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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 Friday, August 25.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Hoskins, Again. And Again.
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Hoskins, Again. And Again.
Fantasy players are finally figuring out that Rhys Hoskins should be owned. He's up to 49 percent, making this the (likely) final day we'll discuss him. Here he is last night hitting his seventh home in 59 plate appearances. And here he is today popping his eighth home run in 62 plate appearances.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
The Pittsburgh game could get a little wet today, but it shouldn't be a big deal. Fortunately, the Astros and Rangers are on the road tomorrow. Flooding is likely in Texas. Everywhere else looks dry though.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Friday, August 25
Pitchers to Use
Since returning from the disabled list, Jerad Eickhoff has a 3.65 ERA with 8.93 K/99 and 3.86 BB/9 in 44 innings. Most importantly, he has his home run rate under control at 1.02 HR/9. Eickhoff's matchup against the Cubs isn't ideal, but it also isn't particularly onerous.
Like Eickhoff, Adam Conley has pitched much better since returning from an injury. Over his last 44 innings, he's posted 6.50 K/9, 2.64 BB, and a 3.25 ERA (also 1.02 HR/9). Conley has the added benefit of hosting a terrible Padres offense.
Other Targets: CC Sabathia, Chad Bettis
Pitchers to Exploit
Parker Bridwell has a shiny 2.92 ERA, but I'm sticking with him as an exploit. For one, nothing in his profile suggests he can maintain this success. Everything screams 5.00 ERA pitcher. It's also worth noting he'll be opposed by the Astros offense. While the Dodgers are getting all the press as the best team of 2017, the Houston offense blows Los Angeles (and everybody else) out of the water.
The Nationals are in need of a spot start from Matt Grace. The southpaw has a 91 mph fastball with bowling ball action. He doesn't miss enough bats to be a viable starter. Righties seem to see him very well - 3.68 K/9 and 3.27 BB/9 in 22.2 innings of work.
Other Targets: Ariel Miranda, Bartolo Colon, Jeremy Hellickson, Robert Stephenson, Ryan Merritt, Travis Wood, Julio Teheran, Ty Blach, A.J. Griffin
Homers on the Wire
Although he isn't the most powerful hitter on the wire, Dansby Swanson is slashing .304/.400/.457 in 55 plate appearances (no home runs) since his return to the majors. He's walked more than he's struck out over the span. If he keeps it up, he'll be back at the top of the order in no time. He'll face Bettis
Other Targets: Keon Broxton, Curtis Granderson, C.J. Cron, Boog Powell, Matt Joyce, Jed Lowrie, Matt Chapman, Shin-Soo Choo, Lucas Duda, Stephen Piscotty, Matt Adams, Brandon Guyer, Mitch Moreland, Rhys Hoskins, Freddy Galvis, Steve Pearce, Kendrys Morales, Danny Valencia, Mitch Haniger
Steals on the Wire
Although he probably won't start, Raimel Tapia is a perfect base thief if he plays. The Rockies are visiting Julio Teheran and the Braves. Teheran and either Atlanta backstop make for one of the most exploitable batteries in the league.
Byron Buxton's superb base running matchups continue with a visit to Toronto. J.A. Happ isn't particularly stolen base prone, but several Blue Jays relievers have issues.
Other Targets: Delino DeShields, Kolten Wong, Cesar Hernandez
Skill Positions
Austin Hedges has the platoon advantage against Conley. Although I recommended using him, Conley did have home run issues earlier in the season.
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