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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 Thursday, August 24.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Oops?
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Oops?
I told you to exploit Doug Fister because he's mostly a pretty bad pitch to contact guy. Well, he tossed a complete game instead. The only hit was a solo home run.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Cleveland has a 30 percent chance for rain tonight. Everything should be clear for the 12 games scheduled tomorrow.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Thursday, August 24
Pitchers to Use
Hyun-Jin Ryu is a solid left-handed pitcher with a friendly matchup at PNC Park. As long as he can avoid Andrew McCutchen's potent bat, he should post fantasy quality production. There's a good chance he'll receive sufficient run support to earn a win. Ryu has posted a 3.45 ERA with 8.68 K/9 and 2.83 BB/9 through 101.2 innings, albeit with an unsightly 1.42 HR/9. (edit: I mistook Ryu's availability, he's 63 percent owned on Yahoo).
German Marquez has the stuff and aptitude to succeed at Coors Field. He's posted a 4.50 ERA, 7.98 K/9, and 2.61 BB/9 when working at home (also a 1.60 HR/9). However, he's actually visiting very pitcher friendly Kauffman Stadium. On the road, Marquez has a 3.95 ERA, 9.16 K/9, 3.16 BB/9, and only 0.63 HR/9. He's opposed by Jake Junis who - if you squint hard enough - is also kinda sorta streamable.
Other Targets: Jaime Garcia, Jake Junis
Pitchers to Exploit
By minor league results, you might think Troy Scribner could be a streamer - especially if you note his 3.46 ERA through 13 innings. Alas, Scribner is a fly ball pitcher with an 88 mph fastball and no demonstrable ability to limit home runs. Look for the Rangers to break out the whoopin' sticks.
Jake Thompson is back in the majors for a spot start. The 23-year-old righty may one day figure out how to pitch in the majors. It won't be tomorrow. Expect home runs, walks, and few strikeouts. The Phillies bullpen was taxed by a doubleheader yesterday. They'll try to squeeze as much as they can from Thompson.
Other Targets: Rafael Montero, Vance Worley, Sal Romano, Derek Holland, Martin Perez
Homers on the Wire
Rhys Hoskins remains the top hitter on the waiver wire. He slugged his sixth homer yesterday in 55 plate plate appearances. Eventually, MLB pitchers will adjust, but I'm hopeful he'll remain a middle of the order force for years to come. Jump in on the ground floor. Nick Williams is also highly desirable versus Worley.
Kennys Vargas is back in the majors just in time for face Holland at a very power friendly ball park. Vargas is a slightly below average hitter with 20 to 30 home run power. You never know when somebody of this profile will suddenly breakout. See Morrison, Logan or Smoak, Justin or Alonso, Yonder.
Other Targets: Wilmer Flores, Freddy Galvis, Derek Dietrich, Mikie Mahtook, Josh Bell, Curtis Granderson, Mitch Moreland, Stephen Piscotty, C.J. Cron, Mike Napoli
Steals on the Wire
Byron Buxton's opportunity to run against the terribad White Sox catchers continues. Through the first three games of this five game series, Buxton has stolen... uh... no bases. But I swear it's a fantastic matchup for him.
Other Targets: Cesar Hernandez, Cameron Maybin, Delino DeShields
Skill Positions
James McCann's ridiculous platoon splits are available versus Garcia. Alex Avila remains useful too.
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