: Delino DeShields, Leury Garcia, Bradley Zimmer
Skill Positions
Kurt Suzuki seems likely to draw the start against Albers.
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