Roto Riteup: April 24, 2016

One top prospect debuted yesterday, and another debuts today. The Roto Riteup is blessed.

On the agenda:
1. Say Hello to Aaron Blair
2. Blake Snell shines in MLB debut
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

Say Hello to Aaron Blair
After smashing Triple-A hitters in his three starts, Blair is scheduled to make his big league debut for the Braves today against the Mets. Blair has recently profiled more as a solid big league starter with a legitimate three-pitch mix, but he’s struck out over 30% of the batters he’s faced this year. Blair, formerly of the Diamondbacks before being dealt in the Shelby Miller deal, hasn’t posted minor league strikeout numbers even close to this good since he was in High-A ball, so it’ll be interesting to see first hand if he’s managed to make a real improvement or is just feasting in his second time at the minors highest level. If you’re looking for an under-the-radar investment, look no further.

Blake Snell shines in MLB debut
Facing the Yankees, Snell showed the world why he has been considered the next top pitcher in Tampa. Snell struck out six Yankees over five innings of work, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk. Snell did throw two wild pitches, but let’s chalk that up to nerves. Snell’s fastball easily sat in the mid-90s, and his big curveball providing quite the disparity at about 20 MPH slower. While Snell has already been optioned, he should be back up shortly if he continues to plow through minor league hitters.

Various News and Notes
Anthony DeSclafani made his penultimate rehab start yesterday as he works back from an oblique injury. The right-hander struck out five batters in four innings of work, but allowed a pair of ding-dongs. DeSclafani should make his 2016 MLB debut in early May.

Tyler Duffey is back in the majors and starting for the Twins today, as the previously scheduled Ervin Santana is dealing with a back injury. Duffey was excellent for the Twinkies last year, but he’s not been as sharp in the minors thus far, so it will be interesting to see if he’s able to repeat his 2015 performance. Duffey should be back in the rotation once Ricky Nolasco breaks down, which could happen anytime now.

Cesar Vargas debuted for the Padres yesterday, allowing one run over five innings against the Cardinals. Vargas allowed a solo shot to Stephen Piscotty to open the sixth, and was pulled after walking Matt Holliday in the next AB. Vargas has never been a heralded prospect, but his results in the minors have been tremendous recently. Vargas worked primarily with a cutter and curveball yesterday, an intriguing combination, and I hope we see more of him in the majors. It’s not totally clear if Vargas will stay up in San Diego, but it sounds like he’ll be the replacement for Tyson Ross until the ace is ready to return.

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

A pitcher for tomorrow: Kevin Gausman at TB (Chris Archer)
Gausman makes his 2016 MLB debut, which may be your only opportunity to get him on the cheap, and he does so away from hellish Camden Yards.