- Wednesday features the first official summer afternoon games with four matinees, beginning at 2:10 PM ET. The top streaming option of the quartet is Ross Stripling (12% rostered in ESPN leagues) taking the hill for the Toronto Blue Jays on the road in Guaranteed Rate Field to face an injury-riddled Chicago White Sox lineup. Tim Anderson recently returned for the home team, but Yoan Moncada just returned to the IL, joining Eloy Jimenez and Yasmani Grandal. Stripling struggled against the Yankees in his last two starts, but he collected a win in his previous two efforts replacing Hyun-Jin Ryu in the Blue Jays rotation.
- George Kirby has recorded a quality start in four of his first eight starts, including three of his last four outings. He's in good shape for another facing the Oakland Athletics and the league's lowest wOBA against righthanders. Kirby should be able to improve his 22.8% strikeout rate in this road tilt facing an offense fanning at a 24% clip.
- Tyler Wells (11%) has also recorded a quality start in three of his past four outings, including road efforts in Toronto and Boston. Wells doesn't punch out many hitters, but he's giving the Baltimore Oriolesinnings, which is integral to points leagues scoring. On Wednesday, the Washington Nationals visit Camden Yards. The regional rivals tote a pedestrian offense, putting Wells in play as a streamer. Jon Gray (59%) and Michael Wacha (54%) are also candidates, so it's worth checking if they're available.
- It's been a rough stretch for hitters with some of the game's best listed as day to day, including Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, Yordan Alvarez and Jose Ramirez. While a superstar's offense can't be replaced long term, playing matchups can help soften the blow. One of prime targets for help is recent callups whose rostership has not yet swelled but is no doubt on the upswing. Examples are Riley Greene (28%), Oneil Cruz (31%), Alex Kirilloff (24%) and Josh Lowe (3%).
- Some other hitters in favorable scenarios on the Wednesday slate include Nick Senzel(2%), Tyrone Taylor (3%), Francisco Mejia(2%) and Luis Garcia (9%). Senzel's inclusion is strictly a one-off until he exhibits as the oft-injured Reds outfielder enjoys the platoon edge on Tyler Anderson. Taylor, Mejia and Garcia merit longer term consideration along with helping on Wednesday. Taylor should benefit from the Brewers releasing Lorenzo Cain, while Mejia will play more with the Rays Mike Zuninosidelined indefinitely. The Nationals appear to be giving Garcia a chance to demonstrate his offense is good enough to mitigate his subpar defense.
What you need to know for Wednesday's MLB Games
- Thread starter biggins
- Start date
