Roto Riteup: April 10, 2017

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, I have returned to the Roto Riteup to spread knowledge, sarcasm, and just enough grammatical errors to annoy you on a daily basis. Starting today, I will be covering the Monday through Thursday shifts and I aim to please… my bosses at Rotographs. Let me know if there are any topics, ideas, or features that would make the Roto Riteup Great Again!

Before we move on, I would like to shout out Zach Sanders. Zach did this piece since its inception and he will be missed dearly. I can only hope to fill those tiny, tiny shoes. This one is for you brother!

via GIPHY

On the Agenda:

1. Bloody Sunday: Closer Carnage
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Bloody Sunday: Closer Carnage

It didn’t take long for us to have a blood bath at the closer position. Multiple guys were taken out for a ride on Sunday. Let’s take a look at a few:

Jeanmar Gomez gave up three runs in a blown save versus Washington. Following the game, Pete Mackanin stated that he’d be talking with him on Monday and that he’d “have something for you tomorrow” on the closing situation in Philly. Good news for those that stashed Hector Neris in leagues, but it wouldn’t be surprising for the Phillies to turn to Joaquin Benoit or a combination of both he and Neris considering that Benoit has prior closing experience and is on a one-year deal that may be attractive to contenders at the deadline.

Edwin Diaz entered a 9-4 game with the bases juiced and recorded two quick outs before the wheels fell off for him and the Mariners. This should not factor into his role as closer. I just mention it because I have a ton of shares and it pisses me off. On that same note, Kelvin Herrera also blew a save, but again, his role appears to be pretty safe.

Joe Nathan signed a minor league deal because Dusty Baker prefers geriatric patients to young studs. Speaking of which, if you were holding on to Koda Glover in redrafts, feel free to drop him as the walk-off win he served up on a silver platter to Cesar Hernandez should keep him buried for quite a while.

Jim Johnson blew his first save attempt of the season against the Pirates. This is one to monitor. Johnson should have a fairly decent leash considering the 2 year/$10 million deal he signed in the offseason, but there are some interesting names behind him if he struggles.

Glen Perkins is supposedly beginning to ramp up the intensity of his workouts as he rehabs his shoulder. Though considering he has pitched about as much as I have recently, who knows what this means in terms of if or when he returns.

Roberto Osuna is on track to return Tuesday!

Seung Hwan Oh allowed two hits, including a solo blast to Joey Votto, and a walk in a non-save opportunity. Starting the year off shakily is not encouraging with Trevor Rosenthal coming back from the DL and Brett Cecil in town after holding up St. Louis for a 4 year/$30.5 million deal.

Various News and Notes

Josh Donaldson left Sunday’s game with a leg injury, but never fear, he looks like he will ok and not need a DL stint. However, keep an eye on this situation because he was troubled by a calf injury most of Spring Training.

Dusty Baker described Trea Turner’s hamstring injury as “so-so” according to Nationals beat writer Mark Zuckerman. Which makes you glad that Dusty is not your general practitioner. Turner may end up needing a DL stint for this one. This is discouraging considering hamstring injuries tend to linger and recur.

Adam Frazier went 3-for-5 and led off for the Pirates. He is hitting .353/.450/.412 and has speed. Might be a good guy to grab in deeper leagues as it appears he is emerging as Clint Hurdle’s Swiss Army Knife and the fact he hits him high up in the order shows the level of confidence that Hurdle has in Frazier.

Trevor Cahill was placed on the 10-day DL and the crowd goes… meh.

Jeremy Hellickson left his start with a weird injury to his right forearm. Apparently, both forearms went numb and Hellickson couldn’t even un-ball his right hand. The club is blaming it on possible dehydration. Hellickson was cruising at the time. He had thrown five innings and only allowed one hit, one walk, and no runs while striking out two.

Jeremy Hellickson frustrated that arm numbness cut short his gem Sunday https://t.co/zZYusJtFxB pic.twitter.com/GJWY52jpv6

— Zesty MLB Phillies (@zesty_phillies) April 10, 2017

Raul Alcantara has been moved to the bullpen and Jesse Hahn will take his spot in the rotation. It is a surprising move that it happened so quickly for the rebuilding A’s, but Hahn has pitched well and could be an interesting streamer or injury fill in AL only leagues.

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Jharel Cotton ($7,700 on DK/62% Owned on Yahoo) @KC

Not a ton of great streaming options today, so depending on where you play Cotton is a decent option against a mediocre offense in a good park. Also like Brandon Finnegan today at Pit ($7,300 on DK/63% owned on Yahoo.)

A pitcher for tomorrow: Bartolo Colon (25% owned on Yahoo) @MIA

Big Sexy looked good in his debut this season and gets to go to the friendly confines of Marlins park tomorrow.