There are plenty of hitters to stream this weekend in fantasy baseball, led by those who are destined to be in the starting lineup often during an expected high-scoring series at Coors Field.
There are also a couple players on the Astros who are exciting options, and a pair of Guardians who could make contributions. The pitching options are less enticing, which means that wise managers should rush to the waiver wire to grab the top options from the list at the bottom of this article.
Matchups to Target
D-Backs @ Rockies
Arizona’s outstanding offense (4th in MLB in runs scored) should have a field day this weekend, when they face a Rockies pitching staff that has posted a 6.29 ERA when working at hitter-friendly Coors Field. With two of the projected starters throwing from the left side, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (52%) is a great option. Gabriel Moreno (31%) will be a good target if he has recovered from a minor hand injury. On the other side of the same series, the Rockies should score often when they face two starters with an ERA over 5.00 and a relief corps with a 5.39 ERA. Ryan McMahon (34%) and Michael Toglia (19%) are the top Colorado hitters to add, and Jordan Beck (16%) can be considered as well. Mickey Moniak (2%) is a deep-league option.
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Guardians @ Athletics
The Athletics have posted a 5.97 ERA at their hitter-friendly home park, which puts Cleveland’s hitters in excellent position this weekend. Two of the projected starters will throw from the left side, which makes right-handed hitter Lane Thomas (24%) the top player to add. David Fry (4%) is a better option than he initially appears with catcher eligibility and a spot in the heart of the lineup against lefties.
Astros @ Angels
Houston should have plenty of baserunners this weekend when they face three starters who each have a bloated WHIP and a relief corps that sits 28th in baseball with a 1.52 WHIP. Cam Smith (20%) and Jake Meyers (8%) have been hitting well of late and should each have a productive weekend.
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Yankees vs. Orioles
There should be plenty of offense for the home team when a lineup that ranks third in runs scored faces three unimposing starters and a relief corps with a 4.62 ERA. The Yankees have a crowded outfield, but Jasson Dominguez (51%) and Trent Grisham (22%) should be in the lineup enough to provide fantasy contributions.
Dodgers vs. Nationals
Once Los Angeles gets MacKenzie Gore out of the game on Friday night, they will be set to produce for the remainder of the series against two mediocre starters and a bullpen that ranks 29th in baseball with a 5.90 ERA. The Dodgers have eight hitters who are rostered in more than 75% of leagues, which means that they won’t provide waiver-wire assistance. But this is a good reminder for those in shallow leagues to ensure that Tommy Edman, Andy Pages and Max Muncy are in the starting lineup.
Matchups to Avoid
Red Sox @ Giants
Boston hitters could have a quiet weekend when they visit a pitcher-friendly road venue. The Red Sox face three starters with a sub-4.00 ERA and a bullpen that leads the Majors with a 2.60 ERA. With Rafael Devers in the opposing dugout, Jarren Duran is the only must-start player in this lineup.
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Mets @ Phillies
The trio of Zack Wheeler, Mick Abel and Jesus Luzardo could give New York’s hitters fits this weekend. Once we get past the Mets top trio of Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto and Pete Alonso, the other hitters can slide to the bench.
Royals @ Padres
Kansas City’s unproductive offense (29th in baseball with 249 runs scored) could have another quiet weekend when they face two tough starters (Nick Pivetta and Dylan Cease) and a bullpen that ranks 6th in baseball with a 3.28 ERA. Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez will remain active everywhere, while Maikel Garcia and Vinnie Pasquantino will stay in the lineup in some 12-team leagues.
Seeking Saves
Danny Palencia, Cubs, 43%
It’s shocking that Palencia is still sitting on so many waiver wires. Sure, Ryan Pressly picked up a save on June 12 after Palencia faced the Pirates’ top hitters in the eighth inning, but Palencia has earned the team’s past two saves and is clearly being deployed as their top reliever. He could earn another save this weekend, when Chicago’s high-scoring offense faces some effective Seattle starters. The end result should be some close games.
Seeking Steals
Jake Meyers, Astros, 8%
The Astros could steal a few bases against the Angels this weekend. Los Angeles has been among the worst in baseball at throwing out would-be base stealers, nabbing just 11.5% of runners. Meyers ranks second on Houston with 11 steals and could reach base often against a trio of unreliable starters and a weak relief corps.
Streaming starters
In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo! roster rate in brackets.
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Jack Leiter @PIT (Sunday, 36%)
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Bryce Elder @MIA (Friday, 15%)
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Brandon Walter @LAA (Saturday, 23%)
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Jose Soriano vs. HOU (Saturday, 25%)
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Landen Roupp vs. BOS (Saturday, 23%)
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Quinn Priester @MIN (Sunday, 39%)
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Bailey Falter vs. TEX (Saturday, 20%)
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Eury Perez vs. ATL (Saturday, 45%)
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Zack Littell vs. DET (Sunday, 49%)
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Will Warren vs. BAL (Sunday, 50%)
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Slade Cecconi @ATH (Sunday, 7%)
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