SP Streamers for today's, tomorrow's and the day after tomorrow's games for fantasy baseball.
Every day of the 2025 baseball season, I'll be looking at today's and tomorrow's slate of scheduled starting pitchers and ranking their matchups for your fantasy baseball streams.
There's a lot that goes into this and you can hang out with me on Playback.tv/pitcherlist to talk about the specific ranks as I make them every weekday morning from 10am - 12pm ET. If you have questions about these ranks, please ask during the morning Playback AMA. Those are my office hours as I generally don't answer comments on the site.
There are four tiers to these rankings with 12-teamers in mind:
Auto-Start - Just do it. Don't overthink this, start the man. This includes "if I have them rostered, I'm starting them" pitchers.
Probably Start - I'm likely starting these arms, though I recognize there is more risk than we'd like there to be. Either it's a tough matchup for a good-not-elite pitcher or a weak lineup for a volatile arm. These pitchers have a 50% or greater chance of performing well in my view and I'm starting them in the majority of situations.
Questionable Start - Think of this tier as "I don't want to start these pitchers in a vacuum, but you could do worse." Streamers found in this tier are not pitchers I'm targeting and are only if you are in dire need of one. To play it safe with streaming, just start the Probably Start streamers.
Do Not Start - The reward is not worth the risk. Don't do it. Seriously, these pitchers have a very slim chance of success or sometimes none at all.
Obviously, there will be circumstances where pitchers should move between teams for your situation specifically and these new tiers should act as a little more help than the straight table from last year.
Please keep in mind that streaming is far from a perfect play. In fact, if they work out over half the time, I'd consider it a success. These matchup rankings & streamer picks are going to be wildly different than the actual results throughout the year, so please, have sympathy before the scathing comments and tweets. I'm only trying to help!
There is a second table (and now third for PL Pro members) for tomorrow's starting pitcher matchups as well, helping everyone get a jump on their nightly pickups. Please note that these matchups are subject to change, though, and there will be times when I have the incorrect pitcher going. I thank you for your future understanding.
And of course, there are my streaming picks of the day. Please keep in mind that for my streaming record, I am forced to pick a streamer every day even if they are in the bottom tier. Those highlighted in Green are that day's streaming pick in the second tier and I'd roll with them everywhere. Those in Yellow are in the third tier and should be okay if you're searching for something on a given day, but I don't recommend streaming unless you're in need. Finally, those are Red are those I really don't want to start (they are labeled as "Do Not Start", after all) but have no other choice. Don't stream Do Not Start pitchers unless you are truly desperate. A streaming pick is defined as "rostered in 20% or fewer leagues" according to Fantasy Pros. This really emphasizes the point that I'd be happy if over 50% of these worked. I could do the whole sub 30/40% rostered, but there's no fun in that and it applies to a smaller audience.
As I do my rankings, I thought it would be helpful to showcase a table of how we're ranking offenses, granted by our PLV powered Projections (in alphabetical order by tier):
Remember, these offensive rankings are based on each offense's Process+ so far this year and how we project their lineups moving forward. It means you're going to see a little different offensive rankings than you may see elsewhere and there will always be some surprises. This is based on skills, not purely results! If you have questions about these offense rankings, reach out to Kyle Bland (@blandalytics).
To spice up these streaming recommendations, I've included our new daily fantasy baseball projections powered by PLV, and I'll be competing against PL Bot to pick the best streaming option each day.
These projections are different from your typical projections as they incorporate our pitch quantifier PLV, assessing pitcher and hitter skills at a much more granular level than your standard box score.
To get access to PL Bot's picks each day, sign up for PL Pro here.
The streaming record is determined by "Was this a productive game for 12-teamers if I started them?" Roughly a "PQS" with a Win and a strikeout per inning with a sub 1.20 WHIP, with a minimum of 5 IP. Close calls are decided by Playback chat.
Note: If no pitcher under 20% rostered would have qualified for a "Streaming Win," no loss is granted.
(Opener) - Outlines that a pitcher is being opened for that day & the pitcher listed will follow the opener.
Nick's 2025 Streamer Record: 104-57
My Pick yesterday: Win - Cade Cavalli @ MIA
My Pick today: Emmet Sheehan vs. COL
My Pick tomorrow: Tyler Wells vs. PIT
My Pick day after tomorrow: Unlock with PL Pro
My picks for the day after tomorrow are located at the bottom of this article for PL Pro members.
