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.