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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 Tuesday, July 18th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Trade Fallout
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Trade Fallout
Yesterday, the Nationals traded one underperforming closer for two presently solid closers. That none of them were actually filling the role of closer is an entirely different matter. Ryan Madson will likely step directly into the ninth inning for the Nationals with Sean Doolittle breathing down his neck. Doolittle is the better reliever, but repeated shoulder issues make him a better fit for a more flexible job. In Oakland, expect to see Santiago Casilla continue in the ninth. Blake Treinen may eventually inherit the role - he has filthy stuff, but it moves almost too much to locate.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
We should have a rain-free evening of action. You may want to steer clear of Minnesota tomorrow.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Tuesday, July 18th
Pitchers to Use
I wanted to recommend Mike Clevenger, but he's already 57 percent owned. In a typical year, Clevinger would be down in the 15 percent neighborhood. His lack of command will become an issue at some point.
Since Clevinger is a no-go, that leaves Sean Newcomb as the guy to try. Like Clevinger, his command leaves much to be desired. However, the rest of the profile is attractive, including a good whiff rate and few home runs. After beginning his major league career with four straight quality starts, he's allowed nine runs in his last 7.1 innings. The Braves will host the Cubs.
Vince Velasquez will make his return from the disabled list. Expect a short outing. Velasquez fits today's theme - good stuff and poor command. He struggled with homers this season, but I expect that to normalize at some point. He's a worthwhile stash. I wouldn't use him against the Marlins unless you're desperate.
Other Targets: NO
Pitchers to Exploit
Chris Smith the Athletic - not to be confused with the Blue Jays reliever - will make his second start of the season. The soft tossing righty is a command and control guy with typical replacement level stuff. Count on a 5.00 ERA.
Dinelson Lamet is usually a decent volatility play - a guy you might use if you need to throw a hail mary in a weekly matchup. Alas, a visit to Coors Field is DOOM. His opponent Antonio Senzatela has been in steady decline since his early season arrival. As I warned at the time, middling command of a two pitch repertoire was never going to work.
Other Targets: Bartolo Colon, Luis Cessa, Tyson Ross, Junior Guerra, Sal Romano, Rafael Montero, Adam Conley, Miguel Gonzalez, Sam Gaviglio, Matt Boyd, Travis Wood, Edwin Jackson, Jesse Chavez, Ty Blach
Homers on the Wire
Jose Pirela has been bouncing between first and cleanup in the Padres lineup. Although he's cooled down since a June outburst, he's still worth consideration due to his role and visit to Coors Field. He's slashing just .230/.230/.392 since June 23.
Tommy Pham has received some recent hype, soaring to 45 percent owned. I remain doubtful of him as a long term asset, although I still consider him among the top streamers in a typical 12 team format. He has a solid matchup against Montero and the Mets. Luke Voit is comparably interesting except with no stolen base potential. And he's on the wire in 98 percent of leagues.
Other Targets: Brandon Guyer, Stephen Drew, Marcus Semien, Max Kepler, Robbie Grossman, Garrett Cooper, Matt Adams, Daniel Nava, Freddy Galvis, Tommy Joseph, Luke Voit, Paul DeJong, Chris Young, Seth Smith, Carlos Gomez, Shin-Soo Choo
Steals on the Wire
It's Rajai Davis day versus Blake Snell. The southpaw has poor command and control. Davis may single or draw a walk. Then it's off to the races.
Everything I said yesterday about Whit Merrifield applies tomorrow. McCann will likely be behind the dish since the Tigers are facing a southpaw. And Boyd is rather hittable, giving Merrifield multiple pathways to value.
Other Targets: Denard Span, Andrelton Simmons, Mallex Smith, Manuel Margot, Kolten Wong, Delino Deshields
Skill Positions
With the A's facing a southpaw, it's also Josh Phegley day. The same goes for James McCann. Cameron Rupp also hits much better versus lefties.
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