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, June 16th.
Let's get to it.
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Agenda
- Fishing for Fisher
- Today's Weather and Updates
- Tomorrow's Picks
1. Fishing for Fisher
The Astros activated top prospect Derek Fisher in time for Wednesday's contest. He proceeded to supply a home run. Based on his minor league track record, Fisher seemingly possesses the raw skills of a five category monster. Be wary before investing too heavily. The steals will most likely evaporate in the majors. When you see a guy get caught in 10 of 23 attempts at Triple-A, it means he wants to run but doesn't have the necessary speed and instincts. He may eventually hit for a decent average, but I wouldn't bet on it this season.
2. Today's Weather and Updates
Detroit is at risk of some storms tonight. They should eventually clear. New York, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Atlanta have storms on the agenda tomorrow. I'd bet on at least one rainout.
3. Tomorrow's Picks - Friday, June 16th
Pitchers to Use
Joe Biagini has an interesting mix of high ground ball rate, decent strikeout rate, and low walk rate. The combination hints at the potential for a consistent low-3s ERA. Presently, he's allowed a 3.38 ERA and 2.86 FIP through 56 innings. He'll face the White Sox - the fourth worst team against right-handed pitchers.
Dan Straily will visit Sean Newcomb and the Braves. Both pitchers are streamable. Newcomb is a promising prospect with quality stuff and below average command. He's can post high strikeout rates, but walks may ruin the day. Straily is steady as they come. He should have no issue tossing six or seven frames against the Braves.
Other Targets: Javier Guerra, Ian Kennedy, Jesse Chavez
Pitchers to Exploit
Asher Wojciechowski is pitching at home against the Dodgers. That should translate into roughly five home runs. I'm only halfway hyperbolizing. Wojciechowski is a homer prone fly ball pitcher working at a tiny toy ballpark.
Tyson Ross is back from exile. He was pretty terrible during his rehab stint. He hasn't succeeded in the majors since 2015. We'll see if he can slide(r) his way back to fantasy relevance.
Miguel Diaz is a hard throwing Rule 5 pick. He's posted terrible results while working in the Padres bullpen. He'll likely throw no more than four innings on Friday.
Other Targets: Kevin Gausman, Patrick Corbin, Trevor Williams, Eddie Butler, Nik Turley, Antonio Senzatela
Homers on the Wire
I should give Chase Utley props for reviving his career for a hundredth time. After practically going 0-for-April, Utley has kicked up the heat. Over his last 109 plate appearances, he's slashing .319/.417/.571 with more walks than strikeouts. The Dodgers have been using him as their leadoff man. There's a decent chance he'll go yard versus Wojciechowski.
I'm investing in Phillies tomorrow. While not a winning strategy overall, Pat Corbin shouldn't offer much resistance. Since the start of May, he has a 8.35 ERA with a massively elevated home run rate. Tommy Joseph, Aaron Altherr, and super hot Howie Kendrick all offer upside.
Other Targets: Tommy Pham, David Peralta, Ian Happ, Josh Harrison, John Jaso, Josh Bell, Hunter Renfroe, Derek Fisher, Mitch Moreland, Hunter Pence, Brandon Crawford, Jed Lowrie
Steals on the Wire
If Miguel Montero starts for the Cubs tomorrow, bet on Adam Frazier to steal a base. If Willson Contreras starts, bet on Frazier to be caught stealing.
Cameron Maybin has been running wild. Unfortunately, Salvador Perez is one of the most difficult catchers against whom to steal. Maybin is worth a spot anyway.
Other Targets: Michael Taylor, Kolten Wong, Tim Anderson, Jarrod Dyson, Taylor Motter, Jose Pirela, Eric Sogard
Skill Positions
Cameron Rupp will have the platoon advantage against a bad southpaw. This year, he's batting .295/.392/.500 versus lefties. Those numbers are consistent with his career.
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