Roto Riteup: August 4, 2015

There are a scant three Daily Shows with Jon Stewart manning his role as host. Today’s Roto Riteup was penned while watching the first episode of his final week.

On today’s agenda:
1. Jason Kipnis to the disabled list
2. Matt Moore sent down
3. Lance McCullers gets a breather
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Jason Kipnis to the disabled list
The Cleveland Indians may have seen the last of their playoff hopes disappear with Kipnis’ right shoulder inflammation. For those still clinging to hope, he could miss the minimum 15-days and be back for the stretch run — not to mention head-to-head playoffs — as the club doesn’t expect a long stint nor surgery to be on the horizon. For replacement options, I like Brock Holt, Jonathan Schoop or in extremely deep leagues, Ketel Marte. I’m expecting Marte to get time at both second base (when Robinson Cano DH’s) or in the outfield. He was hitting a solid if somewhat punchless .314/.359/.410 with 20 steals in 287 plate appearances at Triple-A before being called up.

Matt Moore sent down
Among the pitchers I was way off on coming into the season, Moore ranks right up near the top of the list. Of course Tommy John survivor rates are pretty solid, but it isn’t a guaranteed comeback. The Rays sent Moore to Triple-A to work out issues that have lead to him posting a 5.74 K/9 and 4.39 BB/9 to go with his 8.78 ERA and 5.67 FIP. Skipper Kevin Cash told reporters the club will utilize a four man rotation for now as they recalled third/first base prospect Richie Shaffer. Hitting .261/.353/.592 with 16 home runs in 215 Triple-A PAs (to go along with seven dongs in 175 Double-A PAs earlier in the year), Shaffer brings a power bat to a Rays lineup that owns a .382 slugging percentage, ranking 23rd in baseball. FanGraphs’ own Chris Mitchell spoke on Shaffer’s offensive strengths and weaknesses, and Mitchell believes Shaffer could be a league average bat right now. Kiley McDaniel noted the plus-power and bat speed Shaffer possesses, along with a revamped offensive approach. I’m not sure I’d add Shaffer to any non-keeper rosters other than AL-only or deep 14-team mixed leagues just yet, but definitely keep the 24-year-old on your watch lists.

Lance McCullers gets a breather
The Astros were expected to limit McCullers innings in some fashion, and rather than going to a six man rotation, the club as sent him down to Triple-A.

Hinch said the move will give McCullers a break; he may not throw while in the minors. #Astros

— Houston Astros (@astros) August 4, 2015

He may not even pitch while in the minors, thus ensuring to keep the fatigue to a minimum. This is speculation on my part, but it seems likely McCullers’ work load will be kept very low for three weeks or in order to keep him fresh for the postseason. He’ll have to be recalled no later than midnight of August 31st to be eligible for the playoffs, so I’d expect to see him back in the majors around the last week of the month.

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Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Patrick Corbin at WAS (Max Scherzer)
Sure, the chance for a win isn’t great for Corbin today, but I think he’ll post solid rate stats with some strikeouts today. The Nationals don’t rate too well against left-handers, particularly their 22.1 percent strikeout rate against them. Corbin is free to stream in just 25 percent of CBS formats, however he can be picked up in over 65 percent of both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

A pitcher to tomorrow: Luis Severino vs BOS (Steven Wright)
Of course I have to recommend Severino. The 21-year-old has electric stuff and I’d like to see a big debut from him. He’s available in less than 30 percent of CBS settings but is free to stream in almost 70 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! formats.