Streamers are hard to come by from the batting positions this weekend, as many teams will face the best starters on their opponents’ staffs. The outlook is more optimistic on the pitching side, as there are a handful of widely available streamers who could make a big impact, along with a deep pool of useful options.
Matchups to aim for
Braves against Athletics
Atlanta’s offense hasn’t fared well this year, but could take off this weekend against a mediocre lefty (JP Sears) and two weak righties. Most of the Braves’ regular players are already on the roster, but Orlando Arcia (17%) and Adam Duvall (10%) are weekend options in 12-team leagues.
Rangers at Marlins
Although the park won’t do them any favors, Texas hitters could find success during a series in which the lowly Marlins will use two starters with ERAs above 5.50. Josh Smith (32%) and Leody Taveras (12%) have been batting third and fifth in the lineup respectively, making them potential streamers for this series.
Blue Jays vs. Pirates
Toronto takes a big break this weekend as it misses Pittsburgh’s two star rookie pitchers during a three-game series. The best Blue Jays to stream are Davis Schneider (23%) and Danny Jansen (25%).
Additionally, Schneider’s roster rate is too low for someone who holds the leadoff spot and has a career .903 OPS.
Dodgers vs. Rockies
The Dodgers aren’t used to having a mediocre offense, but that was the case in May. But they’re still a talented group and are in prime position to get back on track when facing a Rockies pitching staff that ranks last in ERA. The bottom half of this lineup has been ice cold, but Gavin Lux (9%) and Andy Pages (24%) are streamable in 12-team leagues.
Confrontations to avoid
Giants vs. Yankees
Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt and Néstor Cortés have been three key starters on a dynamite Yankees team that boasts a 2.98 ERA bullpen. The recommendation here is to move all Giants to the bench, including Thairo Estrada and Matt Chapman, who have been effective throughout May.
Rays @ Orioles
Although Albert Suarez, Kyle Bradish and Cole Irvin aren’t considered aces, each of them has a sub-3.00 ERA and should use their pitcher-friendly home park to keep the Rays’ offense in check. There are no essential Rays for this series, although Isaac Paredes will remain in some lineups.
Reds @ Cubs
The Reds’ offense has not lived up to expectations this year and is unlikely to change course when they play on the road against three talented Cubs starters. Elly De La Cruz and Spencer Steer are the only two members of this offense who should remain in the lineups.
D-backs @ Mets
Arizona has had a rough month on offense and is unlikely to get back on track against three Mets starters with a sub-3.30 ERA. Ketel Marte is the only member of this offense who belongs in every lineup.
Rockies @ Dodgers
Colorado’s hitters often struggle on the road and could be even worse than usual when facing three talented Los Angeles right-handers. With some desperate exceptions, every member of this lineup should be benched in mixed leagues.
Angels @ Sailors
Los Angeles should have a hard time generating much offense against three Seattle righties, each of whom have a sub-3.50 ERA. Taylor Ward can remain active in most leagues, and Luis Rengifo can use his four-position eligibility to earn a spot in some lineups, but the rest of the team’s hitters are marginal options.
Athletics @ Braves
All of Oakland’s hitters should be benched against a successful trio of Braves starters: Chris Sale, Charlie Morton and Max Fried. Brent Rooker is the only possible exception, as he is good enough to remain in the lineup in five outfield leagues.
Searching for salvation
Daniel Hudson (Los Angeles Dodgers, 32%)
Hudson will soon be replaced in the closer role by Evan Phillips, who could return from the injured list tomorrow. But the veteran could make one more save over the weekend, as Los Angeles could sweep the lowly Rockies and may not be willing to use Phillips right away on consecutive days.
Searching for robberies
Dylan Moore (2B/SS/OF, Seattle Mariners, 51%)
Despite being a major fantasy factor during May (5 HR, 3 SB, 16, RBI, 12 R), Moore is still available in about half of Yahoo’s leagues. The multi-position asset could steal another bag over the weekend at the expense of Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe, who has allowed more steals than anyone at his position.
Transmission initiators
In order, here are the top streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo listing rate in parentheses.
Gavin Stone against COL (Sunday, 53)
Robert Gasser vs. CWS (Saturday 24)
Ben Brown vs. CIN (Sunday the 13th)
Tylor Megill vs. ARI (Sunday 7)
Cole Irvin vs. TB (Sunday, 38)
Reese Olson @BOS (Saturday 49)
Ryan Weathers vs. TEX (Saturday 26)
Sean Manaea vs. ARI (Saturday 31)
José Soriano @SEA (Friday the 14th)
Taj Bradley @BAL (Saturday, 49)
Zack Littell @BAL (Sunday, 41)
Albert Suarez vs. TB (Friday the 8th)
Cooper Criswell vs. DET (Saturday 10)
Ben Lively vs. WSH (Saturday 34)
Mitchell Parker @CLE (Saturday 21)
Alec Marsh vs. SD (Saturday 31)
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.