Roto Riteup: April 27, 2015

The next time we speak on the Roto Riteup, many college football players will have professional homes, and that’s sort of exciting.

On today’s agenda:
1. The Dodgers are banged up
2. Masahiro Tanaka to get an extra day of rest
3. Various news and notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

The Dodgers are banged up
Brandon McCarthy is headed to the DL with an elbow injury. McCarthy and the Dodgers are hoping the right-hander just has tendinitis in his throwing elbow, but won’t know for sure until he undergoes an MRI. If McCarthy simply has tendinitis, he could be back in a few weeks once. If McCarthy has something more sinister, he could be out for at least the next 12 months.

McCarthy’s coolest teammate, Yasiel Puig, is going to be on the shelf for the first time in his brief MLB career. Puig has been dealing with a hamstring issue, and the DL slot seems mostly like an administrative measure to open up another roster spot while Puig heals for the next few days. While Puig rests, Andre Ethier will take over in right field.

Masahiro Tanaka to get an extra day of rest
Looking to keep their ace running clean, the Yankees are going to push Tanaka’s scheduled Tuesday start to Wednesday, giving him an extra day off. After eliciting some concerns after his first two outings, Tanaka has looked like his old self against the Rays and Tigers, and an extra day should help him stay on that path.

Chase Whitley will take Tanaka’s turn on Tuesday, and he’s an interesting spot start candidate against the Rays. Whitley posted a 5.23 ERA — but 3.70 SIERRA and 4.14 FIP — in a smidge over 75 innings last year. Whitley profiles best as a long reliever of back-end starter, sporting a fastball around 90 MPH and a mediocre slider and changeup.

Various news and notes
Chris Archer was excellent against the Blue Jays yesterday, striking out seven batters over seven innings while walking one. Despite Archer relying solely on two pitches, Toronto’s dilapidated lineup was frozen for most of the afternoon. Archer’s ERA now sits at 0.84 on the year.

Nathan Eovaldi wasn’t so successful working during Sunday Night Baseball, but the right-hander flashed his electric stuff and looked unhittable at times. Eovaldi struck out six and didn’t issue a walk in four-plus innings, but he did allow a homer. Eovaldi’s fastball easily sat at 95, and his new splitter looked like a legitimate weapon. Eovaldi’s stuff is incredible, but he’s inconsistent and can run into problems with his command, leaving pitches in a less than desirable spot of the zone.

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Streaming Pitcher Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Chase Anderson vs COL (Kyle Kendrick)
The Rockies can hit, but Anderson can pitch, too. Other options include Dillon Gee and Jared Cosart, who will face off in Miami.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Rafael Montero at MIA (David Phelps)
While I do like David Phelps, the Mets offense is a bit more threatening, so Montero it is.