Roto Riteup: April 24, 2013

In a random debate of sorts, fellow FanGraphs writer and baseball nerd colleague Mark Smith and the present author spoke on a number of things via twitter, culminating in the following question: which is better Backstreet Boys or N’Sync. What say you, reader?

On today’s agenda:
1. Potentially bad news for Dylan Bundy
2. A setback for Matt Garza
3. The Atlanta Braves gain a player, lose a player
4. Andrew Cashner to the rotation
5. Shaun Marcum’s return

Potentially bad news for Dylan Bundy
Blue chip pitching prospect Dylan Bundy will see Dr. James Andrews as a second opinion on the arm tightness that has sidelined Bundy since March. No further details have been released yet, however a visit to the famed surgeon usually sets off alarm bells for fans, coaches, GMs, and fantasy owners. Bundy is owned in very few Yahoo! and ESPN formats, but has a 40% ownership rate in CBS leagues. For all Bundy owners — particularly in long keeper/dynasty leagues — hold tight and hang on. To dump or trade away Bundy now would be selling low.

A setback for Matt Garza
Matt Garza was expected to make a rehab start in Double-A tomorrow, however he has been scratched with a case of dead arm. He will only miss a few extra days, however any Garza owner is certainly anxiously awaiting his return. When healthy, Garza is a solid fantasy option along the lines of an SP3. He is currently owned in two-thirds of CBS leagues, however his Yahoo! ownership rate is just 50% and his ESPN rate is even lower; sub-25%. If his current owner is finally fed up with not getting any production out of Garza and drops him, scoop him up. Garza is certainly worth owning.

The Atlanta Braves gain a player, lose a player
Yesterday the Braves welcomed Freddie Freeman back to the lineup, however they lost Jason Heyward to an emergency appendectomy and the 15-day disabled list. Freeman returned to his role at first base and the cleanup spot for both games of yesterday’s double header. Both Jordan Schafer and Reed Johnson will man right field in Heywards absence in a presumed platoon situation. Heyward is hitting a .121 on the season thus far and combined with this injury, this may be the best chance anyone could have to attempt to buy low on him.

Andrew Cashner to the rotation
Fellow Cashner owners, this is the day we’ve been waiting for, of sorts. Yesterday evening brought about an announcement — via our every own Eno Sarris — from the San Diego Padres that Cashner is to make a start on Friday against the San Francisco Giants. Though manager Bud Black didn’t commit to guaranteeing Cashner will stay in the rotation, Cashner will make at least one start in the foreseeable future.

Cashner currently sports a 30% ownership rate in CBS leagues, an 8% ownership rate in Yahoo!, and a sub 1% rate in ESPN formats. Grab Cashner wherever you can and congratulate yourself on making a championship caliber move.

Shaun Marcum’s return
In another instance of a pitcher coming back from injury, Shaun Marcum is set to make his New York Mets debut on Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies. Expect another solid if not spectacular season from the right-hander. He is a fly ball pitcher in a very pitcher friendly ballpark, so his ERA may be a pleasant surprise this season.

If it comes down to Cashner or Marcum, Cashner narrowly edges out Marcum. If Cashner were a kool-aid, the author would be mixing the bowl and telling of his delicious flavor. Marcum is owned in 60% of CBS formats, 33% of Yahoo! leagues, and 1% of ESPN leagues. If a leaguemate beats you to the Cashner punch, Marcum is a useful silver trophy.