Pitcher streaming strategies to win your fantasy baseball league

As the MLB season enters its second half, fantasy baseball managers looking to climb the standings know that every edge counts.

One of the most underutilized yet highly effective strategies is streaming starting pitchers based on matchups, and no matchups look juicier right now than those against the Rockies and Pirates.

The numbers break down so easily.

The Rockies are dead last in wRC+ (weighted runs created plus) and rank fourth-worst in wOBA (.294).

They also strike out a whopping 26.3 percent of the time.

Simply put, there is no punch to their lineup, especially when they’re away from the thin air of Coors Field.

The Pirates, meanwhile, are just as anemic offensively.

They own the league’s lowest wOBA (.285), the third-lowest wRC+ and strike out at a 23.7 percent clip.

With those stats in mind, here’s how to get ahead — starting this week.

The Rockies open the second half at Coors Field, so avoid streaming pitchers against them immediately.

Instead, shift your focus to the Pirates, who begin their second half on the road against the White Sox and Tigers.

This gives you a prime opportunity to stream starters such as Shane Smith, Reese Olson and Casey Mize.

All three come in under the radar in most leagues, and face a Pirates offense that simply can’t string together runs or avoid punchouts.

Smith has flashed enough swing-and-miss stuff to exploit a weak Pirates lineup.

Tigers starting pitcher Casey Mize throws a pitch during the first inning against the Guardians at Progressive Field. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Even if his command isn’t elite, the low power potential of Pittsburgh gives him a long leash for quality starts. Olson has been quietly effective with a strong groundball rate and excellent control.

With Pittsburgh’s inability to capitalize on mistakes, he is a high-floor option.

And finally, Mize continues to round into form post-injury and could be a sneaky strikeout play against a soft Bucs team.

Beginning July 25, Colorado hits the road, where their offense completely falls apart.

The Rockies travel to Baltimore and Cleveland, giving fantasy managers a chance to grab some solid mid-tier arms.

Orioles starting pitcher Zach Eflin throws during the first inning of a game against the Rays on June 28, 2025. AP

Zach Eflin’s elite walk rate and pitch efficiency make him a great WHIP stabilizer.

Orioles right-hander Dean Kremer offers solid strikeout upside in a pitcher-friendly matchup and is a decent plug-and-play if he is healthy.

Gavin Williams is another high-upside arm with electric stuff who could dominate this feeble Rockies lineup, and don’t sleep on Slade Cecconi who is deeper-league viable and has shown flashes of effectiveness.

If he is lined up for a start against the Rockies, he is well worth a speculative stream.

After that stretch, the Rockies and Pirates square off, and with both teams incapable of producing consistent offense, it’s hard to say which side to stream against.

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That’s your cue to look elsewhere, or simply plan your matchups carefully and pick the lesser of two evils.

In the meantime, the opportunity is clear: Use this soft schedule to scoop up undervalued starters now. Pitching wins leagues, and these matchups are where savvy managers separate themselves.

Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy baseball news and advice.