(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)
For some background on this article and the list of ineligible catchers, check out Week 2’s article.
Reviewing Last Week
It’s only Sunday so the week is not yet complete, but let’s look at how I did with last week’s streamers.
Tucker Barnhart (Cincinnati Reds): 3/15, 2 R, 2 HRs, 3 RBI, 3 BBs
Interestingly enough, I mentioned Barnhart as someone who wouldn’t hit 3 home runs but won’t hurt your average. The .200 average isn’t really helpful, but it’s better if you’re in an OBP or points league. He also came through with 2 big homers (his first 2 and he hit 7 last year) and I’m gonna take the win because of them.
Martin Maldonado (Los Angeles Angels): 5/16, 2 R, 2B, 4 RBI
I did say not to expect a lot of counting stats, but 4 RBI is a nice surprise. Pair that with a .313 average and that’s a win in my book. Maldonado will continue to get a ridiculous share of starts and because of it, he’ll make a good amount of appearances on this list.
Austin Hedges (San Diego Padres): 5/18, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI
This was a great week for streaming catchers as his .278 average did not hurt you and he added a long ball. He did exactly what he was supposed to do in Coors, going 4 for 11. With the help across the board, I’m gonna take another win. Let me know if you disagree with any of my wins.
Streaming Record: 3-0
Looking Forward
I missed out on perhaps the two best streamers in Kurt Suzuki and Francisco Cervelli this past week. Let’s see if I can not mess it up this time around. Before we get to that, some quick injury notes:
- Mike Zunino is going on a rehab assignment this week and should be back soon, but in the meantime, you want none of Mike Marjama.
- Don Mattingly said J.T. Realmuto will return this week, so we finally say goodbye to Dan Wallach.
- Salvador Perez is expected to catch 3-5 innings today and DH tomorrow on his rehab assignment with AA Northwest Arkansas. Once we see him catch back to back days, he’ll be up in short order. Until then, you really want none of Drew Butera.
- With the injuries to Travis d’Arnaud and Kevin Plawecki, the Mets turned to former Nats backup Jose Lobaton, who is not going to help your fantasy team very much. In his Nats days, he was the defensive minded backup to (formerly?) offensively gifted Wilson Ramos.
- Tyler Flowers is working his way back from an oblique strain, but for now, Kurt Suzuki will man the fort.
- Manny Piña will be held out of action through today at least, but isn’t expected to hit the DL. Given that he isn’t expected to go to the DL despite getting injured on Tuesday, I expect him back in short order. Jett Bandy is playing in his place and we don’t want him.
James McCann (Detroit Tigers)– McCann has a very light week this week with no difficult matchups. The Tigers have 7 games in 6 days and I wouldn’t be surprised if he played 5 of them. As Maldonado showed us last week, playing time can be a major factor in production.
Jorge Alfaro (Philadelphia Phillies)– Alfaro has a career .318/.359/.518 slash against righties, of which he faces all but one this week. His playing time is up relative to Andrew Knapp and he gets the off day today, so he shouldn’t need one in the early part of next week.
Francisco Cervelli (Pittsburgh Pirates)– He won’t go 8/15 with 7 RBI every week, but he’s locked in right now and has only one really difficult matchup in Aaron Nola. Fire him up this week.
Some may be wondering why Kurt Suzuki is not a recommendation this week after his big Week 2, but he’s got a difficult slate ahead facing Aaron Nola, Jacob deGrom, and Noah Syndergaard. He’s hitting cleanup right now though, so feel free to take a shot.