The strategy of streaming pitchers or leaving an open roster spot to cycle pitchers in and out of your lineup is commonly written about by fantasy writers. It’s one that I, too, like to do with my teams, as I like to try to maximize each start as much as possible.
But what’s not discussed as much is the strategy of streaming hitters. It’s June, which means you shouldn’t be married to the people that you drafted if they’ve underperformed. Of course, guys like Jose Ramirez will get a longer leash, but for the most part, you should be willing to cut bait with those who haven’t yet turned the corner.
The hot-hand play is a smart strategy to use with hitters and pitchers alike especially in category-based leagues.
Here are some guys who can help you in the traditional roto categories who are owned in 50 percent of leagues or fewer on Yahoo.
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Home Runs: Jay Bruce (1B/OF – PHI) 36%
When the news of the Bruce trade was announced, I was unmoved by it. It seemed clear that he was a Plan B option with the impending Odubel Herrera situation, and was more than likely a power-lefty bat off the bench. But that all changed when Andrew McCutchen tore his ACL Monday. Now, Bruce looks to be a regular fixture in the lineup, and at worst, a strongside platoon with Maikel Franco moving to the bench. He doesn’t do a lot for your team, but he has shown throughout the year that his power stroke is still there. Tuesday’s two-homer performance against the Padres and standout rookie Chris Paddack showed that Bruce still has plenty left in the tank.
Runs: Lourdes Gurriel (2B/SS/OF – TOR) 45%
After being sent down to Triple-A with the yips playing second base, Gurriel has rejoined the Blue Jays and has been playing in the outfield daily. That now gives him triple eligibility, which is so valuable in daily lineup leagues. He had a red hot May, hitting four home runs and .393 in seven games. He’s worth grabbing to see if he can replicate his 2018 second half.
RBIs: Cesar Puello (OF – LAA) 3%
I don’t think Puello’s play is sustainable, if not for any other reason that Justin Upton is close to a rehab stint. But remember in the lede when we talked about hot hands? That’s exactly what Puello has been. In five games heading into Wednesday, Puello has two homers, five runs, six RBIs, and is batting .429. Ride the hot hand, and if he cools down tremendously even this weekend, drop him for the next guy.
Stolen Bases: Mallex Smith (OF – SEA) 46%
It’s mind blowing that Smith is only 46 percent owned. He has seven steals in 16 games since getting called back up. With as scarce as steals are, there’s no reason that Smith shouldn’t be 90 percent owned at this point. In points leagues, his value is obviously diminished, but in any type of category leagues, you need to get him on your roster.
Average: Garrett Cooper (OF – MIA) 12%
From May 20 to June 4, the Miami Marlins have the fifth highest average as a team, the 11th best OBP, and 13th best wOBA in baseball. It’s not to say that the Marlins are an offensive juggernaut, even with the 15-spot they put up against Milwaukee Tuesday night, but perhaps they shouldn’t be looked at as a cake matchup anymore. A big part of that is the play of Cooper. Cooper was a deep sleeper of mine this year, and his numbers have translated of late. He’ll provide you some pop and run production, but his bat is his calling card. In 15-team leagues or 12-team leagues with five outfielders, he should be scooped up.
Wins: Kyle Gibson (SP – MIN) 50%:
How is Gibson only 50 percent owned? Michael Salfino wrote a good piece at The Athletic looking at how Atlanta and Minnesota have a leg-up on the competition with their strength of schedule going forward. That makes every Twins pitcher in play, but Gibson especially with Jake Odorizzi and Jose Berrios. The Twins aren’t going to win 112 games or anything, but they are the best team in baseball right now, which always helps leads to wins for fantasy pitchers.
WHIP: Pablo Lopez (SP – MIA) 9%
Wait, did you think because I took a week off, that I wasn’t going to talk about a Marlins pitcher when I came back? Silly you. The Marlins put up 15 runs against the Brewers Tuesday, but what is lost is that Lopez held the Milwaukee lineup to no runs. Lopez has been on a roll lately, and he still has a ridiculous 62 strikeouts to 16 walks on the season. He’s a top 40 pitcher going forward.
ERA: Framber Valdez (SP/RP – HOU) 5%
Well, Corbin Martin, that was fun. Hopefully you didn’t blow all of your FAAB after his first great start. He was demoted, and Valdez is getting the call to move into the Astros rotation this weekend. I like him as a pickup in deeper leagues, and especially those where you can use him as a starter in a relief pitcher spot.
Strikeouts: Griffin Canning (SP – LAA) 45%
Canning gave up four earned runs on Tuesday, but the silver lining was that he still racked up eight strikeouts on the evening, which were a career high. If Canning were qualified, his 15.5 percent SwStr% would slot in sixth in baseball behind the likes of Blake Snell, Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Caleb Smith.
Saves: Carlos Martinez (SP/RP – STL) 25%
My bold prediction was that Martinez would be a top-five closer this year for fantasy owners. It doesn’t look like he’ll get the volume, but the Cardinals did give Martinez the save opportunity this past Saturday, and he converted it pretty smoothly. Jordan Hicks is still the guy to own in St. Louis, but a switch to Martinez in the role wouldn’t be all that surprising. He’s worth stashing if you have the room.
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Michael Waterloo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Michael, check out his archive and follow him @MichaelWaterloo.
