Our streamer picks have been awesome the last few weeks but last week’s picks were so-so. We trusted Michael Wacha for some stupid reason and that one really pisses me off. Why the hell did I do that? I know better than to trust that guy. Even Fozzie Bear changed his catchphrase after watching that crap. We had mixed results with Kevin Gausman and J.A. Happ but we got Brad Peacock, Jake Odorizzi and Joey Lucchesi all correct.
We knew going in that it was going to be a tough streaming week but we ended up alright. This week has much more promise and It was actually difficult thinning out the field with so many quality options available. So, I’ve provided a list of bonus considerations at the bottom and it should be a magical week for streaming!
Two-Start Streamers
Trevor Richards, MIA (vs. SF, at SD)
This is my favorite two-start streamer of the week and it’s hard to overlook matchups like this. Let’s start with the ballparks, as Marlins Park and Petco Park rank as two of the best pitching parks in the majors. That limits Richards risk, especially when you consider how bad these offenses have been. San Francisco currently ranks 29th in runs scored and wOBA while sitting 28th in xwOBA. That says a lot about their struggles and the Padres haven’t been much better. In fact, San Diego ranks 26th in runs scored and 27th in both K rate and xwOBA. This young righty has all the talent in the world too, posting a .323 xwOBA, 23 percent K rate and 4.14 ERA so far this season. The Streamonator has Richards projected to provide $11,7 worth of value in those two starts, which I believe is his floor.
Sonny Gray, CIN (vs. PIT, vs. WSH)
At this time of the year, it’s always Sonny. The renaissance of the little man is truly surprising and I really thought he was burnt toast in his time with the Yankees. Since an ugly opener, Gray has put together a 3.61 ERA and 1.10 WHIP while striking out 57 batters across 47.1 innings of action. That’s an incredible nine-start stretch, as he hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any of those outings.
What really makes him enticing this week are these matchups. Let’s start with Pittsburgh, as they currently rank 22nd in wOBA and 27th in runs scored. Washington is a little better but they also rank 20th in wOBA, 21st in K rate and 19th in OBP. The Streamonator only has him projected for that first start against PIT on the 27th but we’re likely looking at over $20 worth of value based on projections.
Jeff Samardzija, SF (at MIA, at BAL)
I expect some red waters this week, with the Shark hungry for blood. This is a guy who hasn’t feasted in a while but this is his best opportunity in quite some time. While this is our riskiest pick of the two-start streamers, it’s probably the best matchups on the board. Miami’s offense is downright dreadful, ranking dead-last in wOBA, xSLG, runs scored and OPS. That alone puts Samardzija in play and pitching in Marlins Park should only help. The Orioles offense has been almost as bad, with Baltimore sitting 24th in wOBA, 30th in xwOBA and 23rd in runs scored. Samardzija has quietly had a nice year too, pitching to a 3.27 ERA and 1.17 WHIP, not allowing more than four runs in any of his 10 starts.
One-Start Streams
Mike Foltynewicz, ATL (vs. DET)
While Folty is widely owned, a terrible start to his season forced numerous owners to drop him. Now’s the time to hop on those waiver wires and pick him up! The right-hander had four dreadful starts coming off the IL, but Folty has been stellar over his last two outings, accruing a 1.50 ERA and 0.67 WHIP. What makes that stretch really impressive is the fact that it came against the Cardinals and Brewers. Those are two of the most potent lineups in the league and that minuscule WHIP shows just how much better he’s been.
We’re talking about a guy who posted a 2.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 27 percent K rate last season and it’s only a matter of time before he re-captures that form. Facing the Tigers without a DH is a good way to keep that going, with Detroit ranked 28th in wOBA and 29th in both runs scored and K rate. That’s why the Streamonator has him projected to provide $21.2 worth of value, providing a 3.33 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 6.6 Ks across 6.1 innings.
Pablo Lopez, MIA (vs. SF)
A couple of terrible starts have made Lopez’ numbers look much worse than they actually are and he’s actually one of the underrated pitchers in the league. While a 10-run blow-up a few weeks ago shows the sort of downside we’re looking at, he’s shown some consistency aside from that. In fact, Lopez hasn’t allowed more than four runs in any of his other nine starts, as he’s actually gone at least six innings without allowing a run in three of his last six starts.
If you take out that nightmare 10-run dud, Lopez is pitching to a 3.92 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. That’s much more indicative of the pitcher we’re looking at and his peripherals are equally as impressive. The right-hander is currently providing a .304 xwOBA, 3.88 xFIP and 23 percent K rate. That means he definitely has some positive regression headed his way and facing a Giants team who ranks bottom-five in runs scored, OPS, xwOBA and wOBA makes him a guy that’s tough to avoid. The Streamonator completely agrees as it has him projected to provide $12.1 worth of value.
Also Consider
Anthony DeSclafani, CIN (vs. PIT)
DeSclafani was the spotlight of our article a few weeks ago and we’re going right back to the well here against a weak Pittsburgh offense
Griffin Canning, LAA (at OAK)
Canning is the Angels top pitching prospect and it’s hard to argue with his FIP and K rate in a pitcher’s park like Oakland Coliseum.
Andrew Heaney, LAA (at SEA)
Heaney is actually one of the highest projected streamers on the Streamonator, as it has him projected to provide $19.6 worth of value against a struggling Mariners lineup.
Julio Teheran, ATL (vs. DET)
Teheran can drive fantasy owner’s crazy with his inconsistency but with the Tigers aforementioned numbers, he’s in a good spot to succeed.
