How to Take Advantage of the Waiver Thread This Week

Fantasy managers who work the waiver wire wisely could make big gains with their offensive numbers over the next few days as plenty of players are primed to produce plenty of twisted numbers. The bad news on the pitching side is that there are few streamers I trust this week, while the good news is that most top streamers remain available in over 65% of leagues.

Target Matches

Cubs @ Padres, angels

The Cubs are one of seven teams playing four games Monday through Thursday, and three of their games are against left-handed starters. There are several Chicago hitters who have thrived against lefties this year, including Dansby Swanson (96% enrolled), Seiya Suzuki (74%), Nico Hoerner (91%) and Patrick Wisdom (52%). Yan Gomes (11%) has an OPS of 1.122 against lefties in 2023 and is an excellent streamer catcher for the days to come.

Brewers vs. Reds, Orioles

Milwaukee joins Chicago as the top volume games as the club will play four games at its batter-friendly home park. With all four games against low-profile right-handed starters, top streaming targets include Rowdy Tellez (72%), Brian Anderson (30%) and Owen Miller (48%).

Pirates against A

The A’s will bring their 6.70 ERA to Pittsburgh this week. With Oakland expected to use left-handed starters on Monday and Wednesday, the top two streaming targets are Connor Joe (8%) and Rodolfo Castro (5%), as both players have dominated lefties this year. Andrew McCutchen (39%) is another great option.

Giants vs. Rockies

San Francisco visits Coors Field, that’s all you need to know to give Giants hitters the benefit of the doubt wherever they’re being considered. With Colorado’s three scheduled starters throwing on the right side, LaMonte Wade Jr. (21%) and Mike Yastrzemski (11%) are excellent options.

Matches to avoid

Mariners @ Padres

Based on volume, the Mariners are the team to avoid this week. Seattle plays only two games over the next four days, and both competitions are against respectable right-handers (Joe Musgrove, Michael Wacha). Julio Rodriguez And Jarred Kelenic are the only two Mariners managers should want in their active rosters.

Red Sox @ Goalies

Boston could struggle to score runs against three Guardians starters with a sub-3.75 ERA and a bullpen with a 3.06 ERA. I agree with the use Raphael Devers And Masataka Yoshidawhile Alex Verdugo can be considered in 12-team leagues.

Twins @ rays

The Minnesota batters are in for a tough series when they face a starting line of Yonny Chirinos, Zach Eflin And Tyler Glassnow. I would keep all Minnesota hitters on my bench in 10-team leagues and also try to avoid them in 12-team rosters.

Search flights

Those hoping to land a few more steals this week should target speedsters in these contests.

Reds v Noah Syndergaard (Wednesday): Syndergaard has been generally terrible against base stealers this season, allowing more sweeps than any other pitcher. Jonathan India could sweep a base, but he’s already signed up in almost every league. Jake Fraley (28%) is the reachable streaming target that should benefit from this confrontation.

Astros vs. Alek Manoah (Monday): Manoah is having a terrible season, and part of his struggles has been his inability to hold baserunners. And with Danny Janssen on the IL, it’s likely the Astros will run the bases aggressively in this game. Corey Julks (1%) and Chas McCormick (5%) are two sleepers to target in the deep leagues.

Big Plugs

Looking to add a lap or two to your total this week? Consider streaming one of these players.

Yankees vs. Lance Lynn (Wednesday): Lynn ranks third in the Majors for home runs allowed and heads to the music box that is Yankee Stadium. This is great news for all the sluggers in New York, including Anthony Rizowho traditionally excels against right-handers. Jake Bauer (1%) is a sneaky option for deep leagues.

Connor Joe, Rodolfo Castro vs. JP Sears (Monday): As mentioned earlier, Joe and Castro have thrived against lefties this season, hitting nine homers in 118 at-bats in those matchups. Sears, who throws on the left side, ranks eighth in baseball with 13 long balls allowed.

Streaming Starters

In order, here are the top streamers from Monday to Thursday, with their start date and Yahoo! list rate in parentheses.

  • Tanner Bibee vs. BOS (Wednesday 53)

  • Braxton Garrett vs. KC (Monday 16)

  • Aaron Civale vs BOS (Thursday 24)

  • Roansy Contreras vs OAK (Wednesday 17)

  • James Paxton @ CLE (Tuesday 32)

  • Dane Dunning vs. STL (Tuesday 59)

  • Taijuan Walker vs. DET (Tuesday 18)

  • Josiah Gray vs. ARI (Thursday 48)

  • Louis Varland @ TB (Tuesday 26)

  • Andrew Abbott vs. MIL (Monday the 14th)

  • Tanner Houck @ CLE (Thursday 15)

  • Edward Cabrera vs KC (Wednesday 52)

  • Zack Greinke @ MIA (Tuesday 10)

  • Jameson Taillon @ LAA (Wednesday 21)

  • Garrett Whitlock @ CLE (Wednesday 29)

  • Jared Shuster vs. NYM (Wednesday the 17th)

  • Martín Pérez vs. STL (Monday 51)

  • Reid Detmers vs CHC (Thursday 32)

  • Kyle Gibson @ MIL (Tuesday 44)

  • Dean Kremer @ MIL (Thursday 25)

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