Managers looking to stream a starter this weekend are in luck, as there are three promising young pitchers set to face off against some of baseball’s weakest lineups. On the offensive side, the Yankees and Twins offer the best options for temporary assistance.
Matchups to Target
Yankees vs. Blue Jays
The Yankees are expected to score plenty of runs at their hitter-friendly home ballpark this weekend. They will be facing Kevin Gausman, whom they have had success against this season, José Berríos, who has been struggling recently, and Yariel Rodríguez, who had a rough outing in his last start. Additionally, they will be up against a Blue Jays bullpen with a 5.09 ERA. Alex Verdugo (46%) is consistently leading off, while Austin Wells is batting cleanup (30%).
Twins vs. White Sox
With the exception of facing Garrett Crochet for a few innings on Saturday, Minnesota hitters should have a favorable matchup against a pitching staff that ranks 29th in ERA. Ryan Jeffers (42%) is a viable streaming option at catcher, and Carlos Santana (21%), Brooks Lee (20%), and Matt Wallner (4%) are top choices for this week.
Dodgers @ A’s
The Dodgers’ potent offense is expected to continue their success against three weak starting pitchers and a bullpen lacking experienced arms. Gavin Lux (26%) is a solid streaming option for the upcoming games, and Andy Pages (12%) is worth considering in deeper leagues.
Padres vs. Rockies
San Diego should have no trouble scoring against the Rockies, who have the worst ERA in baseball. While most key Padres hitters are already rostered, it’s essential to ensure all Padres players are in your lineup in shallower leagues.
Braves vs. Marlins
Braves hitters are expected to perform well against three beatable right-handed pitchers and a depleted Marlins bullpen. Orlando Arcia (8%) is a great streaming option from this lineup, while Jarred Kelenic (34%) and Eddie Rosario (2%) can be considered in deeper leagues.
Astros vs. Rays
Houston hitters should have success against three starters with WHIPs over 1.30 and a relief corps that lost key members at the deadline. Outfielder Jake Meyers (7%) is a top waiver wire target, while Jeremy Peña can be a valuable asset in shallow leagues.
Matchups to Avoid
White Sox @ Twins
Although not high on the radar, White Sox hitters might struggle against three solid righties from the Twins and a strong bullpen. Luis Robert Jr. is the lone recommended starter from this lineup.
Phillies @ Mariners
Even though the Phillies have a strong lineup, they may face difficulties against three Seattle starters with ERAs under 1.05. While star players should be in your lineup, it might be wise to bench Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, and Austin Hays this weekend.
Guardians vs. Orioles
The Guardians are likely to struggle offensively against a solid trio of Orioles starters. José Ramírez, Steven Kwan, and Josh Naylor are the only players worth starting in all leagues.
Seeking Steals
Harrison Bader (OF, New York Mets, 10%)
Bader, who ranks second on the Mets with 14 steals, has a great opportunity to add to his total this weekend. He will be facing an Angels pitching staff that lacks elite starters and ranks 27th in ERA. Once on base, Bader is likely to take advantage of Logan O’Hoppe, who has allowed the most steals among catchers.
Seeking Saves
Chad Green (Toronto Blue Jays, 45%)
This may be the final week Green appears in this section, as his roster rate is expected to rise significantly following the trade deadline. With an impressive season so far, Green should continue as Toronto’s closer. In deeper leagues, consider Tyler Ferguson (14%), who is currently closing for the A’s.
Streaming Starters
Here are the top streaming options for the weekend, along with their start date and Yahoo! roster rate:
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Spencer Schwellenbach vs. MIA (Friday, 49)
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Tyler Phillips @SEA (Friday, 38)
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Simeon Woods Richardson vs. CWS (Sunday, 24)
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Hayden Birdsong @CIN (Sunday, 19)
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Carson Spiers vs. SF (Sunday, 11)
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Kyle Gibson @CHC (Saturday, 34)
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José Quintana @LAA (Sunday, 29)
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José Soriano vs. NYM (Saturday, 23)
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David Peterson @LAA (Saturday, 17)
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Paul Blackburn @LAA (Friday, 8)
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Michael Lorenzen @DET (Saturday, 17)
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Aaron Civale @WSH (Saturday, 34)
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Javier Assad vs. STL (Friday, 30)
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Dean Kremer @CLE (Friday, 22)