Roto Riteup: April 3, 2018

This is how feel at work most days:

That almost didn’t end well. ? pic.twitter.com/xLvApZKK37

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) March 31, 2018

On the Agenda:
1. Closer Chaos
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Closer Chaos
Keynan Middleton came in of relief of closer Blake Parker after Parker was unable to close out a four-out save against the A’s on Sunday. The Angels closing season was a bit muddled coming into the season with Cam Bedrosian and Parker seemingly fighting for the role, but now Middleton has been inserted into the fray. Shallower league players should avoid this mess if possible, but deeper league players may want to take a shot on Middleton in case he can wrestle the job away.

Kenley Jansen blew his first save of the season on Monday after Chris Owings hit a three-run bomb in the ninth inning to tie the game. Jansen sat 90-92 in the outing after struggling to touch 90 in his first outing of the year versus the Giants. That is a small improvement, but not what we have come to expect from the top closer in the game. Jansen may be dealing with an injury or mechanical issue right now, but there isn’t much one can do other than go stash Josh Fields or Scott Alexander in case he hits the DL.

 

Various News and Notes
Michael Conforto is traveling with the Mets to New York for their upcoming series versus the Phillies. He is first eligible to come off of the disabled list as of Thursday and appears to be on track to do so. Conforto had offseason surgery and was supposed to miss at least the first month of the season, but has crushed that timetable in a good way. In weekly leagues, he may not be worth activating as he would only have three games left in the week including a matchup versus ace Stephen Strasburg, but in daily formats, he should be good to go.

Speaking of the Mets, due to Monday’s postonment, Seth Lugo will be skipped in the rotation according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. Lugo earned the fifth spot in the rotation due to Jason Vargas hitting the DL and will likely head back to the pen or AAA once Vargas returns. However, the Mets have a number of injury risk pitchers and Lugo is an interesting pitcher with his elite spin rates. If you can afford to roster him for a little bit, he could surprise.

Shohei Ohtani got his first Major League win and quality start after throwing 6 innings and giving up three runs to the A’s. All three runs came via a Matt Chapman homer, but that wasn’t the only mistake he made. Ohtani had issues with sequencing and leaving pitches in the zone, but the stuff was excellent when he placed it right. The sequencing will come with time and working with his catchers and pitching coaches. This should be somewhat encouraging in terms of a Major League debut.

Joe Musgrove was placed on the 10-Day DL with a shoulder strain. He will shut down in hopes rest can help alleviate the issues. This is the second time this season he has been shut down with shoulder issues and while you should DL him if you have the room, it is ok to cut bait on him if you have a decision to make.

Matt Wieters was placed on the 10-Day DL with an oblique issue. Wieters is in the last year of his deal with the Nationals and they have no reason to continue to run him out there if he struggles. While he should get his job back, there is likely someone better on your waiver wires in mixed leagues.

According to Maria Guardado of MLB.com, Angels prospect Jahmai Jones will transition from the outfield to second base. The Angels have gone recent from a joke of a farm system to a decent minor league organization and they have definitely thickened up in the outfield depths. The move gives Jones an unblocked path to the Majors as Ian Kinsler is in the last year of his deal. Jones is widely considered a top 3-5 prospect in their system.

Contrary to reports late last week, Yulieski Gurriel will not be activated on Tuesday after his suspension and has been placed on the DL with a hand injury. It appears that his hand is not better and he will need a bit more time to get in the lineup for Houston. He will be eligible to return in 10-days.

 

Streaming Pitchers Options
A pitcher for today: Matthew Boyd @KC
KC has one of those lineups that are tempting for just about any streaming option.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Daniel Norris @KC
See above comment. Obviously more risk than Boyd, but I still believe in the talent.

And just for fun….

Edwin Encarnacion hit an inside-the-park home run.

This is a thing that actually happened. pic.twitter.com/upWkMLen4X

— ESPN (@espn) April 3, 2018