Roto Riteup: April 19, 2019

We love to make things simple here at the Roto Riteup.

Made the bat boy’s job easy. 😂 #LTKP pic.twitter.com/qZ5h5OAU8T

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 19, 2019

On the Agenda:
1. Various News and Notes
2. Streaming Pitchers

 

Various News and Notes
Lucas Giolito was placed on the 10-day IL due to a left hamstring injury. He looked tremendous against the Royals before departing the game, and should be on everyone’s “watch list” at least for the time being. He figures to miss a few runs through the rotation. The White Sox will likely go with someone like Dylan Covey to take his spot, but if for some reason Dylan Cease gets the call he needs to be added immediately in all formats.

Fernando Tatis Jr went 2-for-4 out of the leadoff spot against the Reds on Thursday and is now hitting .409/.417/.773 with 4 XBH (2 HR) and 6 RBI the last seven days. If he maintains his position in the lineup, we could really see a nice uptick in multiple counting stats.

Christin Stewart was placed on the injured list on Thursday due to a right quad strain. He was hitting .222/.313/.519 with 3 HR and 13 RBI prior to going down. Dustin Peterson started in left field against the White Sox yesterday (went 1-for-4 with two RBI) and figures to get some run until Stewart returns.

The Rays prized RHP prospect Brent Honeywell has been shut down for a few days after experiencing soreness in his pitching elbow and forearm.

#Rays Cash said Brent Honeywell had some soreness in the forearm area, which he said is pretty common, but he has been shut down from throwing for a couple of days. Team is hopeful that it’s nothing more than soreness.

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 18, 2019

Hopefully this is nothing serious. Honeywell has immense upside and it’d be nice if the Rays could get him some MLB reps this year before possibly letting him start the 2020 season in the rotation. Let’s keep our fingers crossed.

Odubel Herrera was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a right hamstring strain that he suffered in Wednesday’s game against the Mets. The injury is only supposed to sideline him for the minimum amount of time, but in his absence Roman Quinn (just activated) and Aaron Altherr figure to get some run in center field. For what it’s worth, Quinn received the first crack at it yesterday against the Rockies and proceeded to go 0-for-4 with four strikeouts. He’s still the more valuable add however, as his speed could be an asset in deeper formats regardless of playing time.

Khris Davis agreed to a two-year deal with the Athletics.

Slugger Khris Davis and the Oakland A’s are in agreement on a two-year, $33.5 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) April 18, 2019

 

Since being traded to Oakland before the 2016 season, Khris Davis leads @MLB with 143 HR.

The next closest player (Stanton) trails him by 19 dingers. pic.twitter.com/QyIwcoEUC6

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) April 18, 2019

This is obviously stellar news for Oakland and fantasy owners. Davis is one of the true premier power hitters in the game right now and has found himself a nice home with the Athletics.

Daniel Murphy is making progress in his recovery from a broken index finger:

#Rockies updates:
— 1B Daniel Murphy will do full baseball activities on the field today. He took full batting practice Monday and Tuesday
— LHP Jake McGee after two weeks resting an MCL sprain, is strengthening and playing catch for a week, then will decide the next move.

— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) April 18, 2019

We still don’t have a clear timetable for a return, but things are obviously moving in the right direction. Garrett Hampson has been receiving increased playing time due to multiple injuries, but is currently sporting a .186/.210/.288 line (16/2 K:BB) with 3 XBH (1 HR) and one stolen base in two attempts over 63 PA. The Rockies will “Rockie” but I think Hampson is a very interesting buy low based on his insane speed and possible upside.

Speaking of the Rockies, both David Dahl and Ryan McMahon returned from their respective injuries yesterday! Dahl manned center field, hit second, and went 1-for-3 with a walk, run, and a double. As for McMahon, well, let’s just say he was happy to be back.

Like our friends down the road say, RyMac for one, two, THREEEEEEEEEEE!#RyMacJack 💥 pic.twitter.com/2y3dL3ympW

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 19, 2019

 

#RyMacJack 💥 2.0 pic.twitter.com/YUhdxI2yue

— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) April 19, 2019

In all he went 3-for-5 with two runs scored and five RBI out of the fifth spot in the lineup. Suffice it to say, if he was dropped in your league he needs to be picked back up.

One of the loves of my life – Julio Urias – will be relegated to the bullpen despite holding the Brewers scoreless over 6 IP with 9 K and 2 BB (1 hit allowed). The Dodgers want to limit Urias’ innings and Hyun-Jin Ryu is returning to the Dodgers rotation on Saturday according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com. I recommend holding in almost any formats as Urias is one of the most polished and exciting young arms in the game. We could be talking about him as a potential top-30 option in drafts next year. Rich Hill is also on his way back in the not-so-distant future, as he’s slated to throw in another rehab game on Monday.

According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, the Yankees have had, “conversations” about Miguel Andujar possibly being shifted to first base due to his shoulder issues. We’ll see how his continued rehab goes, but this could be potentially bad news for Luke Voit owners depending on how this shakes out.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
A Pitcher for Today: Caleb Smith vs WAS
Smith has been stellar this season and gets the added benefit of pitching in Marlins Park. Oddly enough, this will also be the first time he’s faced the Nationals as well.

High-Risk Option: Anibal Sanchez at MIA, Jordan Lyles vs SF
It’s the Marlins at Marlins Park, almost enough said. His command has been extremely off thus far, but if things get back on track he could be in for a very strong outing. Lyles has allowed 1 ER in 2 GS and gets the lowly Giants at home in the comfy confines of PNC Park. The Giants typically do better on the road, but Lyles has made some strides from a skills perspective.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Derek Holland at PIT
The PIT offense is dead last in wRC+ against LHP thus far (49) and also rock the second-highest K% (30). Holland has allowed a homerun in all four starts and is sporting a STRONG FB-tilt (over 50%). With that said, he’s getting ahead of hitters at the second-best clip of his career and compiling his best Swing-Str% and K/9 of his career as well.

High-Risk Option: Mike Fiers vs TOR
Great home park for the FB-heavy Fiers. The TOR offense is 23rd in wRC+ against RHP and also own the second-highest K% as a team. The only two scoreless appearances that Fiers has had this season have come at home against BOS and LAA. I think he could do it again tomorrow.