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, September 7.
Let's get to it.
Agenda
- Maybin He'll Hit One
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Maybin He'll Hit One
Sometimes I don't feel like explaining anything. Here's a Cameron Maybin link. Maybin's value as a speedy streamer is increased as a member of the Astros. He isn't usually a power hitter.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Baltimore, Boston, and New York are at risk of postponement tonight. Monitor accordingly. Detroit may have a delayed start. Pittsburgh may have some rain tomorrow.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Thursday, September 7
Pitchers to Use
It's been awhile since we've had fewer than 10 games on the calendar. Only eight games are scheduled barring any last minute make-ups. With the thin schedule, there is a dearth of streaming options. In many ways, Tyler Mahle is the most interesting of the available names. The Reds rookie has two solid starts under his belt, although ERA estimators are less enthused (5.06 xFIP). Mahle limited home runs in the minors and has yet to cough one up in 11 big league innings. That trait rarely carries over to the majors. A visit to Citi Field should help him to avoid big flies for one more game. The Mets offense is... well... it's bad.
Other Targets: Sean Newcomb, Clayton Richard
Pitchers to Exploit
Matt Harvey is back. He only allowed seven runs in two innings against the Astros. His fastball velocity sat at just 92.5 mph; down two to three mph from his peak. The Reds offense isn't exactly terrifying, but they do have some scary components such as a certain Joey Votto.
Other Targets: Kyle Gibson, Sam Gaviglio
Homers on the Wire
Since returning from injury, Scott Schebler has produced a tidy .300/.400/.600 batting line with three home runs in 60 plate appearances. I figure he's very likely to do some damage against Harvey.
Dansby Swanson still hasn't hit a home run in 99 plate appearances since returning from a brief demotion. However, he has slashed .337/.434/.470 with a third of his hits going for extra bases. Not bad for a shortstop with a decent matchup against fly ball pitcher Dan Straily.
Other Targets: Nick Williams, Matt Adams, Brandon Moss, Max Kepler, Joe Mauer, Jorge Polanco, Jose Pirela, Harrison Bader, Stephen Piscotty, Jose Martinez, Randal Grichuk
Steals on the Wire
Jose Reyes is batting leadoff for the Mets. He's hit .371/.500/.543 over his most recent 44 plate appearances - a meaningless sample. So long as he's reaching base at a healthy clip, he'll continue to steal bases. The Reds aren't particularly good or bad at controlling the running game.
Other Targets: Jose Peraza, Bradley Zimmer
Skill Positions
There is a dearth of catchers available for streaming. Try Jason Castro against Gaviglio. He's unlikely to homer, but he has a better chance to contribute than the alternatives. Kurt Suzuki and Jorge Alfaro are also worthy of consideration.
More Lineups Advice
Premium Tools & DFS Research
Get a free trial of our powerful MLB Premium Tools. Our famous DFS Optimizer & Lineup Generator, daily Matchup Ratings, expert DFS Lineups/Cheat Sheets, and more.