- Sunday's docket commences with the 11:30 AM ET matchup featuring Cole Irvin getting the ball for the visiting Oakland Athletics, to be opposed by Cal Quantrill and the Cleveland Guardians. The Guardians are an interesting team in that their wOBA is 18th-best in baseball, but they've averaged the eighth-most runs per game. One reason is that they whiff at the lowest clip in the league. This renders Irvin (11% rostered in ESPN leagues) a risky, if not inefficient streamer since he's not likely to rack up many punchouts. Quantrill (68%) is rostered in over 50% of all leagues, but his availability merits a look.
- Unfortunately, those looking for some strikeouts to close out the week in head-to-head category leagues don't have the most attractive options. Brad Keller (10%), Dakota Hudson (22%) and Graham Ashcraft(22%) are all viable streaming targets, but Keller and Hudson aren't especially dominant. Meanwhile, Ashcraft draws a St. Louis Cardinals lineup with a high contact rate. Even so, Ashcraft is the choice for whiffs since the Cardinals may deploy a "Sunday lineup" with a higher strikeout potential.
- Wins are another category in play on Sunday. Normally, it's not efficient to search for a win or two, except for the final day of head-to-head scoring. Using our pitching grid as a guide, Jason Alexander (1%) is the top option in this area. The Milwaukee Brewers have a solid bullpen, and their offense should be able to provide support facing Evan Lee and the Washington Nationals' suspect relievers.
- On the hitting side, a stolen base or two may be needed in categorical formats. The Angels and Rangers are by far the best teams to target, especially with Texas using Sam Huff behind the plate. If Adam Engel(1%) is in the White Sox lineup against the Rangers, he's a great bet to add to his total of seven steals. Jon Berti (3%) has six steals in June, thus is someone to consider for more than a one-game pickup.
- Circling back to pitching, the Boston Red Sox are short a starter with Garrett Whitlocknow on the IL due to a hip issue. The team's Sunday plans are unclear, but a parade of relievers is likely. Tanner Houck (26%) and Matt Strahm (2%) are the chief targets for a vulture win or save. It's best to check out if works on Saturday, since they'll likely get Sunday off since both pitched on Friday night. Other options for a Sunday save include Joe Barlow (44%) and Jason Adam(4%) who should see most of Tampa Bay's save chances with Andrew Kittredge now ticketed for Tommy John surgery.
What you need to know for Sunday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date
