Fantasy Baseball 2021: Highlighting Top Sleepers for MLB Week 3

Atlanta's starting rotation experienced some struggles in the opening two weeks of the Major League Baseball season. 

Drew Smyly was not immune to the run concession, but he has displayed signs that he can be a functional piece in the rotation.

His presence could be even more important in the coming weeks if Max Fried is placed on the injured list following an MRI on his right hamstring after Tuesday's loss to the Miami Marlins, per David O'Brien of The Athletic.

Smyly is one of a handful of players rostered in less than half of fantasy baseball leagues who could prove to be valuable for the rest of the week and beyond. 

With Mike Soroka working his way back from an Achilles injury and Fried potentially sidelined, Smyly has become more important to the Atlanta rotation.

The southpaw shined in his team debut with eight strikeouts over six innings against the Washington Nationals. His second outing versus the Philadelphia Phillies wasn't as successful, though, and he conceded five earned runs on five hits and only struck out three batters. 

The good news for Smyly is he should face the Chicago Cubs in his next scheduled start on Friday. They haven't scored more than five runs in a single game. 

If the 31-year-old keeps the Cubs off balance to continue that trend, he could deliver a quality start that may give you an edge in weekly leagues. 

Smyly is currently rostered in 45 percent of Yahoo leagues, per Fantasy Pros. If Fried heads to the IL or misses a start, his value may go up. 

Tim Locastro will carry fantasy value as long as he continues to reach base and swipe bags. 

The Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder is riding a six-game hitting streak, which was highlighted by a four-hit performance against the Cincinnati Reds on April 10. 

Two of Locastro's three stolen bases occurred in the last four days. If he uses his speed well, he could give you an edge in that category. 

Additionally, the 28-year-old scored four of his six runs over the last five games and may cross the plate more in a weekend series with the Nationals, which allowed seven or more runs three times in the last week.

Locastro will not be added for his power, but if you want to use him as a streaming option, he could chip in solid totals in hits, runs and stolen bases. 

Myles Straw displayed some qualities that he be a solid option at the end of the Houston Astros lineup. 

The 26-year-old recorded a base hit in five of his last seven games and knocked in three runs during that stretch. 

Straw may not be the best RBI option on the waiver wire, but he could be a solid runs and hits contributor if the top of the Houston order finds some form. 

On Tuesday, Straw hit in front of Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley, who combined for one hit against Matthew Boyd and the Detroit Tigers relievers. 

The perfect remedy for any struggles should come in the next week, when the Astros visit the Seattle Mariners for three games and then head to Coors Field for two clashes with the Colorado Rockies. 

If Straw continues to reach base and the power hitters at the top of Houston's order take advantage of the two poor pitching staffs, the Astros could put together a solid winning run. 

Since Straw holds eligibility at shortstop in Yahoo leagues, he could be called upon as a versatile streamer for at least the next week.

Follow Joe on Twitter, @JTansey90.

Statistics obtained from MLB.com.