In addition, PL Pro Members have access to my 14-Day Sit/Start SP Grid, ranking all expected starters into the four tiers across the next fourteen days. You can find it on the PL Pro Hub Page.
PL Bot's 2025 Streamer Record: 105-56
PL Bot's Pick yesterday: Win - Cade Cavalli @ MIA
PL Bot's Pick today: Unlock with PL Pro
PL Bot's Pick tomorrow: Unlock with PL Pro
PL Bot's Pick day Sunday: Unlock with PL Pro
PL Bot's Picks are located at the bottom of this article for PL Pro members.
Tuesday 9/9 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
Auto-Starts
George Kirby vs. STL - He messed you up last week. Be a goldfish.
Emmet Sheehan vs. COL - Is this the first time all season I have a streamer in the top tier? It's "Rockie Road", y'all, and you saw what he did with an invitation down the "Reds Carpet".
Kyle Bradish vs. PIT - Bradish's slider haven't been quite as sharp as his season debut, but they should be there in a lovely matchup.
Shane Bieber vs. HOU - He doesn't have the "AGA" tag yet and those scared by his 5 ER game should not overrate one poor frame.
Ranger Suárez vs. NYM - I know it's the Mets, but Ranger has been too good.
Probably Starts
Zac Gallen @ SFG - The "TIARA" hath been removed and this is in San Francisco.
Robbie Ray vs. ARI - He didn't deserve the results of his last start and the velocity is very much there.
Cade Horton @ ATL - Horton has been cruising since the blister incident.
Noah Cameron @ CLE - Cameron wasn't as precise in his return after extended rest and I'm willing to wager he'll have better command against a Cleveland team that hates LHP.
Will Warren vs. DET - The Tigers are showing their teeth and I'm a little concerned about Warren suffering from fatigue in the second half. And yet, it's hard to say no to this.
Questionable Starts
Zebby Matthews @ LAA - We've seen both sides of the coin from Zebby. It's hard to tell what we'll get on a given day.
Adrian Houser @ CHW - It's away from Tampa Bay and this makes sense for those in need of a QS.
Joey Cantillo vs. KCR - Cantillo is a legit arm who is still working on his changeup command.
Chad Patrick @ TEX - It's a great matchup for Patrick, who has showcased himself as a decent play when he gets a spot start.
Michael King vs. CIN - He didn't have a rehab start in the minors - how long will they let him go? Expect the quality per inning to be fantastic.
Jack Leiter vs. MIL - Leiter has flexed legitimacy, but it still comes with more chaos than your standard "Cherry Bomb".
Sean Manaea @ PHI - How long will he go? Will it actually be worthwhile?
Yoendrys Gómez vs. TBR - Gómez has a great set of secondaries and a flat-attack four-seamer that could work against the Rays.
Jeffrey Springs vs. BOS - It's in "Sacré Verde" and that makes me a little afraid we'll get clouds instead of sunshine and rainbows.
Casey Mize @ NYY - It's a tough matchup for this "Toby".
Do Not Starts
Connelly Early @ ATH - It's an MLB for Early, who replaces Dustin May as the former Dodger heads the to IL (what a trade...). Early is a southpaw at 93/94 mph who commands the heater upstairs effectively around seven feet of extension, paired with a legit kick-change to RHB that he locates down-and-away. The curve is a strikeout pitch to RHB, though it sputters up-and-away a little too frequently, same with the sweeper that he saves for LHB. The sinker is saved exclusively for LHB, though I hope he can get it inside and off the plate to utilizie its 17-18" of run for quick outs. There's a chance we see that sinker work to RHB as well with its 6" of vert, making for a great set-up pitch for the changeup as a sneaky called strike offering down-and-away. I don't like starting pitchers in their MLB debuts, but I can see how this one could work.
Matthew Liberatore @ SEA - Despite the park, Liberatore looks fatigued in my view. I'm not interested in taking the risk.
Zack Littell @ SDP - He's had time as a "Vargas Rule" this year. I'm not trusting that against the Padres.
Spencer Strider vs. CHC - Strider's four-seamer and slider are just too hittable these days + it's the mighty Cubs offense.
Luis Garcia @ TOR - I'm terrified of this matchup + Garcia's four-seamer was just over 91 mph last time out - not the 94 mph from his last healthy season.
