Roto Riteup: April 21, 2016

We all know what shrimp is, right? The old walk-off walk, one of the most disheartening ways to lose a game, particularly for a pitcher? Well what, exactly, do we call what happened in the 10th inning in Baltimore last night?

A walk-off passed ball? You’re killing me, Josh Thole. I don’t even know. Is this…prawn? Krill?

On the agenda:
1. The Archer’s bows have broken
2. Ross might be on a break
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

The Archer’s bows have broken
Chris Archer entered Wednesday’s start looking to rediscover his “A” slider. What did you learn tonight? After 4.1 innings of work against the Red Sox, he’s still looking for it. Archer gave up six runs on eight hits and three walks, pushing his season ERA to 7.32.

There’s no reason to panic. Maybe the poor results from his slider warrant a more in-depth look, sure. But it’s four starts, one of which he was quite electric in, and he’s still striking out more than 13 per-nine, with an 11.5-percent swinging-strike rate. Fully 40 percent of his fly falls have gone for home runs, and that’s just not going to continue. But you drafted him as he No. 17 starting pitcher, so I understand any frustration. Just be patient. (There’s no sense saying “buy low,” either, because that’s pretty useless advice in quality leagues where Archer won’t be shopped for a discount.)

Ross might be on a break
Well, this is no good. Tyson Ross is set for an MRI on his troublesome shoulder, and while the Padres are hoping to get him back in two weeks, this is concerning for those who took Ross as a top-25 starter at draft time. He managed just one start, giving up seven Ernies and a Bert while striking out five in 5.1 innings. The news means the competition for the team’s final rotation spot stretches a little longer. Drew Pomeranz has run with the opportunity and been the team’s best arm through three turns, while Colin Rea and Robbie Erlin have been less effective, albeit with decent peripherals.

It doesn’t get better elsewhere in the Ross family – Joe Ross left his start yesterday due to a blister. He was slated for a nice matchup against the Phillies next time up, and it would be unfortunate for him to lose that turn.

Various News and Notes
The Phillies recalled Andrew Bailey, who was probably once a big part of you fantasy life. Jeanmar Gomez is just fine with the closer gig there, but it’s nice to see Bailey bounce back with 10 strikeouts in five minor-league innings.

Chris Sale is ridiculous. Literally the only Angel who could hit him yesterday was Mike Trout, who did so twice. Sale’s already at four wins and 26 strikeouts, and he’ll draw a nice test in Toronto on Monday. Maybe the real test would be the Mets, who have gone back-to-back in three straight games to vault to seventh in team wRC+. They’re rolling until they eventually draw Jordan Zimmermann, whose scoreless streak is now at 19.1 innings, a nice way to start a season.

The Red Sox might get Xander Bogaerts back Thursday, as his quad tightness could be behind him. They have an early start, so you’ll have time to adjust if not. Danny Valencia suffered a left hamstring strain Wednesday. The As might be thin on replacements, as Eric Sogard will miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing left knee surgery, an injury he was already on the shelf with.

In better news for Oakland, Kendall Graveman shut down the Yankees to the tune of one run and three hits over 6.1. He’s off to a nice start – 15 strikeouts and a 2.04 ERA in 17.1 innings – but he’s not trusted enough for an outing against Detroit next time up.

Chris Carter mashed a double and a homer to continue his hot start. He’s at .261/.339/.630 with four home runs and 13 RBI, and his strikeout rate is down slightly. He won’t stay quite this hot, but if you’re in need of cheap power, he’s only 22-percent owned.

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: Luis Severino vs OAK (Rich Hill)
Still available in more than a third of leagues because of an unsightly 5.91 ERA and a 14.6-percent strikeout rate, Luis Severino hauls his 3.25 FIP, 2.74 xFIP, 2.1-percent walk rate, and 57.5-percent ground-ball rate into the Bronx for a start against the Athletics’ middling offense. The A’s don’t strike out a ton, but there’s a lot to like here where he’s available. Don’t give up on Severino just yet (though I wasn’t a fan at his draft-day price).

A pitcher for tomorrow: Aaron Nola @ MIL (Zachary Davies)
Miller Park isn’t the friendliest of confines and Aaron Nola has struggled some with the long-ball, but I think it’s worth the risk here. The Brewers aren’t hitting well, are striking out a ton, and Nola might be a little undervalued coming off of a really bad start opposite Washington.