Roto Riteup: April 5, 2021

Me waiting for FAAB to run on Sunday night:

pic.twitter.com/6oujQKmifH

— No Context MLB (@NoContextMIb) April 3, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

The Nationals and Mets series was postponed due to COVID-19 issues and now the Nationals game against the Braves on Monday night has been postponed as well. The teams are hoping to begin their series on Tuesday since no new positives have occurred. According to reports, Jon Lester, Kyle Schwarber, and Josh Harrison are among the players that may have to still clear protocols. 

 

Closer Chaos

Julian Merryweather threw a perfect ninth inning versus the Yankees so get the save on Sunday. This is now Merryweather’s second save of the season. It appears he is the main guy at this moment, but it could easily be a committee as Jordan Romano has looked good as well and they may just use their best reliever in the most important spot in the game. We will see over the next week or so if Merryweather is the guy, but in the meantime, he should be added in all formats just in case. 

Joakim Soria left Sunday’s game with a leg injury. After the game, the Diamondbacks said he was “showing signs of a strain” in his calf according to beat writer Zach Buchanan. He was pitching in the eighth inning which is a bit concerning whether he is the closer or not. It was the middle of the Padres order so it may just be a matter of using their best reliever in the hardest spot. Chris Devenski came into the ninth and got the save and could be the next man up in the Arizona bullpen. 

 

Quick Hits

Ke’Bryan Hayes was placed on the 10-day IL with a wrist injury. Hayes sustained the injury after being hit on the wrist with a pitch. Apparently x-rays were negative, but the MRI showed some inflammation. This seems more cautionary than anything else, but you definitely need to make sure you have a replacement right for the next 10 day or so. 

Tony Gonsolin was placed on the 10-Day IL with shoulder inflammation. According to manager Dave Roberts, the move was made after Gonsolin didn’t feel right after playing catch and the team needed the bullpen depth. Reserve him for now, but hopefully he will be back after the minimum stay. 

Austin Hayes left Sunday’s with a hamstring injury. He is expected to reevaluated on Monday. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Chris Martin left Sunday’s game with an injury. Manager Brian Snitker stated he had a weird feeling in his fingers. This is a bit concerning, but consider him day-to-day until we have more information. 

Byron Buxton left Sunday’s game unexpectedly. Following the game, it was reported Buxton had a non-COVID sickness and that was the reason for his departure. This is a relief considering how good Buxton has looked early this year. Hopefully he will return soon. 

Tim Anderson left Sunday’s game with a leg injury. After the game, it was reported that he was dealing with hamstring tightness. Consider him day to day for now. 

Shohei Ohtani left Sunday’s game after a collision at home plate. Ohtani was laboring through the fifth inning of his start when he collided with Jose Abreu while covering the plate on a wild pitch. 

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He reportedly is fine but has a sore ankle. Ohtani hit and pitched in this one and looked fantastic doing both at the same time. He became the first American League pitcher to hit a home run in a game in over 40 years. 

 

Various News and Notes

Akil Baddoo hit his first career home run on Sunday for the Tigers. Baddoo is a former Twins prospect of note that was selected by the Tigers in the Rule 5 draft this year, which means they have to keep him up or return him to Minnesota. Baddoo has power and speed but struggled with contact and health in the minors. He could be interesting if he can find playing time in Detroit, but right now he is more of a watch list guy. 

Cedric Mullins went 5-for-5 and a walk with three runs scored in the victory over the Red Sox on Sunday. Mullins has been on fire to start the season and most importantly he has led off for the Orioles in every game so far this season. Mullins is only 9% rostered in CBS at this point, but he should be picked up in most formats considering he has power, speed, and leading off. 

Adrian Houser threw five innings, allowing two runs on two walks and for hits in the loss to the Twins. Houser looked pretty good in this one, getting a lot of ground balls and weak contact, but also striking out four in the game. He has a fantastic defense behind him and is worth rostering in 12-15 team leagues. 

Michael Pineda went five innings against the Brewers, striking out five and allowing just one unearned run on four hits and two walks. Pineda looked great in his first start of the season and was able to hit his spot within the zone which is sometimes his issue. He is widely available and worth rostering in deeper formats in case he can keep these gains. 

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Logan Allen vs KC

Allen looked good in spring training and gets a Royals team that is missing Mondesi and likely Hunter Dozier

High Risk Options: Jose Quintana vs HOU, Michael Wacha at BOS, Trevor Williams vs MIL, Nick Pivetta vs TB, Luis Garcia at LAA, Daniel Ponce de Leon at MIA, Anthony DeSclafani at SD, Adrian Morejon vs SF. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Dane Dunning vs TOR

Dunning was very good and is pitching at home. This one feels risky, but it is my favorite option for Tuesday.

High Risk Options: Aaron Sanchez at SD, Adbert Alzolay vs MIL, Dean Kremer at NYY.