There is always a lot that goes into setting your lineup on a weekly basis and this week is no different. Pennant races across the MLB and fantasy leagues are heating up, and there is a lot to think about. Each week there are matchups and situations to exploit from the hitting perspective, so with that being said, let us take a look at 5 hitters to stream for the current week of fantasy baseball.
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Five Hitters to Stream This Week
Zack Gelof, 2B/SS, Oakland A’s
For all of their struggles, it might seem odd to be targeting an Oakland hitter. However, the former first-round pick is taking full advantage of his opportunity since being promoted from Triple-A.
Oakland having a full slate of seven games this week certainly helps. Of greater importance though is the fact that Gelof is receiving regular playing time with the A’s. Over the past seven days, Gelof is hitting .400 with three runs scored, three RBI, and a stolen base. Through 30 games, the middle infielder is hitting .302 with eight home runs and seven stolen bases. That power/speed mix, along with the eligibility makes Gelof one of our hitters to stream for this week.
Aside from the results, Gelof is making quality contact at the plate. While this is a small sample size, he has a 13.4% barrel-rate and an 91.7 mile per hour exit velocity.
Jose Caballero, 2B/SS, Seattle Mariners
From a schedule standpoint, the Mariners are in a favorable position this week against the White Sox and Royals. Caballero has been receiving regular playing time with J.P. Crawford sidelined and he provides another option in the middle of the infield.
While his .236 batting average on the season will struggle to attract attention, Caballero has had periods of success this year. One of those has come over the last seven days as Caballero hit .389 with five runs scored. Of more importance though, is the three stolen bases Caballero picked up in that time.
The speed threat is what attracts us to Caballero as a hitter to stream. Through 83 games, 245 plate appearances, the stolen bases are what stand out. Thanks in part to an 11% walk rate, leading to a .363 OBP, Caballero has 23 stolen bases which can make a difference as you attempt to rise up the standings.
DJ Stewart, OF, New York Mets
And this is what happens down the stretch for struggling teams out of the playoff race. We know things have not gone according to plan for the Mets this year. One by-product of that has been increased playing time for players such as Stewart.
At one point, Stewart was a first-round pick and top prospect, but he has become more of a journeyman. On Saturday, Stewart went deep for the fourth time in the last seven days. He has been finding his groove offensively, and as long as he hits, the Mets will continue to trot him out there each day.
Through 65 plate appearances, Stewart now has a .315 ISO and is slugging .556. With a 17.5% barrel rate , the quality of contact is there as we look to ride this streak.
Kerry Carpenter, OF, Detroit Tigers
Another team playing out the string is Detroit. With that being said, Carpenter has earned his spot in the middle of the Tigers’ lineup. Not only can he help your fantasy team for the remainder of the season, but Carpenter is solidifying his role for next year.
Through 80 games, Carpenter has proven to be a strong source of both power and run production. The outfielder is also not a liability, and in fact is an asset, with a .281 batting average to go along with his 17 home runs and 46 RBI. If you project that production over a full season, we are looking at a strong outfielder.
Based on the Statcast metrics, Carpenter’s success should not be surprising. Between an 11.2% barrel rate, 44.4% hard-hit rate, and 90.6 mile-per-hour exit velocity, quality contact is certainly present here.
Eddie Rosario, OF, Atlanta Braves
Rosario has some strong seasons under his belt, so success should not be surprising here. And with the Braves, Rosario is part of one of the best, if not the best, offenses in the league. Rosario and the Braves do not show any signs of slowing down, and facing the Mets to begin the week certainly helps here.
In the past seven days, Rosario has three home runs, 10 RBI, six runs scored, and a .556 batting average. Through 109 games this season, Rosario has turned in a solid performance. The outfielder is hitting .260 with 19 home runs and 61 RBI and it is surprising to see him rostered in just 46% of Fantrax leagues.