Roto Riteup: April 23, 2016

Today’s Roto Riteup is excited to see a young prospect make his MLB debut today.

On the agenda:
1. Say Hello to Blake Snell
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Say Hello to Blake Snell
The Rays, in the ultimate sign of disrespect, announced yesterday that Blake Snell would start today instead of just waiting 36 hours so I could sneak him through for a dollar on my Saturday night waiver claim. Snell, an electric left-hander, gave up just 13 earned over 12 Triple-A starts over the past two seasons, striking out 78 batters and walking 20. Snell should be able to immediately make a fantasy impact in at least the strikeout category, but as of now, he’ll just be in the bigs for a single start before heading back to the minors. Even with Alex Cobb coming back at some point this season, the Rays can only keep Snell down for so long, as it’s pretty clear he has nothing left to prove in the minors. Don’t blow your wad on Snell, but at least consider him as a long-term play.

Various News and Notes
Michael Brantley could return to the big leagues as early as Monday, but owners shouldn’t plan on activating him right away in weekly leagues. Brantley still hasn’t played in back-to-back games during his rehab assignment, so he’ll need to be eased back into daily work.

Yovani Gallardo couldn’t make it more than two innings yesterday due to some discomfort in his right shoulder. Gallardo’s velocity has been down a couple ticks this year, so perhaps this is an injury that’s been hampering him but finally became too much to bear. Gallardo is headed back to Baltimore for tests, so hopefully we’ll have some news later today.

Xander Bogaerts was hit in the wrist by a pitch late in the game yesterday, but X-rays have come back clean. Booger has avoided serious injury and will probably be good to return to the lineup come Sunday or Monday, if he doesn’t jump right back into the thick of things today.

Beefy Castle Welington Castillo went yard twice last night, bringing him up to five homers on the year. Castillo is hitting just .231 this year, but with a BABIP barely over .200, there’s room to match his Arizona line from last year, which would be all one could ask for.

Scott Kazmir continues to disappoint, giving up four earned over five innings against the Rockies. Granted, he was pitching in Colorado and left the game with a bruised thumb, but owners continue to wait for a glimmer of hope. Kazmir’s velocity isn’t a cause for concern, so there’s your silver lining.

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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: Blake Snell at NYY (Masahiro Tanaka)
Have some fun! If you’re looking for a better matchup, Phil Hughes in Washington could be worth your while.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Aaron Blair vs NYM (Jacob deGrom)
Have more fun! In an early game, Blair shouldn’t have to face the Mets’ A-Team in his MLB debut.