SP Streamers rankings 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: 114-63
My Pick yesterday: Win - Stephen Kolek @ LAA
My Pick today: Cade Povich vs. TBR
My Pick tomorrow: Brandon Sproat vs. WSH
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: 116-61
PL Bot's Pick yesterday: Loss - Jonah Tong @ CHC
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.
Thursday 9/25 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
Auto-Starts
Yoshinobu Yamamoto @ ARI - Aces gonna ace.
Carlos Rodón vs. CHW - Aces gonna ace.
Nick Lodolo vs. PIT - Lodolo has been pitching great and he finally gets to face a non-elite offense.
Shota Imanaga vs. NYM - Aces gonna ace... but it's the Mets.
Nolan McLean @ CHC - He's been unstoppable, though the Cubs could be that team.
Probably Starts
Drew Rasmussen @ BAL - It hasn't been prime Rasmussen in the slightest, but this is the situation you've been waiting for.
Framber Valdez @ ATH - He's been rough. This is the do-or-die moment for the Astros. Valdez's curveball has to return and I'm going to bet on him stepping up to the occasion.
Parker Messick vs. DET - The Tigers are worse against LHP and Messick has done enough to warrant a start.
Cade Povich vs. TBR - He's a "Toby" against a below-average offense in a decent park. That checks out.
Questionable Starts
J.T. Ginn vs. HOU - I like his command and it's not a bad matchup against a RHB-lineup. "Sacré Verde" scares me, while the ceiling/floor balance isn't enough in his favor.
Brayan Bello @ TOR - Bello has to endure the Jays. Not ideal, but those in need of a QS will likely go for it.
Walker Buehler vs. MIA - So I guess it's Buehler and not Taijuan Walker? Is Taijuan starting tomorrow or is he piggy-backing off Buehler? It looks to be in the best interest of the Phillies to give each a start and preserve bullets from this stud pitchers, but WHAT DO I KNOW. The smart play - if possible - is to pick-up both Buehler and Walker, start both, then drop both tomorrow, even if Taijuan is starting. You should find a win between the two, while I don't want to start Taijuan against the Twins if he starts tomorrow (but that's not the worst).
Tyler Mahle vs. MIN - Mahle is stretched out enough to go five full against a poor Twins lineup, though his ceiling isn't too high.
Emerson Hancock vs. COL - Woo is getting skipped after all, allowing Hancock a start in one of the best matchups possible "@TEA". Here's another sneaky play you'll likely be able to pick up for a Quality Start and good win chance.
Bailey Ober @ TEX - I can't find a single report about it, but Ober and Ryan have swapped. It's a much better scenario for Ober inside Texas, though y'all know the floor here. Good luck.
Troy Melton (Piggy-Back?) @ CLE - I LOVE Melton. Seriously. He'll be a target of mine next year, unless the hype gets out of hand (it will) and I won't have him. This is a surprise start, though, and Melton isn't stretched out in full, making this feel like a piggy-back with Keider Montero, capping his workload to 4/5 frames. HOWEVER, if Melton is cruising, I wonder if Detroit pushes him more than usual - they NEED to Win this game. I wish we had more clarity on Melton's ability and volume, so he's at the bottom of this tier. Remember, he still carries the "Shag Rug", especially for a high-adrenaline game.
Do Not Starts
Janson Junk @ PHI - He's fresh off 7+ frames and you're kinda tempted. I'm skeptical of the JunkBaller and the Phillies make it a tough bet to make.
Davis Martin @ NYY - Martin is awfully boring and it's the Yankees. There is a shot at six frames here.
Michael Lorenzen @ LAA - Lorenzen also went 7+ frames in his last outing, expressing the slim chance he carries each time he takes the mound of granting trusting managers a quality start.
Braxton Ashcraft @ CIN - I worry how long he'll go and if he'll actually take advantage of the time he does get.
Keider Montero (Opener) @ CLE - Montero has displayed some production in the past. It's too low of a ceiling to justify the floor with minimal volume, as he'll likely be the follower for Troy Melton today. Given that Melton isn't stretched out, there is a better Win chance for Montero, though the Tigers could feel the need to push Melton if he's cruising.
Mitch Farris vs. KCR - You don't want to spin the Farris wheel.
Bradley Blalock @ SEA - It's the Colorado SP.
Nabil Crismatt (Opener) vs. LAD - Gallen is being pushed for a bullpen game against the Dodgers, with Crismatt getting the bulk. No thanks. The Padres are an easier matchup for Gallen - you know, I wonder if the Sneks wanted to give Gallen a better matchup so he looks better for prospective teams to sign him in the off-season, raising the chance of Arizona receiving a comp pick. No way... right?
Louis Varland vs. BOS - It's a bullpen game for the Jays after José Berríos appeared in relief on Wednesday for 39 pitches in two innings with 3 ER. That's a 4.17 ERA for "The Great Undulator". The end of days have come. We saw Varland on Tuesday for a frame, so don't expect this to be much.
Friday 9/26 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
Auto-Starts
Shane Bieber vs. TBR - He's looked like an ace this year.
Trevor Rogers @ NYY - I initially had him in the second tier given it's the Yankees, but fine. You're not going to bench him. How could you, really?
Quinn Priester vs. CIN - The Brewers pushed up Patrick to better set up their rotation, pushing back Priester and Jay Mis a game. It's the "Reds Carpet" for a pitcher who doesn't get beat on sinkers and cutters over the plate. Yes, please.
Brandon Sproat @ MIA - It's the Marlins.
