Roto Riteup: April 27, 2023

Dial 187

Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves (4)
pic.twitter.com/B31ahdgbii

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) April 27, 2023

On the Agenda

1. Bumps and Bruises
2. News and Notes
3. Pitching Streamers

Bumps and Bruises

Robbie Ray will have surgery to repair his flexor tendon and is out for the year. Until next season, tightpants.

Mike Yastrzemski was scratched from yesterday’s game with tightness in his left side. This comes after he’d stayed hot the night before with a two-run HR and his third two-hit game in a row, with three home runs and 11 hits in his past seven games.

Taijuan Walker was pulled from his start against Seattle with the dreaded forearm tightness after allowing 5 ER in 4 IP on five hits and two home runs. Walker claimed he wasn’t concerned but will see the doctor today. And baseball players can definitely be trusted with injury concerns.

German Marquez exited his start against Cleveland with a triceps injury and will have an MRI today.

Kenta Maeda was shelled in a loss to the Yankees, allowing 10 ER in three innings before being pulled with elbow discomfort. He is scheduled to have an MRI later today. Bailey Ober would seem to be the most logical candidate to replace him if his injury requires an IL stint but the Twins also won’t need a fifth starter again until May 6.

News and Notes

Jordan Walker was optioned to Memphis. Walker had started hot after making the team out of spring but since a 12-game hit streak to start the year, has slashed .192/.250/.231. With Walker needing everyday reps at the plate and in the field (as a converted third baseman), and the Cardinals having a glut of mouths in the outfield, the demotion makes sense.

Tim Anderson is expected to start a rehab assignment this weekend and could be reinstated by early next week. Prior to injuring his knee, Anderson was slashing .298/.327/.404 over 49 PA, with five stolen bases.

Triston McKenzie might already throw a bullpen this weekend after throwing from 75 feet last week. Barring no setbacks, it looks like he’s tracking to return on, or around, when first eligible on May 29.

Ranger Suárez is set to begin his rehab assignment today at Double-A (Reading) and is expected to need 3-4 rehab starts. This would put him on track to return around the second week of May.

According to Dave Roberts, Will Smith (concussion) won’t be activated from IL until at least Saturday.

Yusei Kikuchi was dominant in an 8-0 win over the White Sox, striking out eight over 5 2/3 scoreless innings, while allowing just four hits and walking one. The slider led the way (40% usage) with eight whiffs but all four of his pitches finished with at least a 33% CSW%. Kikuchi now has a 3.00 ERA over his first five starts but has allowed 1 ER or fewer in every start but a 6 ER blowup against the Angels in his second start of the year. He’ll be a popular add where available, lining up for a two-start week in Week 6 (@ BOS, @ PIT).

Tanner Bibee was electric in his debut, striking out eight over 5 2/3 IP in a 4-1 win over Colorado. He threw his slider 40%, generating a 50% CSW%:

Tanner Bibee, K'ing the Side. pic.twitter.com/DZ0laxqhIs

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 26, 2023

Bibee’s next start lines up for next Tuesday in New York against the Yankees and will likely go for many, many FAAB monies on Sunday.

Tony Gonsolin held the Pirates scoreless in his 3.1 IP (65 pitches)  season debut, allowing two hits and three walks, striking out one. Coming off of the ankle sprain, he should have a longer pitch count in his next time out, and will next line up for a two-start week (vs PHI, @ SD).

Streaming Pitchers

Streaming Pitcher(s) for Today

Joey Lucchesi, NYM vs WSH

High Risk: Joey Wentz, DET vs BAL

Streamer(s) for Tomorrow

Kyle Muller, OAK vs CIN