Roto Riteup: April 20, 2018

The Roto Riteup reminds you to always stay observant!

Evan Gattis forgets number of outs, walks into triple play ?? pic.twitter.com/Ntj6PgRMJk

— MLB Memes (@MLBMeme) April 19, 2018

On the Agenda:
Harvey Demotion?
Various News and Notes
Streaming Pitchers

Harvey Demotion
It is currently undecided whether Matt Harvey will take his next turn in the rotation according to Mets manager Mickey Callaway.

Mickey Callaway won’t commit to another start for Matt Harvey right now. #Mets

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 20, 2018

Jason Vargas’s return is looming, and Harvey just came off an outing in which he allowed 6 ER (1 HR). In four GS thus far, he’s allowed 14 ER, 26 H, and 4 HR to go along with a 17/4 K:BB ratio spanning 21 IP (0 QS). His SIERA is improved from the last two years, but his current results in F-Strike%, velocity, SwStr%, and HR/9 almost mimic that of 2017. If Harvey were to be shifted to the bullpen – or even sent down to the minor leagues – fantasy owners who could’ve been using him in NL-Only formats will have to find a replacement.

Various News and Notes

Chris Owings was removed from Thursdays game against the Giants in the third inning after colliding with teammate A.J. Pollock.

What a great play by Chris Owings in the right-center gap. But he collides with A.J. Pollock and comes out of the game. Hopefully just precautionary. pic.twitter.com/PXUQIN4af7

— FOX Sports Arizona (@FOXSPORTSAZ) April 20, 2018

There’s been no official word as of now as to what his injury is, but based on the blow to the head, he’ll likely be seeing a concussion specialist. Jarrod Dyson filled in the rest of the game and would likely be the fill-in if Owings goes on the DL. Owings hit .311 with four home runs and seven stolen bases last April, but has performed less admirably this year.

The Giants are still awaiting the results of an MRI that was performed on Hunter Pence’s right thumb. Mac Williamson is likely heading to San Francisco – as Pence has a good chance of landing on the disabled list. Pence has been dreadful to start the year and is not worth rostering in any leagues besides NL-Only and deep mixed formats.

According to Bob Nightengale, Madison Bumgarner had the pins removed from his injured hand and will likely start playing catch in about two weeks. The Giants are placing a Late-May/Early-June timetable for his return.

In Blue Jays news — Josh Donaldson started a throwing program on Thursday. He’s also been hitting and running the bases over the last several days, with manager John Gibbons even mentioning that he “feels great.” Troy Tulowitzki received a follow-up from a foot specialist on Thursday. He was placed on the 60-Day DL and won’t be eligible to return until May. He’s worth keeping in a DL slot in AL-Only formats, but mixed league owners can do better with the spot considering his age, regression, and durability.

Per #BlueJays PR, in addition to starting his throwing program today, Donaldson has been hitting for several days and running the bases. Tulowitzki will be evaluated again next week by a foot specialist as a follow-up to previous surgery.

— Gregor Chisholm (@gregorMLB) April 19, 2018

 

According to Pete Abraham, Xander Bogaerts has been on the field doing agility drills during the Red Sox series against the Angels.

Xander Bogaerts on the field here in Anaheim doing agility drills. Third consecutive day of workouts. If he doesn’t return on this trip, it’ll probably be once the Sox return home.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) April 19, 2018

The “long-end” of Abraham’s timetable would have him coming back in about a week. He was off to a blistering start before going down (.368/.400/.711), but fantasy owners will have to monitor how often he gets the green light now based on his ankle injury.

According to Mark Bowman, Tyler Flowers is expected to start a rehab assignment this weekend. Kurt Suzuki has been great during Flower’s absence. While his return will be nice for a lot of fantasy owners, we should also be hesitant to activate him immediately. Oblique injuries and Suzuki’s play of late could be roadblocks for somewhat regular playing time – at least initially.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone says Clint Frazier is working out “full bore” in High-A Tampa. He should make it into games very soon at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes-Barre. Frazier has been rehabbing from concussion symptoms since February. He’s a nice stash in deeper-mixed, and AL-Only formats.

Ryon Healy has started his rehab assignment with Double-A Arkansas, and should make it back to the Mariners lineup sometime early next week. Healy is rehabbing from an ankle injury. Dan Vogelbach has hit .259/.333/.519 with two home runs and five RBI against RHP (30 PA). If Vogelbach stays in the big leagues, Healy owners in deeper leagues will have to expect a decrease in playing time.

According to Jon Meoli, Zach Britton is scheduled to throw off a half-mound today. The Orioles believe that “early June” is a solid target for the southpaw returning from a ruptured achilles. Brad Brach will continue to gather save chances in his stead and could possibly keep the role all year.

Streaming Pitchers

A Pitcher for Today: Ivan Nova @ PHI
Nova has one BB over his last three starts combined, with 18 K over those 19 IP. Home runs have been a problem – and the Phillies are top-10 in wOBA – but his heightened SwStr% and solid GB-tilt give me optimism.

(Justin’s Pitcher for Today: Andrew Heaney)

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Kyle Gibson @ TB
Gibson gave up one run in two outings before getting blasted by the Astros. This time he’ll get the Rays in a pitchers-park. Enough said.