Roto Riteup: April 20 2021

This made me laugh more than it should have:

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

Rafael Montero got the save on Monday, throwing a scoreless inning versus the Dodgers. He did walk one and hit Mookie Betts, but was able to finish the game. This is a bit frustrating for fantasy players who invested in Kendall Graveman recently (slowly raises hand,) but while it appears Montero is back in the driver’s seat, his leash on the role is far from long. 

 

COVID Issues

Jose Alvarado, Matt Moore, and Ronald Torreyes were placed on the COVID IL prior to the Phillies game versus the Giants. It is good news that they played the game, so hopefully this isn’t any larger of an issue than this. 

According to manager Rocco Baldelli, there were no new positive tests for COVID-19. The Twins had to postpone their last series versus the Angels, but appear to be ready to play a doubleheader today versus the Athletics. 

 

Quick Hits

Starling Marte was placed on the IL with a rib fracture. It is a non-displaced fracture, so that is good news, but he will miss a fair amount of time and there won’t be an exact timetable for at least a week. 

Mookie Betts was hit by a pitch in the ninth inning. Betts was able to stay in the game and run the bases, but after the game, manager Dave Roberts stated that he would undergo testing on the wrist on Tuesday. Expect him to likely sit today and consider him day to day for now. 

 

Various News and Notes

Paul DeJong went 2-for-4 with two home runs in the drubbing of the Nationals. The Cardinals teed off on Joe Ross and the Nationals for five home runs. DeJong has been striking out a ton, but he is also hitting for a ton of power and walking. He has already hit more home runs than he did all of last season. He is getting a little bad luck in the BABIP department, but a larger part of it is his approach. I think he should improve, but how much will depend on if he changes some things.  

Austin Slater went 2-for-4 with a stolen base versus the Phillies. Slater has struggled this year, but the Giants clearly believe in him and have let him play through it. He is leading off against lefties and playing some against righties. He should be rostered in deeper mixed leagues because he has an interesting upside in the power and speed department if he can stay healthy. 

Danny Duffy threw six innings, allowing two unearned runs on four hits and two walks while striking out eight in the loss versus the Rays. Duffy has been averaging 94 mph on the fastball and he is throwing the slider more. I am a little worried about the amount of contact he is allowing especially in the air, but it hasn’t been hard contact yet. It is hard to not want to buy in, but I am not ready to use him more than just as a short term streamer quite yet. 

Kohei Arihara threw 5.2 innings versus the Angels, allowing no runs and striking out six. Arihara has been very impressive early in his MLB career and he threw more innings in Japan than anyone did in the Majors last year which means he is the best suited to pile on a ton of innings in a good park. At worst he is a stable innings eater which has value, but he could be a bit more than that based on his early returns. 

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Michael Fulmer vs PIT

Fulmer got his first win in a few years and has a great matchup coming with the Pirates.  

High Risk Options: Jordan Lyles at LAA. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Jakob Junis vs TB

The Rays have struggled this year and Junis has looked really good with the addition of a new pitch. 

High Risk Options: Ryan Weathers vs MIL, Jose Quintana vs TEX, Bruce Zimmermann at MIA, Adrian Houser at SD. 





Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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CatWolf
2 years ago

I really blue it by dropping Montero for Graveman last week

edwinblumemember
2 years ago
Reply to  CatWolf

sigh

wubbie075
2 years ago
Reply to  edwinblume

Sorry edwinblewm 🙁

docgooden85member
2 years ago
Reply to  CatWolf

“I’m afraid I just blue myself.” – Tobias Funke