Roto Riteup: April 3, 2023

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April 3, 2023

Well, hello there, puddin’ pops. I’m not Justin Mason (or Burt Reynolds) – but that’s the easy answer.

The real question is whether I’m a permanent fill-in or just a one-day sub because Cedric Mullins and his 2 HR/3 SB start have made Mason’s pants just way too tight to show himself in public.

On the Agenda:

  1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
  2. Weekend Clip Show
  3. Closer Kumite
  4. IL Makers, Dream Takers
  5. Pitching Streams

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesdays and Fridays and some other days, Paul Sporer and Justin Mason will be doing a $5 DraftKings game for anyone interested. I’ll also be crashing many of these S&B DK parties and will be tracking how I spend Paul and Justin’s money here.

Weekend Clip Show

The weekend might be over but this party never stops. Hit the lights, Mr. Milchik – let’s see who earned a fantasy finger trap.

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Josh Jung showed off that prodigious power we’ve heard so much of:

Logan O’Hoppe is doing all he can to make sure he doesn’t go anywhere when Max Stassi returns from the IL:

Get used to seeing them because I’m a total homer – Jordan Walker is big, fast, and hits blasts:

Like I wasn’t going to bring him up. Martín Pérez got right back to business on Sunday, seam-shifting his way to a win over Philadelphia after striking out seven in 5.2 IP. And his changeup was doing work, generating a 30% SwStr% with 28% usage.

And finally, Chris Sale got lit up on Saturday, allowing 7 ER in 3 IP. But at least he’s healthy?

Closer Kumite

Many men enter. Sometimes they get chalk thrown in their eyes.

Everyone has been shaky in Chicago but Reynaldo López picked up the save on Thursday in a win over the Astros and again got the 9th with a 6-1 lead on Sunday. Unfortunately, he also gave up three runs in his two innings but, to be fair, both appearances came against the middle-order meatgrinder that is Houston’s lineup. I’m assuming this is López’s job to lose, at least until Liam Hendriks returns – possibly sooner than expected.

I never really bought that it was going to be anyone besides Dany Jiménez in Oakland. It was Jiménez who led them in saves last year, and when healthy, he was Mark Kotsay’s go-to guy. He just got the first crack in 2023 (and picked up the save) and is competing with Trevor May (always been a better 8th-inning guy), and Jeurys Familia (coming off of a 6.09 ERA/is Jeurys Familia). Unfortunately, Oakland is and will continue to be terrible – but if you give me a 15 SV o/u on Jiménez, I’d still take the over.

It’s too early to make any big judgments down in Miami but A.J. Puk has the most talent in the bullpen and did get the first opportunity on Friday, He allowed a home run to Pete Alonso but ultimately picked up the save. Unlike Oakland, Miami might not be completely terrible (they have Jazz Chisholm, after all ; ) and a full-time gig would make Puk mixed-league interesting in most formats. Or, Skip Shumaker could choose to combo Puk’s left hand with the right of Dylan Floro, rendering both of them mostly fantasy irrelevant. Stay tuned.

 

IL Maker, Dream Takers

As always, this time of year is filled with big names hitting the IL and ruining all of our grand plans. Robbie Ray is the most recent casualty, going down with a strained flexor tendon. Fair thee well, tight pants.

Here are the most-rostered players currently on the IL, with data provided by our own Roster Resource. Max Fried isn’t listed but soon will be after straining his hamstring – the current hope is that he won’t miss more than 1-2 starts.

 

Pitching Streamers

Streamers for Today: Kutter Crawford, BOS vs PIT

That’s a spicy, early two-step for Crawford, who also lines up to face Detroit on Sunday. I mean, anything’s gotta be better than Chris Sale, right?

Hisk Risk for Today: Zach Plesac, CLE @ OAK

Never let it be said that I forgot the spirit of these selections. And the depth of pitchers I’m willing to use against Oakland remains vast.

Streamer for Tomorrow: Jose Suarez, LAA @ SEA

Tough matchup but I’m starting 2023 like 2022 ended – riding with my guy Jose. Just don’t expect a ceiling much higher than 5 IP and 4-5 K.

(Another)Streamer for Tomorrow: Josh Flemings, TB @ WSN

Where the ease of trusting Tampa Bay pitchers meets the mediocrity of Washington’s offense. Just beware of Lane Thomas – the only thing he does well is hit lefties.

High Risk for Tomorrow: Kenta Maeda, MIN @MIA, Tyler Wells @ TEX

Maeda is in a win-win situation; he either handles a so-so Miami lineup or gets handled and my billion stashes of Bailey Ober are one step closer to relevancy. Ok, so maybe it’s just me that’s in a win-win situation. Oh well!





 

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jlt421
1 year ago

Interesting updates on Hendriks from Hahn and Lynn. Seems like he is definitely worth an IL stash.

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Nicklaus Gautmember
1 year ago
Reply to  jlt421

100%

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