Roto Riteup: April 16, 2016

Today’s Roto Riteup is sponsored by Booty-O’s. They make sure you ain’t booty!

On the agenda:
1. Some Orioles are hot, others are not
2. Bumgarner vs Kershaw
3. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Some Orioles are hot, others are not
The Orioles are 8-2 and have the best wRC+ in baseball by almost 20 points. Chris Davis and Manny Machado are both doing their thang, but they’ve had help.

Mark Trumbo has excelled after escaping his own personal hell known as Safeco Field, hitting five homers already and, perhaps most importantly, showing signs of improved contact skills in his age-30 season. Jonathan Schoop has also started out spitting hot fire, hitting three homers of his own while carrying a .300-plus average. However, he’s showing the opposite of Trumbo, with a decrease in contact; it’s early and it’s never been his forte, but it’s worth keeping an eye on. Joey Rickard is slapping liners all over the globe, but it will be interesting to see if he starts walking at a rate more in line with his minor league profile.

Not everything is roses dipped in peaches and cream, though. Pedro Alvarez is walking, but not contributing anything else just yet. Matt Wieters is probably regretting not seeking out a long-term deal this offseason after his slow start, in which he’s struck out in nine of his 27 ABs. Again: it’s early, but the stats count just the same, and perhaps it’s not too early to start preparing to replace both Alvarez and Wieters.

Bumgarner vs Kershaw
America was treated to Madison Bumgarner, Clayton Kershaw, and Vin Scully last night. After a strong outing against the Dodgers last week Bumgarner struggled and was not in any way helped by a door defensive performance from Kelby Tomlinson and the rest of Los Gigantes. Bumgarner allowed two ding-dongs to Kiké Hernandez, including one on the first pitch of the game, but did strike out seven while walking just one. Kershaw wasn’t overly sharp, but he doesn’t have to be to get through an outing. The Dodgers’ lefty struck out six over seven innings.

Various News and Notes
Jacob deGrom’s lat injury may end up being more serious than the Mets let on. Unless something miraculous happens, he won’t be making his start early next week, and the Mets should chose to place him on the DL to free up a roster spot.

Lance McCullers won’t make his scheduled start today as he works his way back from shoulder inflammation. This isn’t good news, but I don’t want to freak out just yet. Well, I do, but I don’t want to incite mass panic and get anyone trampled on the way to the exit.

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

A pitcher for today: Tom Koehler vs ATL (Bud Norris)
Picking against the Braves is just too easy this year. Jonathon Niese at home against the Brewers is also a good option.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Jarred Cosart vs ATL (Jhoulys Chacin)
Sunday is not a good day for low-end starters, so stick with the play against the Braves, or be willing to spend more in your DFS lineup.