Roto Riteup: May 16, 2017
Yesterday, I forgot to mention the retiring of Derek Jeter’s number and plaque dedication by the Yankees. I did this mostly because it is not fantasy related, but I have to acknowledge the amazing reaction by the internet.
If you look closely, you'll see that the role of Derek Jeter on his plaque will be played by 86-year-old Mickey Rooney. pic.twitter.com/YRd5mxmjFC
— Sean (@SEliasB) May 14, 2017
And of course there was this gem:
Give the Yankees credit, the inscription on Derek Jeter's plaque is 100 percent honest pic.twitter.com/f1RS7j5Ue1
— Dumb Bozo (@davelozo) May 15, 2017
On the Agenda:
1. Various News and Notes
2. Streaming Pitcher Options
Various News and Notes
Steve Pearce was placed on the 10-day DL with a calf strain. There is no clear timetable for his return at this time. The Blue Jays are running a lineup out there that includes Ezequiel Carrera, Justin Smoak, Ryan Goins, Luke Maile and Chris Coghlan. They are currently 17-22, 7 games behind the first place Yankees, and could end up being sellers at the deadline if they continue to struggle. Their impending free agents that could potential be trade chips include Jose Bautista, Francisco Liriano, and Marco Estrada. Josh Donaldson and Troy Tulowitzki are both expected to return to the lineup this week, however.
Hunter Pence was placed on the 10-day DL with a hamstring strain. It is considered a minor injury and Pence has stated that he expects to be activated once eligible on May 23rd. Mac Williamson was recalled to fill his spot on the roster and could see extended playing time in his absence and potentially after that with the cavernous hole in left field devoid of talent.
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash announced that Erasmo Ramirez will move into the rotation now that the club has demoted Blake Snell. There was some hope that the team could call up Brent Honeywell or Jacob Faria, but it was mostly a pipe dream considering how the Rays tend to slow roast their pitching prospects.
AJ Pollock was placed on the DL with a groin injury. The Diamondbacks brought up Reymond Fuentes in the corresponding move and while Gregor Blanco figures to garner the majority of playing time in Pollock’s absence, Fuentes could be a cheap source of speed in deeper formats. Pollock’s strain is a categorized as a Grade 1 strain, so he shouldn’t be gone for too long.
Carlos Gomez will be placed on the DL with a hamstring injury and is expected to miss about a month. With fellow outfielder Shin soo Choo also hurt, but not expected to hit the DL, the Rangers will call up 28-year-old prospect Jared Hoying. I have never heard of Hoying which should tell you everything you need to know.
Carlos Carrasco was pulled from his start on Monday with pectoral tightness. His velocity was down during the start and was obviously bothered by the injury. He is considered day-to-day with at this time and the Indians don’t appear too concerned at the moment, so hopefully this is just a bump in the road. This was my instant reaction at the time:
#Carrasco pic.twitter.com/5wAG2GholS
— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) May 16, 2017
Mark Melancon played catch and threw a bullpen on Monday. He is eligible to return on Tuesday, but the Giants have yet to say whether he will be activated right away or whether they will be more cautious.
Robinson Cano missed his fifth straight game on Monday with a strained quad. He was originally was penciled in the lineup, but was scratched late. It appears that he will avoid the DL as he took batting practice and did field work prior to the game.
Streaming Pitcher Options
A pitcher for today: JC Ramirez vs CHW
Ramirez coming off his worst start of the year, but gets to go against the putrid White Sox lineup at home. Should be a nice rebound start.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Jesse Hahn @ Sea
I am just going to continue streaming Hahn as long as people don’t buy in. He is nothing flashy, but he is quietly putting up good numbers start after start. Joe Biagini was also considered here and depending on you format, is worth a shot.
Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.
While you have not heard of Hoying, I think he is a worthwhile pick-up in deep leagues such as AL leagues with deep reserves. Hoying has stolen 20 bases a year the past three years, and this year has ramped up his power (.234 ISO) and plate discipline (12.3% walk rate). Not only is Gomez out 4 to 6 weeks — and Hoying will play CF in his stead — but the risk of Choo missing substantial time is greater than you suggest. Choo only played 48 games last year because of back problems, and while the Rangers have not placed him on the DL, it’s his lower back that is keeping him on the bench.
He could have some AL only appeal, but stealing 20 bases in the minors isn’t as difficult as doing it against Major league catchers. Not to mention, the fact we don’t actually know what his playing time situation will be like and whether the Ranger will even let him run. That .234 ISO is nice, but it’s also AAA Round Rock and he was hitting .242 there. At best he is a short term low end platoon bat.
Joc Peterson stole almost 30 bags a year in three minor league seasons too — and has a whopping 10 in his entire MLB career.