Roto Riteup: April 16, 2021

Mama said there would be days like these

Me checking my ratios today: pic.twitter.com/27H6g5ZSST

— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) April 14, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

Kendall Graveman closed out the first game of the double header for the Mariners against the Orioles. Rafael Montero was used in the sixth inning which seems to speak to either a committee approach or Graveman emerging as the guy in Seattle. Kenyan Middleton received the save opportunity in the second game, but that is just because neither Graveman nor Montero were available. Graveman should be picked up in most formats just in case he has the job. 

 

AJ Minter got the save opportunity in the ninth inning for the Braves and blew the lead, giving up two runs. The Braves would go on to win the game, so Minter was credited with a win. It was a bit strange to see the Braves use Minter instead of Will Smith here considering it wasn’t a back to back situation. Smith seems like the main guy, but it remains to be seen whether he is or this is a committee situation. 

 

Both Jordan Romano and Julian Merryweather were placed on the IL. Romano was diagnosed with ulnar neuritis and Merryweather is dealing with an oblique injury and a hip injury. It appears Rafael Dolis would be the next man up, but this is likely a fluid situation with David Phelps and Ryan Borucki likely in play as well. 

 

COVID Issues

Dylan Cease was placed on the COVID IL on Wednesday. Cease had COVID-like symptoms and as a precaution the White Sox placed him on the IL. It appears he should be activated as of Friday, but keep a close eye on what the White Sox announce as lineups are in. 

 

Quick Hits

The White Sox designated Nick Williams for assignment. Williams wasn’t fantasy relevant, but he was starting a fair amount over Andrew Vaughn so it would reason to think his demotion means Vaughn will play more. Vaughn has struggled with disjointed playing time, but he is a top prospect in baseball and there is reason to believe he should be able to work his way out of the early slump. 

 

Nomar Mazara was placed on the IL with an abdominal strain. This is a bummer because Mazara was starting to look better and elevate the ball. There is no timetable for his return. 

 

Ross Strpiling was placed on the 10-Day IL with a forearm strain. There is no timetable for his return, but this is a very concerning injury. 

 

Johnny Cueto was placed on the IL with a lat strain. The injury is a grade 1 strain, so it appears he should be back somewhat soon. 

 

Cavan Biggio was removed from Thursday’s game with a hand injury. He is expected to undergo more testing on Friday. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

 

 

Various News and Notes

Mitch Haniger went 2-for-4 with a home run. Haniger has started out the year hot, popping four home runs already this season. We have always known that Hangier is insanely talented with the bat, but he has been unable to stay healthy throughout the minors and in the Majors. He is definitely worth riding the hot streak, but it feels like there is always an injury around the corner with him. 

 

Patrick Corbin allowed nine earned runs in just two innings on six hits and four walks. Corbin really struggled in the outing, but it was more about the Diamondbacks making really good contact on good pitches. Two of the three homers he allowed were pretty good pitches outside of the zone that the Diamondbacks reached for and hit out. This is a really unfortunate outing, but I am not dropping him quite yet. 

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Jeff Hoffman vs CLE

Hoffman has looked very good so far and gets a struggling offense in Cleveland that may be missing Franmil Reyes in a National League park. 

 

High Risk Options: JT Brubaker at MIL, Adrian Houser vs PIT, Nick Pivetta vs CHW, Anthony Desclafani at MIA, Taylor Widener at WAS. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Dane Dunning vs BAL

He may not go deep, but Dunning has a nice matchup at home and looked pretty good in his first start. 

 

High Risk Options: Luke Weaver at WAS, Aaron Sanchez at MIA, Kwang Hyun Kim at PHI