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We took a week off from streamers last week because we only had three days to discuss. The All-Star break was a great time to recharge our batteries, though, because we’re finally down the stretch run of the season. What’s also interesting is that we have the trade deadline right around the corner. That will surely alter some of these rotations and bullpens going forward, but we’ll try our best to adjust to those moves as swiftly as possible. With that in mind, let’s dive into the streamers in this first week back from the break!

Favorable Team Matchups

7 Games

Chicago Cubs (vs. WAS, vs. STL)

Cincinnati Reds (vs. SF, vs. ARI)

Kansas City Royals (vs. DET, at NYY)

San Francisco Giants (at CIN, at WAS)

Seattle Mariners (vs. MIN, vs. TOR)

Tampa Bay Rays (at TEX, vs. BAL)

6 Games

Arizona Diamondbacks (at ATL, at CIN)

Atlanta Braves (vs. ATI, at MIL)

Houston Astros (at COL, at OAK) ***

Los Angeles Angels (vs. NYY, vs. PIT)

New York Mets (vs. CWS, at BOS)

San Diego Padres (at TOR, at DET)

Pitching Streamers

Reid Detmers, LAA (vs. PIT)

Detmers is still available in nearly 40 percent of the leagues on Yahoo, and it’s hard to understand why. Many fantasy managers might’ve dropped him after his seven-run shelling against the Dodgers, but Detmers was dealing before that. In fact, Reid registered a 1.42 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 12.2 K.9 rate across his previous five starts. We saw this youngster go on a run like that last season, and a matchup with Pittsburgh should keep him cruising. The Pirates rank 24th in runs scored and 25th in wOBA but have been even worse since a flukey opening month. This is one of The Streamonator’s favorite streamers of the season, projecting Detmers to provide $31.1 worth of value.

Ranger Suarez, PHI (at CLE)

Suarez is still sitting on numerous waiver wires, and it’s about time this southpaw is universally rostered. This guy had a 1.36 ERA and 1.00 WHIP just two years ago and has been pitching at that level for two months now. Suarez is sporting a 2.47 ERA and 1.20 WHIP since May 30, allowing one run or fewer in five of those eight starts. That’s a spectacular run from a talented southpaw, and there’s no chance Cleveland gets to him. The Guardians rank 27th in runs scored, 26th in wOBA, and 28th in xwOBA. They’re also 28th in OBP against left-handers and possess one of the weakest lineups outside of Jose Ramirez.

Ranger Suarez Streamers

Seth Lugo, SD (at DET)

Lugo has quietly been one of the most consistent streamers of the season. This right-hander has allowed three runs or fewer in 10 of his 12 starts, tallying a 3.39 ERA and 1.24 WHIP. That’s the guy we’ve seen for years now, with Lugo totaling a 3.47 ERA and 1.17 WHIP throughout his eight-year career. It looks even better since he has a 2.05 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across his last four starts, but he gets his best matchup of the season here. The Motor City Kitties rank bottom four in runs scored, OBP, OPS, K rate, and xwOBA. Don’t be surprised to see Lugo as a -200 favorite as well.

Kyle Hendricks, CHC (vs. WAS)

Why do we forget how good Hendricks has been throughout his career? This guy has been a must-roster player for a decade, and it feels strange to consider him as one of our streamers. We’re talking about a veteran with a 3.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in over 1,300 career innings. The last two years have been a disappointment, but it’s hard to overlook his 3.57 ERA and 1.09 WHIP this season. Those are right on par with his career averages, and he should be able to duplicate that against Washington. The Nationals rank 26th in runs scored and 27th in xwOBA. Not to mention, he’s likely to enter this matchup as a -150 favorite or higher!

Michael Lorenzen, DET (at KC)

Lorenzen was the All-Star representative for the Tigers, generating a 4.03 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. Those aren’t necessarily All-Star averages, but it’s made Lorenzen one of our favorite streamers all season. He had two straight duds against Arizona and Atlanta a month back and one nightmarish game in Coors Field. Outside of that, Lorenzen has a 2.60 ERA and 1.00 WHIP across his other 12 starts. We’re willing to overlook those three stinkers because those matchups are nothing like this one. The Royals rank 29th or 30th in runs scored, OPS, OBP, and wOBA.

Hitting Streamers

Mauricio Dubon, HOU (at COL, at OAK)

This is probably the final week we can use Dubon as one of our streamers. He’s been a great fill-in for Jose Altuve, though, batting atop this dangerous Houston lineup. That alone makes Dubon one of the best options of the week because Houston should be the highest-scoring lineup in the league. Getting two games in Coors Field is one thing, but another four games against Oakland is outstanding. Those two teams rank 29th and 30th in both ERA and WHIP! That means Dubon should be rounding the bases all week atop this lineup, posting a .282 average since the opening week of the year. We also don’t mind that he’s eligible at second base, shortstop, and outfield!

Joc Pederson, SF (at CIN, at WAS)

The Giants have some of the best matchups of the week, which should benefit Joc Jams. We say that because San Fran gets seven games this week, and five are expected to be against right-handers! That means you should get 25-30 at-bats from Joc, who’s annihilated righties throughout his career. Since the start of last season, Pederson has a .362 OBP and .874 OPS with the platoon advantage in his favor. That’s not far off his career averages, and we’re not worried about these matchups. Not only are these two hitter-friendly ballparks, but these clubs rank 26th and 27th in both ERA and WHIP.

Joc Pederson Streamers

Joey Votto, CIN (vs. SF, vs. ARI)

Votto missed the first few months of the season but hasn’t missed a beat since his return. The borderline Hall-of-Famer has a .343 OBP, .617 SLG, and .960 OPS this year. He’s also homered in four of his last seven games, and he’s going with the Max Muncy-type approach by either walking or homering. This is also the best lineup he’s ever had around him, and he should be in for a ton of RBI opportunities in front of all these young studs. We say that because Cincy gets seven games in quality matchups! Getting seven games at Gream American Smallpark is a massive boost, but facing two average pitching staffs only adds to Votto’s intrigue.

SAGNOF (Saves/Steals Ain’t Got No Face)

Steals Specialists

CJ Abrams (WAS)

Abrams has been hitting leadoff for the Nats recently, picking up seven steals over his last 12 games. He’s also got an OBP above .400 in that span and could become a must-roster player if that continues.

Willi Castro (MIN)

Did you know Castro is up to 19 steals this season? That’s the quietest 20-steal season in MLB, with Castro collecting six of them over the last 14 games.

Saves Specialists

Trevor May (OAK)

May has six saves over his last 11 appearances and has developed into the A’s closer. This is the worst team in baseball but saves are saves!

Daniel Bard (COL)

We saw Bard pick up his first save of the season in Colorado’s most recent save opportunity. He’s got an ERA below 1.50 and is still the best reliever in this pen. The anxiety issues concern us, but Bard should get most of the saves as we advance, but we are talking about the Rockies!

Feel free to comment here or reach me on Twitter @Bartilottajoel if you have any questions!