Roto Riteup: April 26, 2016

As an important reminder, it’s always instructive to check the weather for each ballpark before setting daily lineups. Luckily, Mike Trout is not only one of the best fantasy players going, he’s also a major asset for your research department.

Here’s @MikeTrout with tonight’s weather report! pic.twitter.com/rZmbq6365j

— Angels (@Angels) April 26, 2016

On the agenda:
1. Gausman shows the gas, man
2. Phillips survives the hammer
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

Gausman shows the gas, man
Kevin Gausman came off the DL to make his first start of the 2016 season, and he looked pretty damn good doing so. The final line wasn’t all that gaudy, with Gausman surrendering one run on three hits and two walks over five innings, but that’s a pretty solid performance, one undeserving of the loss he took. He also struck out seven, the far more intriguing number, as he dialed up the fastball velocity into the 97 MPH range consistently and coaxed five whiffs on his curveball (PITCHf/x calls it a slider, Brooks says curve). The 25-year-old is only owned in 29 percent of leagues and could push a strikeout per-inning with a sub-4.00 ERA if he finds a groove. He’ll draw the White Sox on the weekend.

Phillips survives the hammer
Once a fantasy stud at the keystone, Brandon Phillips is more of a utility play or NL-only options these days, offering 10-20 potential without sinking your batting average. He was almost rendered into fantasy dust on Monday, when he took a 98 MPH Noah Syndergaard fastball off the left hand. This, after fouling two pitches off his left shin. X-rays were negative, but damn.

“It was a sad at bat…That’s probably the most painful at-bat I ever had in my career,” Phillips said.

The Reds actually managed three runs in 6.2 innings against Syndergaard, though he struck out nine.

Various News and Notes
Yoenis Cespedes had fluid drained from his right leg and is considered day-to-day, with the Mets hopeful he can avoid the DL. The issue’s been lingering since April 13, and it sounds like it could at least cost him this series with the Reds. The timing stinks, because Cespedes is off to a great start. You’re not going to believe this, but Travis d’Arnaud may also be hurt, leaving Monday’s game with shoulder discomfort.

Matt Holliday had to leave in the third inning of the Cardinals’ game against the Diamondbacks after cramping up, because 36-year-olds shouldn’t be legging out triples. He’s day-to-day, like all of us.

Updating an item from yesterday, Carlos Carrasco is expected to miss four-to-six weeks. At least the Indians got Michael Brantley back, but he probably doesn’t help your rotation much.

Remember when Albert Pujols was 0-for-26? Yeah, me neither. He passed Reggie Jackson yesterday with his 564th career home run, later hitting another. That’s four hits and three home runs over the last two games for the 36-year-old, who should be good for another 25 or so from here. Miguel Cabrera also ended a homer-less streak by blasting a pair against Kendall Graveman, who’s now given up five home runs in 22.1 innings. So crush him, baby, he’s all ears.

On the pitching side, Nathan Eovaldi was lights-out, giving up two hits over seven innings with seven strikeouts. He has 28 Ks in 24.2 innings and is only 15-percent owned. Chris Archer had a really nice bounce-back with 10 strikeouts in 6.2 shutout innings against the Orioles. Rick Porcello threw 6.1 shutout innings but they don’t count because they were against the Braves. Jeff Locke’s six shutout innings were more impressive, as they came with eight strikeouts at Coors Field.

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: Brandon Finnegan @ NYM (Bartolo Colon)
The Mets have been hitting well, owners of a 108 wRC+ thanks to a .199 ISO, but they could be without Cespedes and d’Arnaud, and they strike out a lot. Enter Brandon Finnegan, who’s available in 74 percent of leagues and is among the cheapest DFS pitchers on the day. It’s risky, but probably less so than the more expensive, higher-upside play of Nathan Karns against the Astros.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Steven Wright vs. ATL (Bud Norris)
It’s hard to trust a knuckleballer. That’s why Steven Wright is just eight-percent owned, despite a strong start to the year, and justifiably so. But he’s been pretty good, and the Braves are the Braves. Wright should at least have a good shot at a win.