- It's an abbreviated six-game Monday slate with everything under the lights. The games begin in the Great American Ballpark with rookie fireballer Hunter Greene (29.1% rostered in ESPN leagues) toeing the rubber for the Cincinnati Reds against the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks. Greene's 29.1% strikeout rate is outstanding but he's still raw, with control and command issues leading to elevated walk rates, home run totals and pitch counts. Greene's strikeouts are enticing, but the Diamondbacks are one of the league's most patient offenses with the fourth-highest home run rate against righthanders. While some are looking to Greene as a streamer or DFS hurler, consider an Arizona DFS stack or pick from Josh Rojas (37%), Christian Walker (34%), David Peralta (20%), Alek Thomas (14%) and Pavin Smith (6%) as fantasy fill-in bats.
- Those looking to get an early jump on pitching don't have a lot from which to choose, but a pair of AL East starters stand out as fantasy streamers. While much of the attention has been paid to the surging Boston Red Sox offense, their starting pitching has also been on the upswing, including Michael Wacha (34%). The righthander doesn't pile up punchouts, but he has only yielded more than two runs in an outing once all season. On Monday, he'll face an Angels lineup fanning at the second highest clip in the league against righthanders, giving Wacha a chance to pad his total. It should be noted Jo Adell (4%) is back with the Halos with Taylor Wardsidelined with a hamstring sprain.
- The Toronto Blue Jays have also been playing better ball lately, but just lost Hyun-Jin Ryu to a forearm strain and elbow inflammation. Ross Stripling (1%) is getting the nod to fill the opening. The caveat is while Stripling has been throwing multiple innings from the bullpen, he may not be stretched out enough to throw the five frames necessary to qualify for a win. Jon Gray (51%) and Cal Quantrill (63%) both eclipse the 50% mark usually used to identify fantasy streamers, but with only six games, their availability merits a look as they're in favorable spots.
- Circling back to the Red Sox offense, Noah Syndergaard is on the hill for the Angels, so look for Boston to run. Jackie Bradley Jr. (1%) missed the weekend on paternity with Jarren Duran (1%) taking his spot against righthanders. It's unclear if Bradley will be back on Monday, but both are in play for steals.
- The Cleveland Guardians are also in play for some early week pilfers as they host a Texas Rangers club not adept at controlling the running game. Myles Straw (55%) is the prime target with Andres Gimenez (25%) and Amed Rosario (35%) also in the mix.
- One of the best ways to approach a short slate is utilizing the extra pitching spots for relievers, especially those with a chance at a save. Topping the Monday list are Joe Barlow (42%), Mark Melancon (37%), Tony Santillan (1%) and Art Warren (1%).
What you need to know for Monday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
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