Probably Starts
Joe Ryan @ PHI - I know, you think he should be in the top tier. It's the Phillies + Ryan has been kinda meh for a little bit now. His four-seamer isn't dotted upstairs and the secondaries aren't doing a whole lot. I wouldn't be shocked if it has a little to do with his morale after not getting dealt at the deadline.
Joey Wentz vs. PIT - Wentz is pitching well and it's the Pirates.
UPDATE: Trevor McDonald vs. COL??? - Here's your super sleeper SP for the weekend. McDonald is a sinker/breaker arm who just tossed 89 pitches of 1 ER ball against the Dodgers. As a RHP against "Rockie Road" who can nail the outside corner with curveballs, McDonald could be the surprise play of the weekend. UPDATE: The MLB probable pitchers suddenly changed Teng to McDonald, with Teng not starting for the weekend. WHAT IS GOING ON?!
Will Warren vs. BAL - Warren has squeaked by over the last month and I wish I were more confident in his arsenal with a good matchup ahead.
Connelly Early vs. DET - I'm not concerned about his third outing. Tampa is known to throw pitchers off their game and Early's command was far different than his first two. It makes more sense to me that the park affected Connelly instead of the joyride ending... Early.
Noah Cameron @ ATH - Cameron has constantly proven himself against tough opponents. What's one more in "Sacré Verde"?
UPDATE Kai-Wei Teng vs. COL - Welcome to the weekend of loving the Giants. They get the gift of "Rockie Road" and Teng's strikeout ability founded on breaking balls sets him up for a high-impact potential outing on Friday. I'm going for it. UPDATE: The MLB probable pitchers suddenly changed Teng to McDonald, with Teng not starting for the weekend. WHAT IS GOING ON?!
Colin Rea vs. STL - He's a "Toby" for a winning club in a good situation. Throw in a starter who isn't expected to be a part of the post-season mix, and you have a recipe for more production than most across the weekend.
Questionable Starts
George Kirby vs. LAD - Kirby just had two fantastic starts, though they were both against RHB-heavy lineups. Now it's the Dodgers with many high-quality LHB and an overall better offense than the Angels and Astros. The Mariners may also have already locked up their postseason seed and will be hesitant to push Kirby. Be careful.
Sandy Alcantara vs. NYM - In his first season since getting TJS, Alcantara has already thrown 167.2 innings. Why oh WHY would the Marlins risk Alcantara before the off-season when they intended to deal him? Would one more strong outing really matter that much? And will it actually be any good against the Mets?!
Slade Cecconi vs. TEX - I know, Slade Brigade. You're upset I have him this low. It's not in Texas, though, and I still can't quite put my finger on Slade's success. The best I could come up with was his wide array of weapons, though the fastballs are the only ones doing significant damage, which are pretty dang average. But sure, "Vargas Rule" away.
Zac Gallen @ SDP - He was pushed to Friday and gets the Padres instead of the Dodgers. Gallen's improved changeup could be a difference maker and the slightly better matchup may get you across the finish line. I expect a full start with free agency ahead.
Yoendrys Gómez @ WSN - Gómez hasn't quite put everything together yet and I worry about Gómez's attack against LHB.
Jack Leiter vs. CLE - Leiter is a "PEAS" and he has to deal with the red-hot Guardians.
Luis Morales vs. KCR - Morales has to deal with "Sacré Verde" and a solid Royals crew. You know the volatility in here.
Cade Cavalli vs. CHW - Sure, Cavalli got through a start against the Mets. He hasn't been electric for a while and the SlySox are tougher than the Marlins and Pirates, you know, teams Cavalli couldn't exploit across the last three weeks.
Jason Alexander @ LAA - Alexander was just trounced by the Mariners, but this is the Angels. One start doesn't erase the season.
Zack Littell @ MIL - Who knows with Littell. He's a "Werewolf" I'd prefer to ignore, but I recognize that he has a higher chance than most to go six full innings given how badly the Reds need a Win.
Mitch Keller @ ATL - Keller has the leash to go a full six frames and maybe the sweeper is good enough to take down Atlanta.
Taijuan Walker vs. MIN - Oh, are they going to let him go at least five? Is he actually starting or is he going to piggy-back with Buehler on Thursday? WHAT IS THIS? If he doesn't show up Thursday and gets the pearl on Friday, I'm fine for this (yes, I know it's still Taijuan). It likely means he gets a proper start and could snag a Win - a rarity across the final weekend.
Yu Darvish vs. ARI - Does he even deserve to be in this tier? It's not like he's come through against poor lineups in September. But FINE, he really should have turned it around by now.
Clayton Kershaw @ SEA - It's the final regular season start of his career and despite all that extra adrenaline, we can point to his final start in Dodgers Stadium to what that actually adds. Oh, and the Mariners' offense is kinda great.
Casey Mize @ BOS - Mize is a "Toby" and this could be good enough. They really need him to crush, after all. He still hasn't quite figured out his slider, though, and the four-seamer sat 93/94 mph in his last start, not 95/96 mph.
Adrian Houser @ TOR – Chasing a Quality Start? Houser may be the answer.
Do Not Starts
Miles Mikolas @ CHC - Mikolas against the Cubs? With our fantasy seasons on the line? Riiiiiight.
Kyle Hendricks vs. HOU - Oh hey Hendricks. That was some game, eh?
Germán Márquez @ SFG - It's the Colorado SP.
Saturday 9/27 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
And
Sunday 9/28 Starting Pitcher Streamer Rankings
New for PL Pro members - I am making the streaming table for an extra day out. 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.
