Roto Riteup: April 23, 2021

I am here for this 80-Grade pettiness :

Lucas Sims really threw out every pitch the ump gave him in the freezing rain 😂

(via @BallySportsCIN)pic.twitter.com/DYRzKVTYTJ

— Bleacher Report MLB (@BR_MLB) April 22, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

Stefan Crichton left Thursday’s start after being hit with a comebacker in his hand. He is expected to undergo further testing on Friday. Kevin Ginkel or Yoan Lopez will likely be first man up if Crichton has misses much time. 

Lucas Sims gave up three earned runs in the blown save against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday. The Reds bullpen is a bit of a mess right now with Amir Garrett struggling right now as well. Sims seems like he is still in the lead for the role, but I don’t know if I trust anyone there right now. 

 

Quick Hits

Chad Kuhl was placed on the 10-Day IL with a shoulder injury. There is no timetable for his return at this time. 

Ke’Bryan Hayes re-aggravated the injury to wrist and will not return as soon as expected. There is no timetable for his return at this point.

Dinelson Lamet was placed on the 10-Day IL with a forearm strain. Lamet was pulled from his start on Wednesday after two innings due to forearm soreness. The Padres are saying it will not need an MRI and that he feels good, but this is scary for a pitcher that recently had Tommy John Surgery. 

Donovan Solano was placed on the IL with a calf strain. There is no current timetable for his return.

Brian Anderson was placed on the IL with an oblique strain. These types of injuries usually keep hitters out anywhere between 4-8 weeks depending on the severity and high risk for reinjury. 

Mike Trout left Wednesday’s game with an elbow injury. Trout was hit in the elbow during an at bat, but was able to play through it for a little while. When the Angels pulled him, the game was out of reach, so this may be more preventive than anything else. 

Miguel Sano was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. There is no current timetable for his return. 

 

Various News and Notes

Ryan Weathers threw 5.2 scoreless innings against the Dodgers, allowing just one hit and one walk while striking out six. Weathers wasn’t as impressive as the stat line suggests, but the Dodgers didn’t make him pay when he missed his spots. He threw mostly fastballs and sliders which worked in this outing, but he will need a reliable third pitch to be trusted. 

Jesse Winker 2-for-4 with two home runs and two walks in the loss to the Diamondbacks. This was a slugfest and Winker did a lot of damage out of the leadoff spot. Winker has been crushing the ball, hitting .373/.429/.667 with three homers. His StatCast data is fantastic and while I haven’t been a Winker guy in the past, he looks like he is finally breaking out. 

Alex Kirilloff and Nick Gordon are expected to be called up by the Twins on Friday. Gordon is not likely very fantasy relevant, but Kirilloff is a top ten prospect in baseball. Kirilloff is a hitter with very good power and a good hit tool as well and could easily be a 20 homer bat with a .280 average rest of the way. He should be picked up in any league he is still available in. 

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: J.A. Happ vs PIT

Happ has been decent this year, but this is more about pitching against the Pirates. 

High Risk Options: Luke Weaver at ATL, Mike Minor at DET

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Brady Singer at DET

Singer has looked better as of late and he has a nice matchup in Detroit. 

High Risk Options: Kyle Gibson at CHW, Robbie Ray at TB, Chris Flexen 플렉센 at BOS, Drew Smyly vs ARI.