Roto Riteup: April 6, 2018

Let’s all give a round of applause to the Roto Riteup!

The fans in Philly were NOT happy when Gabe Kapler came to take out Nick Pivetta after 97 pitches.

There’s two down in the sixth after 5.2 innings of scoreless baseball. pic.twitter.com/yAsYHaJe2w

— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) April 5, 2018

On the Agenda:
1. Eaton Makes an Early Exit
2. Souza Ahead of Schedule
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Eaton Makes an Early Exit

Adam Eaton exited yesterday’s game against the Mets after the fifth inning due to an ankle injury.

After X-rays, Adam Eaton says he should be fine. He busted up some scar tissue in his ankle, he said. “A day or so,” he said.

— Adam Kilgore (@AdamKilgoreWP) April 5, 2018

Brian Goodwin replaced him in the lineup and went 1-for-2. Eaton had scored from first a couple innings earlier – hurting his ankle in the process. The current news doesn’t sense that this is a major concern, but with his injury history, it’s best to stay tuned. Eaton is currently leading the MLB in runs scored (10) while sporting a .455/.520/1.384 line through his seven games.

Souza Ahead of Schedule

According to Diamondbacks GM Mike Hazen, there’s a possibility that outfielder Steven Souza could join the club at the end of their current road trip, or at the beginning of their next home stand. Arizona’s homestand begins on April 17th, which is welcomed news considering Souza wasn’t expected back from his pectoral strain until mid-May. Jarrod Dyson and Chris Owings have been holding it down thus far, with Owings in particular having a great start. The biggest loser in terms of playing time once Souza returns is Dyson – as he doesn’t possess much versatility. Depending on when Lamb returns, as well as how effective he is, Owings could continue to rack up a decent amount of playing time. He’s a solid “buy-low” candidate right now for 15-team mixed leagues or deeper.

Various News and Notes

After a report earlier in the week about Mike Zunino possibly returning this weekend, Mariners manager Scott Servais told reporters that the club will “slow” his rehab from an oblique injury in order to avoid a setback. They could potentially activate him next week. In the meantime, Travis d’Arnaud and Chris Iannetta are nice, low-owned, stop-gap options in mixed leagues until the former Gator returns.

In Twins news, Ervin Santana hasn’t resumed throwing, and may need a follow-up exam to determine a new timetable for his return from his surgically-repaired right middle finger. His initial timetable was set for late-April/early-May, but based on his progress thus far, it’s reasonable to expect a delay. On a positive note, Phil Hughes could be on his way back to the Minnesota rotation after throwing in a minor league game on Thursday. In the outing he was supposed to go 90-100 pitches and treat it as a normal start. He’s been nursing an oblique injury since March. For fantasy purposes however, Hughes and his 5.00 ERA can be avoided in essentially every format.

Ben Gamel began a rehab assignment with High-A Modesto on Thursday. He, like Mike Zunino and Mitch Haniger last season, has been nursing an oblique injury that cost him the majority of Spring Training. When he returns, it’ll likely send Taylor Motter back down to Triple-A. Gamel hit .275/.329/.416 in 2017 against RHP, with 10 HR and an 8% BB. He could be a useful AL-Only piece.

Trey Mancini led off for the Orioles on Thursday, going 3-for-5 with two RBI. Chris Davis was moved to fifth and could potentially stay there. Mancini hasn’t exhibited the best BB% in the minor leagues or in his rookie year (5.6%), but he did end up with a .338 OBP in 2017, and the Orioles need someone to set the table for them. Heading into action yesterday the Orioles as a team owned the lowest RPG mark in the MLB. This is something to monitor, as a permanent change to this spot would lead to less RBI opportunities, but possibly more runs scored.

Eduardo Rodriguez will make his 2018 debut against the Rays on Sunday. The 25-year old southpaw is beginning the season late due to knee surgery in October. His change-up supplied him with over 20% whiffs and a 56% GB in 2017, which could help maintain an increase in SwStr% the last two years. He’s a nice 15-team mixed league flier now with the upside for more if you have available space.

Yuli Gurriel began a rehab assignment on Thursday. He should be ready to be activated from the disabled list when first eligible on April 13th. JD Davis is likely to be demoted to Triple-A when Gurriel does come up. Despite a solid 2017 season, he still only ranked 18th on the ESPN Player Rater. That combined with surgery to repair a hamate bone makes his overall profile uninspiring.

Streaming Pitchers

A Pitcher for Today: German Marquez vs ATL (recommended yesterday)

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Andrew Triggs @ TB

Triggs faired well against the Rangers in his first outing, with the 7/2 K:BB ratio on 13 swinging-strikes spanning 5 IP being the highlight. Tampa Bay’s offense is hitting under the Mendoza line and is sitting second-worst in RPG thus far. Oh, and they’re playing at Tropicana Field. Need I say more?