Roto Riteup: April 12, 2022

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April 12, 2022

I have a lot of questions.

1- How much is a flight to Kansas City?
2- Is intentional food poisoning covered by insurance?

On the Agenda: 

  1. Closer Chaos
  2. Quick Hits
  3. Various News and Notes
  4. Streaming Pitchers

 

Closer Chaos

Scott Barlow threw a third of an inning in the loss to the Guardians, allowing one run on a hit and a walk before being pulled. It was a bit weird that Barlow was even in the game in the eighth, especially since the Royals were down. His usage early in the season points to the likelihood that he is not the closer and most likely that there is no one closer in Kansas City. Barlow probably leads the Royals in saves, but I don’t know that anyone on this team saves 20 or more games. 

Jorge Lopez threw a scoreless ninth for the Orioles to register the save on Monday. This gives us some insight to who the closer will be in Baltimore now following the Susler trade to Miami. Lopez has looked good as a reliever in spring, so this could be successful. 

Daniel Bard blew the save in the ninth inning versus the Rangers on Monday. Most people thought coming into the season that the closer would be Alex Colome, but it appears that Bard is the lead guy, but if he struggles like this again, that could change. 

Quick Hits

Anibal Sanchez was placed on the 10-Day IL with a neck impingement. Sanchez is not expected to be out long. 

The Cardinals/Pirates game was postponed due to weather on Monday. With the postponement, Zach Thompson will be moved to Wednesday, costing him a two start week and Jordan Hicks will pitch in relief on Tuesday, which could actually make him an interesting streamer since he wouldn’t have gone deep enough as a starter to qualify for a win. 

Zac Gallen was scratched from his start on Monday due to a cut on his thumb. This doesn’t sound like a major issue and hopefully he will be able to make his next start. 

Danny Jansen was placed on the IL with an oblique strain. Zach Collins is likely in line for more playing time in his absence. 

Mike Trout was scratched from the lineup on Monday due to a non-COVID related illness. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Luis Patino left Monday’s game with an oblique injury. He was in clear pain when he suffered the injury. 

Patino will likely hit the IL and typically these types of injuries take 4-6 weeks to return from.

Taijuan Walker left his start on Monday with a shoulder issue. This is disappointing as he was great in the two innings before leaving the game. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Tuesday. Consider him day-to-day for now, but I would expect him to miss some time.

David Fletcher left Monday’s game with a hip issue on Monday. Consider him day-to-day for now.

 

Various News and Notes

Oscar Mercado went 1-for-5 with a home run in the victory over the Royals.

Mercado now has two home runs in his last two games, but they make up two of his three hits on the season. He has been hitting the ball hard which is good, but if he doesn’t reach base more, he will likely lose playing time to Josh Naylor, who is expected to return later this week.

Jorge Mateo went 1-for-3 with a stolen base and a run scored in the win over the Brewers on Monday.

Mateo is a former top prospect that may be the fastest player in Major League Baseball and he is getting playing time in Baltimore. If he continues to get playing time, he could legitimately steal 50+ bases, making him valuable in all formats.

Nick Martinez threw five innings versus the Giants, allowing one earned run on five hits and a walk while striking out six. Martinez had some struggles early, but was fantastic after that. He used a four pitch mix with all four pitches sporting a 33% CSW or better. Martinez reinvented himself in Japan and he looks pretty great in his first start back in the Majors. He is worth spot starting in most mixed leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

There are a lot of high risk options, but none that I am comfortable with this early in the season. 

High Risk Options: Andrew Heaney at MIN, Drew Smyly at PIT, Daniel Lynch at STL, Rich Hill at DET, Tommy Romero vs OAK. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Zach Thompson vs CHC

Thompson was impressive in a small sample last year and he gets a nice matchup at home. 

High Risk Options: None

 





 

Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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Michaelmember
2 years ago

Lopez was throwing 98 MPH! I’d try the sandwich. Most bbq sauces are sugary and there’s peanut butter and chocolate in some chilie’s and mole’s-so why not? It’s not gourmet but it might be tasty. I’d consult a doctor beforehand though, probably my cardiologist.

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