Roto Riteup: April 17, 2016

Is there a better time of the year for sports? Baseball’s in full swing, the NBA and NHL playoffs are kicking off, and the NFL Draft is just a couple weeks away.

On the agenda:
1. Homer Bailey is on the way back
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Homer Bailey is on the way back
Bailey threw 50 pitches in extended spring action yesterday, with the Reds reporting he sat in the low-90s with his fastball. Bailey still needs to fully stretch himself out in rehab starts, so he won’t be ready for big league hitters until at least the middle of May, but this is an excellent start to his return. Maybe Bailey won’t be the electric starter — albeit with somewhat lackluster results — that he was in the past, but an ERA in the high-3s or low-4s and a WHIP below 1.30 don’t seem out of the realm of possibility.

Various News and Notes
As expected, the Brewers recalled Zach Davies to start in place of Matt Garza, as the latter deals with a lat strain. I have a soft spot for Davies for obvious reasons, but also because he has an interesting profile; you don’t see too many sinker-changeup righties, but that’s how he rolls. Davies is a legit MLB starter, but probably not a fantasy one unless you’re playing NL-only.

Chris Young was roughed up by the A’s yesterday, and perhaps isn’t long for the rotation. Danny Duffy has pitched well in relief, and with an option of his pedigree, the Royals should have a quick hook with Young as a member of the rotation.

The Marlins promoted Kyle Barraclough to the majors this morning after he dominated in the high minors over the past two weeks. Barraclough has big stuff, and if he can tame it he looks like a future closer. Keep an eye on him if you’re looking for a long-term reliever play.

The current plan for the Cubs is to get Javier Baez in the lineup two or three times a week. Some hoped Baez would play pretty much every day across both the infield and the outfield, but that was a pipe dream.

Brad Miller finally popped one over the fence yesterday, and his line is all the way up to .125/.200/.281 now. He’s got some leash in Tampa, so don’t give up just yet.


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: 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.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Chase Anderson at MIN (Phil Hughes)
Anderson is off to a nice start to the season, and despite having to play against a DH, has a good matchup against the Twinkies.





Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.

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FastOne
7 years ago

Couple of stinkers in a row for your Streaming options.