Roto Riteup: April 14, 2018

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April 14, 2018

The Roto Riteup is sliding into the weekend like:

On the Agenda:
1. Cole Continues to Dominate
2. Multi-HR Games
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Cole Continues to Dominate
Gerrit Cole notched 14 strikeouts in the Astros victory over the Rangers on Friday.


He would end up allowing 2 ER (2 HR) on 3 H over 7 IP, with 1 BB. While he didn’t factor into the decision, the 14 K game is his third-straight double-digit strikeout game to start the season. His 36 K over his first 3 GS with the Astros puts him first all-time among all starters in their first three turns on a new team. For fantasy purposes, Cole’s 36% SwStr% on his curveball, as well as the Astros ability to simplify his repertoire has breaded more than positive results. His 1.24 SIERA supports his current ERA of 1.29. He’s obviously not this good – and there’s a slight worry in regards to him allowing 3 HR thus far – but if he continues to get ahead in counts (68% F-Strike), then it’ll allow more opportunities for hitters to chase his curve. This could be the breakout we’ve all been waiting for with Cole.

 

Multi-HR Games
Todd Frazier: .282/.423/.538, 2 HR, 8 R, 8 RBI, 1 SB

Khris Davis: .264/.344/.547, 4 HR, 7 R, 10 RBI

Aaron Hicks: .364/.462/.909, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI

George Springer: .196/.292/.411, 3 HR (all against Cole Hamels), 8 R, 8 RBI

 

Various News and Notes
Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune reported that Dinelson Lamet has a torn ulnar collateral ligament and will undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery. Most fantasy owners were expecting him to return from a right elbow strain in May, but further investigation resulted in a much worse prognosis. Lamet went 7-8 with a 4.57 ERA and 1.24 WHIP with 139 K over 114 IP (21 GS) in 2017. Fantasy owners will have to wait until next season before thinking about rostering him.

Josh Donaldson was placed on the 10-day disabled list with right shoulder inflammation.


The DL-stint is retroactive to April 11th. Additional tests have revealed no structural damage, but the Blue Jays have yet to give a timetable for when he’ll return. Teoscar Hernandez was recalled from Triple-A Buffalo in a corresponding move. He hit second in the lineup on Friday – going 2-for-5 with two doubles, two RBI, and a stolen base. He hit .261/.305/.602 with 8 HR, 16 R, and 20 RBI over 88 AB in 2017, and is worth an immediate add in deeper-mixed formats due to his power/speed blend. Yangervis Solarte figures to handle the majority of the playing time at third base while Donaldson is out.

With Travis d’Arnaud (Tommy John surgery) and Kevin Plawecki (hand, three-to-four weeks) going on the 10-day disabled list, the Mets recalled Jose Labaton from Triple-A Las Vegas. He’ll form a committee with Tomas Nido. Lobaton doesn’t offer much in terms of fantasy upside, but he did do this once:

Ronald Guzman started and hit sixth in the Rangers lineup on Friday – going 1-for-3 with a walk. He’s always hit fairly well in the minor leagues and has a little pop as well. Eric Longenhagen placed him 8th on the Rangers prospect list coming into the season. He should receive the majority of the AB’s against RHP at first base, at least until the Rangers start to get some of their core players back. AL-Only owners could do worse with a speculation add.

Hanley Ramirez (hand) is expected to return to the lineup against the Orioles today.

J.T. Realmuto will begin a minor league rehab assignment today with High-A Jupiter. He should be returning from his back injury within the next five days or so.

According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Christian Yelich is “optimistic” he’ll be able to come off the DL when eligible tomorrow.

X-Rays were negative after Anthony Rendon hit a foul ball off his foot against the Rockies on Friday. Manager Dave Martinez will monitor how he’s feeling prior to today’s game.

According to Royal’s manager Ned Yost, Salvador Perez may go out on a rehab assignment this weekend. Perez is recovering from an MCL tear and could end up beating his initial timetable of four-to-six weeks if he indeed begins his assignment this weekend.

Drew Pomeranz is in line to be activated next week after a successful 86-pitch rehab start for Double-A Portland on Friday.

After being pulled from his rehab assignment earlier this week, Mark Trumbo could re-start his recovery from a strained quad this weekend.

Martin Prado played five innings in an extended Spring Training game on Friday. He should go out on a rehab assignment in the coming days. The Marlins intend on moving Brian Anderson into the outfield following Prado’s activation.

Mike Zunino took batting practice prior to Friday’s game, and will likely head on a rehab assignment in the coming days. He should return to the Mariners sometime next week.

Wei-Yin Chen intends to make his season debut on April 27th against the Rockies.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Miles Mikolas (recommended yesterday)

A Pitcher for Today: Marco Gonzales vs. OAK

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Ivan Nova @ MIA
Nova was stellar against a much better Miami lineup last year, and Marlins Park is arguably the best park for pitchers in all of baseball. Strikeouts may be limited, but Nova is available in a ton of leagues.





 

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.

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Choos on first
7 years ago

Any thoughts on starting Jon Gray tonight vs the Nats? He’s got an uphill battle going up against Scherzer, but after Freeland and the Rockies bullpen limited the Nats to one run last night, I’m feeling a little bit better about him today.

0
Mike Werner
7 years ago
Reply to  Choos on first

I’m starting Gray. Obviously not the best matchup, but I think there’s a better than not chance at a quality start.

0
francis_soyer
7 years ago
Reply to  Choos on first

I’m from the future … don’t do it.

5