Roto Riteup: April 3, 2019

When you thought your team couldn’t get any more injured and then the Fantasy Gods look at you like:

Hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! pic.twitter.com/BTYIAOULZe

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 3, 2019

 

On the Agenda:
1. Trades!
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitching Options

 

Trades!
The San Francisco Giants acquired Kevin Pillar for Derek Law, Alen Hanson, and Juan De Paula. This is a strange trade from the Giants perspective as they are clearly in a rebuild and have little need for a light hitting defensive outfielder. A move from Rogers Centre to Oracle Park will do little to help his fantasy value outside of getting to hit higher in the Giants batting order. From the Blue Jays perspective, the get a raw lottery ticket in De Paula, who has decent stuff, but needs a lot of work. The Giants designated Michael Reed for assignment to make room for Pillar.

The Blue Jays also traded for Socrates Brito after was designated for assignment by the Padres. Brito may be able to stick with the Jays after they traded to Pillar. The Blue Jays also promoted Anthony Alford from AAA. Both Brito and Alford have had fantasy hype at points in their careers, but neither have been able to get more than hype. It will be interesting to see if either can carve out a role for themselves.

 

Various News and Notes
Anthony Swarzak was activated from the IL and came in and got the save against the Angels. Apparently the Mariners have decided to not to ease him into the closer’s role which gives us a good indication that they feel he is the guy moving forward. He should be picked up in most formats.

Trea Turner was removed from yesterday’s game after being hit on the hand while attempting to bunt. Yeah, I said it. He was trying to bunt. #NeverBunt. Following the game, the Nationals announced that Turner suffered a broken finger. The fracture is a non-displaced fracture which is a good thing. For now, Wilmer Difo will likely get the majority of action at shortstop, but we could see top prospect Carter Kieboom fairly quickly if this injury is serious.

Brandon Nimmo was removed from yesterday’s game after being hit on his left hand with a pitch. X-rays on the hand were negative following the game. He is considered day-to-day at this time.

Edwin Encarnacion is dealing with a sore hand and was a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday. The team may have decided to give him some extra time as the team has a day off today. E5 has been one of the cooler members of the Mariners, starting off the season with one home run and a .238 average. If this injury turns into a longer term issue, Dan Vogelbach will be in line for more work.

A clearer timetable for Francisco Lindor is expected to be announced on Wednesday. Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer wrote that the Indians expect that Lindor, who is dealing with calf and ankle issues, won’t return for at least three weeks. We should continue to get more clarity later today.

 

Streaming Pitching Options (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Matt Shoemaker vs BAL
I feel like I could get burned by this one, but Shoemaker looked good in his first start of the season and Baltimore is a team that can strike out a ton.

High Risk Option: Derek Holland @ LAD
Holland struggled in his first start of the season, but the Dodgers struggled against lefty Pomeranz on Monday (until he went full Pomeranz and gave up some bombs.) This could be an interesting stream, but there’s a bit of risk to it.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Aaron Sanchez @ CLE
Sanchez looked good in his first start and gets a lackluster Cleveland team on the road.

High Risk Option: Tyler Mahle @ PIT
Mahle showed promise last season in spite of poor surface numbers and the Pirate lineup doesn’t scare me at all.