With less than a week to go until the MLB trade deadline, many mid-level clubs will be doing everything in their power to move up the standings this weekend. Fantasy baseball managers who need offense this weekend would be wise to grab multiple players from the Orioles and Brewers. On the pitching side, Ryne Nelson and Dean Kremer are the players to add, although there are several other hurlers listed at the bottom of this article who could make useful contributions.
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Matchups to Target
Orioles vs. Rockies
After improving during June, Baltimore’s offense ranks 29th in runs scored this month. The Orioles could get back on track this weekend, when they face a Rockies pitching staff with a 5.50 ERA. Ramón Laureano (16%) has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball, making him a must-add player in any league for this series. Ryan O’Hearn (29%) and Cedric Mullins (51%) are also solid options.
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Brewers vs. Marlins
The red-hot Brewers could start off their weekend series on a high note when they face Cal Quantrill (5.24 ERA) on Friday and Jansen Junk (6.3 K/9 rate) on Saturday. Their Sunday matchup with Eury Pérez is challenging but not intimidating. Isaac Collins (4%) remains widely available despite becoming a five-category contributor, making him the player to target. Managers can also consider Caleb Durbin (22%), Andrew Vaughn (9%) and Joey Ortiz (6%).
Phillies @ Yankees
The Phillies could feast on Will Warren and Marcus Stroman on Friday and Saturday before engaging in a tougher matchup with Carlos Rodón on Sunday. The key members of this lineup are widely rostered, but Otto Kemp (2%) is someone to consider while he fills in for Alec Bohm at third base. Brandon Marsh (3%) could also have success against righties in the initial two games.
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Mariners @ Angels
Although Seattle’s run total may be good rather than great, they should have plenty of baserunners against José Soriano (1.43 WHIP), Tyler Anderson (1.41 WHIP), Kyle Hendricks (1.29 WHIP) and a bullpen with a 1.48 WHIP. Jorge Polanco (31%) has recently broken out of a slump, and rookie Cole Young (2%) has fared well in July. J.P. Crawford (21%) has a low ceiling but is typically effective out of the leadoff spot.
Rangers vs. Braves
Atlanta is running out of starting pitchers, which leaves the hot-hitting Rangers to face Joey Wentz (5.71 ERA) on Friday and Bryce Elder (5.63 ERA) on Sunday. Josh Smith (35%) could score a few runs out of the leadoff spot, and Josh Jung (27%) may be ready to turn around a forgettable season after recently being recalled from the Minors.
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Matchups to Avoid
Athletics @ Astros
The Athletics could struggle on Friday and Sunday, when they face Hunter Brown and Framber Valdez. Nick Kurtz, Brent Rooker and Tyler Soderstrom are the three lineup members who should stay active everywhere.
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Angels vs. Mariners
The Angels will face the toughest part of the Mariners elite rotation when they draw Bryan Woo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert this weekend. Zach Neto and Mike Trout are the two must-start Angels, and Taylor Ward will remain active in some leagues.
Seeking Saves
Kevin Ginkel, D-backs (10% Rostered)
Cubs closer Danny Palencia (53%) is the saves source to add in shallow leagues, but he has been mentioned often enough in this space. Instead, I’ll go with Ginkel, who is working the ninth inning in a depleted Arizona bullpen. Ginkel has logged a 2.31 ERA since June 20, and he could get multiple save chances when the D-backs face the 42-61 Pirates.
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Seeking Steals
Isaac Collins, OF, Brewers (4% Rostered)
Collins has been a revelation for the red-hot Brewers, hitting .299 with an .873 OPS since June 1. He has also flashed speed by swiping 11 bases in 217 at-bats this year. The outfielder could add to his swipes total when he faces a Marlins team that has allowed 14 more steals than any other club. Caleb Durbin (22%) is another good candidate to swipe a base.
Streaming starters
In order, here are the best streamers for the weekend, with their start date and Yahoo! roster rate in brackets.
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Ryne Nelson @ PIT (Friday, 42%)
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Dean Kremer vs. COL (Friday, 33%)
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José Soriano vs. SEA (Friday, 37%)
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Cade Horton @ CWS (Saturday, 14%)
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Jacob Lopez @ HOU (Saturday, 19%)
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José Quintana vs. MIA (Saturday, 21%)
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Tomoyuki Sugano vs. COL (Sunday, 12%)
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Zebby Matthews vs. WSH (Saturday, 17%)
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Jeffrey Springs @ HOU (Friday, 35%)
