Roto Riteup: April 25, 2013

Today’s Roto Riteup begins with a baseball programming note: Brian Kenny will be talking at Hawk Harrelson about sabermetrics on MLB Now today. Check your local listings, blackouts and restrictions apply, and blah blah blah.

On today’s agenda:
Michael Saunders on the road to a return
Tsuyoshi Wada on the path to June debut
Robert Andino backs into increased playing time

Michael Saunders on the road to a return
Saunders hit the DL a couple of weeks ago after slamming into the outfield fence and injuring his shoulder, and the 26-year-old is supposed to start a rehab stint over the weekend. With Franklin Gutierrez already hurt, Saunders will step in as the team’s primary centerfielder upon his return after moving around the outfield prior to his injury. Saunders just missed a 20-20 season in 2012, and after a good showing in the World Baseball Classic, the Canadian Condor started off the season well in Seattle. Saunders is worth having around in mixed leagues, but he should probably be on your bench.

Tsuyoshi Wada on the path to June debut
Wei-Yen Chin has been an excellent starter for the Baltimore Orioles, but many have forgotten that Wada even exists. Wada was forced to have Tommy John surgery after signing with the O’s last year, and the lefty was one of Japan’s best starters before making his way to the U.S. Wada has already started throwing in minor league games, but he’s still got a ways to go in terms of building up arm strength and durability. Wada was seen as a legitimate MLB starter before the injury, but I wouldn’t worry too much about him outside of AL-only formats. Baltimore has a surplus of starters, and while I don’t think that will hold Wada back, you never know with these things.

Robert Andino backs into increased playing time
If you’re not playing in a competitive AL-only league, this will mean nothing, but Andino is going to be replacing Brendan Ryan as the Mariners’ go-to shortstop. Andino hit .211 in substantial playing time last year, and .263 in 2011. Both Andino and Ryan are bad hitters, so the real news here is that the M’s are willing to shake things up despite Ryan’s prowess with the glove. Prospect Brad Miller has a sweet stroke and is performing well in Double-A right now, so it may not be too long before we see him in the big leagues. If you can, Miller’s a solid $1 or $2 grab in ottoneu leagues.