Mitchell Parker @ MIA - There's a chance, y'all. He's had glimpses of the "BSB" with his heater and curve + the slider is getting more involved + it's the Marlins! But yeah, FINE. Too risky.
Adam Mazur vs. WSN - We haven't seen him put it all together yet, why expect it now?
Mike Burrows @ BAL - How long will he go? Do you even want it to go longer?
Kyle Hendricks vs. MIN - Hendricks had three walks and zero strikeouts in his last start...with a good ERA. Somehow.
Germán Márquez @ LAD - It's the Colorado SP.
Wednesday 9/10 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
Auto-Starts
Paul Skenes @ BAL - Aces gonna ace.
Blake Snell vs. COL - Aces gonna ace.
Logan Gilbert vs. STL - Aces gonna ace.
Freddy Peralta @ TEX - Aces gonna ace.
Nick Pivetta vs. CIN - Aces gonna ace.
Chris Sale vs. CHC - Aces gonna ace. IT'S ACE DAY Y'ALL, ALRIGHT?!
Carlos Rodón vs. DET - He's been solid and you're running him out there.
Merrill Kelly vs. MIL - Kelly hasn't let you down in ages.
Cristopher Sánchez vs. NYM - Aces gonna ace with arguably the toughest matchup.
Probably Starts
Ryan Pepiot @ CHW - It's away from Tampa and against a middling team, even if they are the SlySox and hitting better than usual...
Eury Pérez vs. WSN - I know you're scared. Pérez has had two terrible innings across two starts. He's not that man.
Andrew Abbott @ SDP - Alright Abbott, this is your start. Get that heater and changeup in check.
Tyler Wells vs. PIT - Wells tossed over 80 pitches in his return from UCL surgery and now has a lovely set of matchups. The skills are where you want them to be.
Michael Wacha @ CLE - He's a "Toby" in a great matchup that should let his signature changeup thrive.
Jameson Taillon @ ATL - Taillon is a "Toby" against a decent offense. I think you're still safe to chase the QS and Win here.
Questionable Starts
Eduardo Rodriguez @ SFG - The Giants are heating up and as a "Toby", this could go either way.
José Soriano vs. MIN - He's a "HIPSTER". Good luck.
Payton Tolle (Opener) @ ATH - Tolle would be in the second tier, but the Red Sox announced on Monday that he wouldn't be starting this game, but could pitch out of the pen. That may be a bulk inning situation or just a few frames. I think his heater is abusrd and if he does show up here, it should help your squads. That said, the haze has me disinterested.
Clay Holmes @ PHI - I don't trust "The Adobe" with a lower ceiling that the blueprints outlined. But at least the Philles are a weak crew at the moment.
Jack Flaherty @ NYY - It's the Yankees and Flaherty has been a massive "HIPSTER".
Michael McGreevy @ SEA - It's a great park to pitch in, even if the Mariners pack a ton of thump. Hopefully McGreevy can continue to keep the ball on the ground and get through 5+, if not six.
José Berríos vs. HOU - He is "The Great Undulator". He needs a few great outings to get back into his normal range, though.
Logan Allen vs. KCR - It's not a good matchup and I'm generally against this. If you need to find volume, Allen has a little more potential than those in the bottom tier.
Do Not Starts
Taj Bradley @ LAA - He doesn't know where his pitches are going. No thanks.
Carson Seymour vs. ARI - Maybe there's five innings in there. I wish I liked his stuff more.
Jason Alexander @ TOR - It's a terrible matchup. If Alexander can execute the "Neckbeard" approach perfectly, he'll get through it. That's a slim chance, sadly.
Sean Burke vs. TBR - Is this the start that Burke puts all the pieces together? It's a rare occurrence
Mason Barnett vs. BOS - He's fresh off 18 whiffs and I don't buy it. Throw in "Sacré Verde" and I'm out.
Jake Irvin @ MIA - Uh huh. Even against Miami, don't do it.
Kyle Freeland @ LAD - Freeland had the game of his season in Coors last time he took the pearl. Unfortunately, that peak looks nothing like a plateau and the floor is still lava.
Thursday 9/11 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
New for PL Pro members - I am making the streaming table for an extra day out (no write-ups as these pitchers change often). I wanted to add a bonus for those who support us without taking anything away from everyone else, and I thought this was a good compromise.
In addition, PL Pro Members have access to my Sit/Start SP Grid, ranking all expected starters into the four tiers across the next fourteen days. You can find it on the PL Pro Hub Page.
