Roto Riteup: April 29, 2026

Put his back into it:

Closer Chaos

Pete Fairbanks was placed on the IL with nerve irritation in his thumb. There is no timetable for his return. It is unknown who will be the closer in the meantime, but the Marlins could go with a committee that involves Tyler Phillips, Anthony Bender, John King, and Calvin Faucher. Phillips did register the save on Tuesday which could show he is the lead candidate. 

 

Quick Hits

Kodai Senga was placed on the 15-Day IL with a spine issue. There is no timetable for his return. Christian Scott was recalled to take his spot on the roster. 

Max Muncy was placed on the IL with a broken finger. There is no timetable for his return. Brett Harris was recalled to take his spot on the roster. 

Junior Caminero left Tuesday’s game after fouling a pitch off of his face.
Caminero was able to complete the at bat, but then left the game. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Casey Mize left his start on Tuesday with a groin injury.

He is expected to undergo an MRI on Wednesday. Consider him day-to-day for now, but he will likely hit the IL.

Javier Baez left Tuesday’s game with a leg injury.

Baez will likely miss extended time with the injury.

Various News and Notes
Elmer Rodriguez is expected to make his Major League debut on Wednesday for the Yankees versus the Rangers.

Rodriguez is a top pitching prospect with a full arsenal and good control. His stuff isn’t overpowering, but he limits walks and as long as his command is in check, he should be a valuable mid-rotation piece with a lot of win potential on a good Yankees team.

Travis Bazzana made his Major League debut for the Guardians, going 0-for-2 with two walks in the loss to the Rays on Wednesday.

Bazzana is a top prospect that was drafted first overall in 2024. He was hitting well in AAA, going .287/.422/.511 with two home runs and eight stolen bases in 117 plate appearances. He doesn’t have a ton of power, but there is a very good approach and speed in the profile.

Edouard Julien went 3-for-4 with a home run in the loss to the Reds on Tuesday.

Julien is hitting .308/.393/.449 with two home runs and two stolen bases for the Rockies this season in 89 plate appearances. The former top prospect has always had a strong approach and eye at the plate, but was inconsistent at the plate otherwise, bad versus left-handed pitching, and terrible defensively. He is raking against righties this year, but is still a platoon bat and the defense isn’t any better, but it doesn’t appear that the Rockies care. He should be an interesting streamer against righties, but there is limited upside because of the red flags in Julien’s profile.

Vinnie Pasquantino left Tuesday’s game with back tightness. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Tyler Soderstrom left Tuesday’s game with a shoulder injury.

The A’s are calling it a precautionary move so it appears he may have avoided serious injury. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in Yahoo)

Pitcher for Today: Peter Lambert at BAL

Lambert has been fantastic as of late and has a decent matchup in a good park to pitch in. 

Other Options: Elmer Rodriguez at TEX, JR Ritchie vs DET, Cade Cavalli at NYM, Brandon Williamson vs COL, Brandon Sproat vs ARI.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Andrew Painter vs SF. 

The Giants have the worst offense in baseball so I am targeting them whenever there is a competent pitcher facing San Francisco. 

Other Options: Andrew Abbott vs COL, Bryce Elder vs DET, Michael Soroka at MIL, Bailey Ober vs TOR. 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “Other Options.”