Fantasy baseball managers, are you ready to dominate your leagues this weekend? With the MLB season in full swing, savvy streaming decisions can make or break your week. This article zeroes in on the upcoming D-backs-Rockies series, a matchup ripe with opportunities for fantasy gains. Coors Field, known for its hitter-friendly environment, sets the stage for potential offensive explosions. We’ll also explore other matchups and specific players to target, ensuring you’re equipped to make the best waiver wire moves.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- Top hitter matchups to exploit, focusing on the D-backs-Rockies series.
- Pitching streamers who could provide a crucial boost to your rotation.
- Under-the-radar players who can deliver steals and saves.
Matchups to Target
Identifying favorable matchups is key to maximizing your fantasy baseball performance. Let’s dive into the series and situations that offer the most potential for streaming success.
D-Backs @ Rockies
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ potent offense, currently ranked 4th in MLB in runs scored, is poised for a productive series against the Colorado Rockies. The Rockies’ pitching staff has struggled at Coors Field, posting a concerning 6.29 ERA in their home ballpark. This series presents a prime opportunity to capitalize on favorable hitter matchups.
Consider adding these players:
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (52% rostered): With two projected left-handed starters for the Rockies, Gurriel Jr. is an excellent option to insert into your lineup.
- Ryan McMahon (34% rostered): McMahon is a solid Rockies hitter who should benefit from the Coors Field environment.
- Michael Toglia (19% rostered): Toglia offers power potential and could be a valuable addition.
- Jordan Beck (16% rostered): A promising talent who could make an impact.
- Mickey Moniak (2% rostered): A deep-league option with potential for steals.
Guardians @ Athletics
The Oakland Athletics’ pitching staff has struggled at home, posting a 5.97 ERA at their hitter-friendly home park. This sets the stage for Cleveland Guardians hitters to thrive this weekend.
Target these players:
- Lane Thomas (24% rostered): With two left-handed starters projected for the Athletics, Thomas is a strong right-handed hitter to target.
- David Fry (4% rostered): Fry is a versatile player with catcher eligibility who should be in the heart of the lineup against lefties.
Astros @ Angels
The Houston Astros should generate plenty of baserunners this weekend against the Los Angeles Angels. The Angels’ starters have struggled with WHIP, and their relief corps ranks 28th in baseball with a 1.52 WHIP.
Consider these Astros:
- Cam Smith (20% rostered): Smith has been hitting well recently and should have a productive weekend.
- Jake Meyers (8% rostered): Meyers has been contributing and could be a valuable addition.
Yankees vs. Orioles
The New York Yankees, ranking third in runs scored, should have a productive series against the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles’ pitching staff features unimposing starters and a relief corps with a 4.62 ERA.
Keep an eye on these Yankees:
- Jasson Dominguez (51% rostered): Should be in the lineup enough to provide fantasy contributions.
- Trent Grisham (22% rostered): Could be a valuable source of runs and RBIs.
Dodgers vs. Nationals
The Los Angeles Dodgers should have a productive series against the Washington Nationals, particularly after MacKenzie Gore exits Friday night’s game. The Nationals’ bullpen ranks 29th in baseball with a 5.90 ERA.
Consider these Dodgers if available in your league:
- Tommy Edman
- Andy Pages
- Max Muncy
Matchups to Avoid
Not all matchups are created equal. Here are a few series to approach with caution, where streaming may not be the most fruitful strategy.
Red Sox @ Giants
Boston Red Sox hitters may struggle against the San Francisco Giants in a pitcher-friendly environment. The Giants feature three starters with a sub-4.00 ERA and a bullpen that leads the Majors with a 2.60 ERA.
The only must-start player is:
- Jarren Duran
Mets @ Phillies
The New York Mets may face challenges against the Philadelphia Phillies’ strong pitching trio of Zack Wheeler, Mick Abel, and Jesús Luzardo.
Stick with your studs:
- Francisco Lindor
- Juan Soto
- Pete Alonso
Royals @ Padres
The Kansas City Royals’ offense may struggle against the San Diego Padres’ tough starters (Nick Pivetta and Dylan Cease) and a bullpen that ranks 6th in baseball with a 3.28 ERA.
Likely safe to keep in the lineup:
- Bobby Witt Jr.
- Salvador Pérez
Seeking Saves
Danny Palencia, Cubs, 43%
Danny Palencia (43% rostered) of the Chicago Cubs is surprisingly available in many leagues. Despite Ryan Pressly picking up a save on June 12, Palencia has earned the team’s past two saves and is clearly being deployed as their top reliever. With the Cubs facing some effective Seattle starters this weekend, Palencia could earn another save in a close game.
Seeking Steals
Jake Meyers, Astros, 8%
Jake Meyers (8% rostered) of the Houston Astros could steal a few bases against the Los Angeles Angels this weekend. The Angels have struggled to throw 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
Here are the best streaming starters for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo roster rate in parentheses:
- Jack Leiter @PIT (Sunday, 36%)
- Bryce Elder @MIA (Friday, 15%)
- Brandon Walter @LAA (Saturday, 23%)
- Jose Soriano vs. HOU (Saturday, 25%)
- Landen Roupp vs. BOS (Saturday, 23%)
- Quinn Priester @MIN (Sunday, 39%)
- Bailey Falter vs. TEX (Saturday, 20%)
- Eury Perez vs. ATL (Saturday, 45%)
- Zack Littell vs. DET (Sunday, 49%)
- Will Warren vs. BAL (Sunday, 50%)
- Slade Cecconi @ATH (Sunday, 7%)
Conclusion
This weekend presents a wealth of opportunities for fantasy baseball managers to improve their teams through strategic waiver wire additions and streaming choices. The D-backs-Rockies series stands out as a prime target due to the hitter-friendly environment of Coors Field. By carefully evaluating matchups and targeting players with favorable outlooks, you can gain a significant edge over your competition.
Remember to prioritize hitters in advantageous situations, such as Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Jake Meyers. When seeking pitching streamers, consider options like Jack Leiter and Bryce Elder, who have favorable matchups and high upside. And don’t forget to scour the waiver wire for potential steals in saves from players like Danny Palencia.
By implementing these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the weekend and make the most of your fantasy baseball roster. Good luck, and happy streaming!
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