Roto Riteup: April 19, 2024

Let’s replace the celebrity softball game with an all-mascot game please.

https://www. twitter.com/Orioles/status/1780317798599684132

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

Closer Chaos

Colin Poche threw a scoreless ninth inning on Thursday versus the Angels to secure the save in the victory. Pete Fairbanks did throw the previous two days and was likely unavailable, but he has also struggled. One would assume that Jason Adam would likely be the next man up in Tampa if Fairbanks lost the job, but Poche could factor in as well. 

 

Quick Hits

Tyler O’Neill was placed on the IL with a concussion. The move is retroactive to April 16th which means he could return next week. 

Robert Stephenson will undergo elbow surgery and miss the rest of the season. At one point, Stephenson was thought to be the closer in Anaheim, but he will miss the entire season before throwing a pitch in an Angels uniform. 

Aroldis Chapman was suspended for two games for actions during the game on Monday versus the Mets. He will likely play while he appeals. 

Ryne Nelson left Thursday’s game versus the Giants after being hit with a comebacker in the elbow.

Diamondbacks starter Ryne Nelson left the game early after taking a comebacker to his arm. pic.twitter.com/PzitWQvDna

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 19, 2024

He was diagnosed with a contusion. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

 

Various News and Notes

Jack Leiter made his Major League debut, allowing seven runs on eight hits and three walks while striking out three in 3.2 innings in the no-decision versus the Tigers on Thursday. 

Jack Leiter's 1st MLB K.

Only took 3 pitches. pic.twitter.com/8a4VzaNA4A

— Alex Fast (@AlexFast8) April 18, 2024

Leiter had moments when he looked unhittable, but also others where he struggled to find the zone or command within it. He is a top tier prospect, but he has struggled with control and command throughout the minors. With Cody Bradford returning eventually, Leiter will have to pitch much better to stick in the Majors.

According to a report from The Athletic, Triston McKenzie is pitching with a tear in his right elbow. McKenzie has been struggling with velocity and control this season so it is not surprising that he is not healthy. His next start is versus the A’s. If he struggles in that outing, he is likely droppable in all formats.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today:  None

A lot of good high risk options, but none that I am jumping to attack. 

High Risk Options: Tyler Anderson at CIN, Clarke Schmidt vs TB, Yariel rodriguez at SD, Jameson Taillon vs MIA, Alec Marsh vs BAL Matt Waldron vs TOR. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

Kind of a rough slate for the lower rostered guys. 

High Risk Options: Patrick Sandoval at CIN, Graham Ashcraft vs LAA, Jose Butto at LAD. 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”