by Fantasy managers in shallow leagues can find plenty of starters to stream this weekend, and there are also a few solid options for those in 12-team formats. Meanwhile, those needing to bolster their batting roster can focus primarily on players from both Florida clubs.
Matchups to target
Rays @ Red Sox
This should be fun. A Tampa Bay lineup that is second in the majors in points scored will play four games in three days this weekend at offensive Fenway Park. All four scheduled Boston starters throw from the right side, which is good news for Luke Raley (18% scheduled). I am also happy to use Jose Siri (18%) and Harold Ramirez (45%) while playing the volume.
Marlins vs A’s
Oakland (team ERA 6.63) kicks off Hogan Harris, Paul Blackburn And Luis Medina this weekend, which is all fantasy managers should know to stack their lineup with Marlins. George Soler (85%), Bryan De La Cruz (44%) and Luis Arraez (88%) should be active in all leagues, while Garrett Cooper (4%) belong in lineups of 12 teams and Nick Forts (1%) is a viable streaming option at catcher.
Rockies @ Royals
I rarely advise Colorado hitters on the road, but there can be a lot of offense for both teams in this series. Four of the six starting pitchers have an ERA over 4.90 and so are the other two Kyle Freeland And Dustin Lynch. In addition, both clubs have bullpens with a lower 10 ERA. From Kansas City, both Michael Massey (3%) and Michael Garcia (1%) have been brandishing a hot bat lately while they are still widely available. From the Rocky Mountains, Ryan MacMahon (74%) and Elias Diaz (70%) can be used in shallow competitions, while Brenton Doyle (4%) and Ezequiel Tovar (24%) deserves consideration in 12-team formats.
Contests to avoid
Guardians @ Twins
Three games against right-handed starters Bailey Ober, Sonny Grey And Joe Ryan is an extraordinarily tough task for a Cleveland lineup that ranks last in baseball in runs scored. Jose Ramirez must remain in all lineups, and I could argue for that Josh Naylor And Steven Kwan in competitions with 12 teams. All other Guardians belong on the couch.
Orioles @ Giants
Baltimore could face tough times against three San Francisco starters (Alex Cobb, Logan Webb, Anthony DeSclafani) each possessing an ERA of less than 3.50. Ryan Mount Castle was terrible this year against right-handed pitchers, and George Mateo has been generally terrible for the past few weeks.
Looking to steal
Those hoping to grab a few extra steals this week should aim for speed demons in these matches.
Cardinals vs. Roansy Contreras (Friday), Rich Hill (Sunday): The Cardinals could go wild against Contreras and Hill, who are second and sixth respectively in steals allowed. Unfortunately, the top two base stealers on St. Louis, Paul Goldschmidt And Tommy Edmanare classified in almost every league. Paul DeJong And Lars Nutbarhowever are two players who can sweep a pocket and remain available in shallow formats.
A’s vs. Sandy Alcantara (Sunday): Alcantara was in second place last season in terms of allowed steals and is again in the top 12 this year. Esteury Ruiz could sweep multiple sacks in this game and should start in all leagues. In deeper formats, Ramon Laureano has been freezing lately but could be a one day streamer.
Big Boppers
Want to add a homer or two to your total this week? Consider streaming one of these players.
Ryan McMahon v Jordan Lyles (Friday): The right-hander Lyles leads the majors with 16 home runs allowed. While I rarely predict a Rockies batter to go deep on the road, McMahon is a left-handed hitter who traditionally does his best work against right-handers. In addition, the Royals have few left-handed options to pitch to McMahon in the later innings.
Akil Baddoo vs Michael Kopech (Sunday): After limiting long balls for a few starts, Kopech returned to his homer-prone ways as he was taken twice deep in his most recent start. He could serve a long ball to Baddoo, who has been batting well lately and enjoying a career-long success against right-handers.
Streaming Starters
In order, here are the top streamers from Friday to Sunday, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses.
-
Bailey Ober vs. CLE (Friday 66)
-
Andrew Heaney vs. SEA (Saturday, 68)
-
Michael Kopech vs DET (Sunday 63)
-
Bobby Miller vs NYY (Sunday 61)
-
Michael Wacha vs CHC (Friday 71)
-
Taj Bradley @ BOS (Saturday, 57)
-
Logan Allen @ MIN (Saturday, 36)
-
Michael Lorenzen @ CWS (Saturday, 21)
-
Edward Cabrera vs. OAK (Friday, 46)
-
Josiah Gray vs. PHI (Friday, 52)
-
Kyle Freeland @ KC (Sunday, 32)
-
Aaron Civale @ MIN (Friday, 21)
-
MacKenzie Gore vs. PHI (Saturday, 53)
-
Roansy Contreras vs STL (Friday 18)
-
Kyle Bradish @ SF (Saturday, 16)
-
JP France vs. LAA (Saturday, 24)
-
Jack Flaherty @ PIT (Friday, 39)
-
Mike Clevinger vs. DET (Friday, 18)
-
Matthew Boyd @ CWS (Sunday, 4)
-
Cal Quantrill @ MIN (Sunday, 24)
-
Ben Lively vs MIL (Sunday 24)
-
Yusei Kikuchi @ NYM (Sunday 40)
-
Brayan Bello vs TB (Sunday 30)
-
Dean Kremer @ SF (Friday, 22)
