Roto Riteup: May 10, 2018

by
May 10, 2018

The Roto Riteup reminds you to always put your best foot forward…..

On the Agenda:
1. Kershaw Gets Some Work In
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Kershaw Gets Some Work In
Clayton Kershaw played catch from about 60 feet on Wednesday.


Kershaw was recently placed on the disabled list due to left bicep tendinitis and currently has no concrete timetable for a return. The fact that he’s throwing is certainly a welcomed sign, but fantasy owners are definitely not as confident in him as they were a few years back. Prior to going down he was almost two ticks down in average fastball velocity, while seeing negative results in K/BB%, F-Strike%, HR/9, and SwStr%. This paired with his recent injury history leaves us wondering what the future has in store for him overall.

 

Various News and Notes
According to Chelsea Jones of the Washington Post, Adam Eaton is in Green Bay meeting with orthopedic surgeon Robert Anderson as he seeks a second opinion on his ankle injury. Eaton hasn’t played in an MLB game since April 8th and is currently in a walking boot to help stabilize the ankle and neutralize the pain. I’m no doctor, but all this paired with Eaton’s lengthy injury past makes me wonder how long this ailment may keep him out. Fantasy owners will need to continue to wait for more information as the days go by, but he’s not a must-stash in 10/12-team mixed formats if you’re in a roster crunch.

Alex Reyes allowed 0 ER on 4 H over 3.1 IP with 6 K and 1 BB in his first rehab outing with the Palm Beach Cardinals.


In total he threw 67 pitches and was sitting 94-95 mph, mixing in a couple 98 mph offerings and one 99. The Cardinals plan to stretch him out as a starter – at least for now – as he’s slated to head to Single-A in his next rehab start next week. Following that he’ll slide up the latter to Double and Triple-A. The Cardinals could potentially bring him up to the majors if he fairs well throughout this process and remains healthy. He’s eligible to come off the disabled list on May 28th, but fantasy owners will have to monitor whether he gets brought right up or has to stay at Triple-A until there’s an opening in the rotation. Either way, Reyes is a premier talent and should see significant MLB time this year. He’s worth stashing in just about any format at the moment.

Addison Russell was moved down to 8th in the lineup against the Marlins on Wednesday and went 3-for-3 — swatting his first home run of the year to go along with a double, two runs scored, two RBI, and two walks. Runs scored and OBP is about the only two categories we’ve been able to squeeze out of Russell thus far. I’d like to think that this could springboard him into a hot streak but based on his underlying metrics, there’s a lot of truth to his performance.

Zach Davies could potentially return to the Brewers rotation on Friday if his bullpen session was successful yesterday.


He hasn’t started a game since April 29th due to rotator cuff inflammation. Prior to going down he was exhibiting the worst F-Strike% and BB% of his career (minus a 6 GS stint in 2015) but was also getting a few more strikeouts at the same time. He’s a streamer in shallow formats.

Dustin Fowler was called up from Triple-A Nashville after hitting .310/.333/.484 with three home runs and eight stolen bases. He only saw a pinch-hit appearance in his first game on Wednesday, but he should see the bulk of the playing time against RHP.

Trevor Cahill was placed on the 10-day disable list due to a right elbow impingement. According to Athletics manager Bob Melvin, Cahill should be ready to be activated when he’s first eligible.

Rougned Odor is expected to be activated from the disabled list on Friday.


He’s struggled defensively during his rehab assignment, but the most important thing is his progression from a severe hamstring injury that’s sidelined him since early April. Coming off a down year in 2017, Odor will finally have a chance to turn things around for fantasy owners in 2018.

After being scratched from Wednesday’s start due to numbness in his left hand, David Price was told on Wednesday that he’s suffering from a case of carpel tunnel.


Price should be able to get back on the mound in short order, as this is a mild case. Red Sox manager Alex Cora even went as far as to say this was, “good news.”

Wade Miley is expected to miss four-to-six weeks due to a right oblique strain.

Brandon Drury will spend some more time in the minors according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone. It hasn’t been disclosed whether he’s still suffering from migraine issues or if the Yankees brass just isn’t happy with his results thus far. Once he returns it will likely been in a bench capacity.

Darren O’Day was placed on the disabled list due to a hyperextended right elbow. The Orioles haven’t determined a timetable for how long he’ll be out thus far. Brad Brach received a save chance on Wednesday and will likely be the frontrunner for closing duties if he wasn’t already. At least until Zach Britton returns.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: None
High-Risk Pitcher for Today: Vincent Velasquez vs. SF

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: None
High-Risk Pitcher for Tomorrow: Brandon McCarthy @ MIA
Great ballpark, equally bad offense. McCarthy may lack strikeouts and high innings totals, but he keeps the ball on the ground at a high clip.





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Nasty Nate
5 years ago

All the best art is untitled…

0