Fantasy Baseball Strategy Guid...

This week, fantasy managers that do their homework may really get ahead, since there are several teams with favorable hitting matchups. The largest benefits, though, are on the pitching side, where there are numerous viable streaming options eager to decrease your ratios while picking up important wins and whiffs. Let's get started:

Matchups to target

Cubs at A’s

Chicago batters are among of the finest to watch in the coming days, as the team faces Kyle Muller, Ken Waldichuk, and James Kaprielian in Oakland before going home to face Michael Grove (9.00 ERA) of the Los Angeles Dodgers on Thursday. With two lefties and two righties among the pitchers, just targeting the best available Cubs batters is the most logical strategy. Consider Cody Bellinger (70% rostered), Patrick Wisdom (53%), and Trey Mancini (18%) while combing the waiver wire.

Rockies vs. Pirates

Any series at Coors Field will get fantasy attention, and this is especially true when the three games do not feature an elite starter. In terms of the Rockies, it's time to reintroduce Kris Bryant, Ryan McMahon, and Charlie Blackmon to the lineup. In 12-team leagues, Ezequiel Tovar (42% rostered), Jurickson Profar (16%), and Elehuris Montero (11%) can also be included. Finally, Elias Diaz (39%) is an excellent option for stream catchers. Andrew McCutchen (27%) and Ji Hwan Bae (20%) are my top waiver wire choices from Pittsburgh.

Tigers vs. Guardians

Detroit batters will seldom find their way into this spot, but they get three quality matchups against Hunter Gaddis (8.53 ERA), Peyton Battlefield (4.2 career IP), and Cal Quantrill (5.74 ERA) in the next three games. Kerry Carpenter (2% rostered) and Akil Baddoo (1%), are two waiver wire guys I would pursue, especially in 15-team leagues.

Twins at Red Sox

Minnesota arrives to Fenway Park at an ideal moment, with Chris Sale (11.25 ERA), Nick Pivetta (career 4.96 ERA), and Corey Kluber (6.92 ERA) scheduled to start for Boston. This is an excellent series to give youngster Edouard Julien (12% rostered) or veterans Jose Miranda (66%) and Trevor Larnach (12%) a chance.

Matchups to avoid

Orioles at Nationals

Although the beginning pitching slate is very tempting for those who stream hitters in daily leagues, the Orioles and Nationals give inferior overall alternatives in the coming days due to the fact that they are the only two clubs in baseball that play only two games between now and Thursday. This is an ideal opportunity for those who have Anthony Santander or Austin Hays to sit them. Those looking to add a free agent should avoid Adam Frazier. In most mixed leagues, all of Washington's players should be benched.

Red Sox at Angels

Monday through Thursday, Boston offers a mixed bag of possibilities. The team will play four games at its hitter-friendly home field, which is great news. However, the opposition starting lineup is highly talented, and each member of the foursome is right-handed. I'm resting righty sluggers Justin Turner and Kike Hernandez and sitting lefty-swinging Tristan Casas, who is off to a rough start.

Royals at Rangers

Silencing Kansas City hitters has been a success this season, so Jacob deGrom (27:2 K:BB ratio), Nathan Eovaldi (19:3 K:BB ratio), and Martin Perez (2.87 ERA) should be able to keep the club at bay. Any Royals not named Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, or Vinnie Pasquantino will be benched or dropped.