Roto Riteup: April 6, 2021

The struggle is real:

Fantasy baseball Twitter 2021 in a nutshell pic.twitter.com/9Xoq8JqzEj

— Seth Klein (@SethDaSportsMan) April 6, 2021

On the Agenda:
1. COVID Issues
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues
The Nationals and Braves are expected to start their series today and will play a doubleheader tomorrow. While there is no confirmation of what players will not be available, these players were seen during the Nationals team practice:

Catchers: Tres Barrera, Raudy Read

Infielders: Ryan Zimmerman, Starlin Castro, Carter Kieboom, Luis García, Adrián Sanchez, Hernán Pérez

Outfielders: Juan Soto, Victor Robles, Andrew Stevenson, Yadiel Hernandez, Cody Wilson

— Jesse Dougherty (@dougherty_jesse) April 5, 2021

 

 

Quick Hits
Fernando Tatis Jr. left Monday’s game after reinjuring his shoulder. Tatis swung and missed at a pitch in the third inning and crumbled to the ground. It originally looked like he injured his elbow or wrist but the Padres stated that this was a recurrence of his previous shoulder injury. Consider him day to day for now, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he hit the DL for an extended period of time.

Cody Bellinger left Monday’s game after colliding with Reymin Guduan at a play at first base. Bellinger was spiked on the play, so it sounds like this shouldn’t be a serious issue. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Chris Taylor left Monday’s game after being hit on the elbow with a pitch. X-rays were negative after the game. Consider him day to day for now.

Nick Castellanos was suspended for two games for his involvement in a benches clearing incident over the weekend. He will play amid appeal.

Austin Hays was placed on the IL with a hamstring injury. The Orioles stated that the injury isn’t considered serious but since he was still dealing with it, they made the move.

 

Various News and Notes
Anthony DeSclafani threw five innings versus the Padres, striking out four and allowing just one run on four hits and three walks. DeSclafani breezed through the first few innings and then labored threw the fourth and fifth a bit while he struggled with his control. That being said, he is coming off of a lost season in 2020 and this was a good step against one of the best lineups in baseball. He is worth streaming later this week versus the Rockies.

Yermin Mercedes went 3-for-4 in the win over the Mariners. He has now started off his career 12-for-18 with a home run for the White Sox. Mercedes is an older prospect that has always hit, but has defensive challenges that has prevented him from getting to the Majors. If he continues to hit, he should keep a role, but either way this is a fun story to watch.

Carlos Rodon went five scoreless innings versus the Mariners, striking out nine in the victory. This is the first time in the Majors Rodon has shown his potential as the former top pitching prospect in the game. Injuries have played a part in his previous struggles along with command problems, but in spite of walking three, he was able to be dominant. He should be rostered in every format on this upside alone.

Michael Wacha threw five innings allowing four earned runs, but striking out six. Wacha had moments in which he was unhittable, but made mistakes in the zone. He didn’t allow a home run which is great considering that is usually what kills him. He has been working with increased velocity and if he can get his command under control, he could return to viability.

Trevor Williams threw six innings versus the Brewers, allowing two runs on two walks and two hits while striking out six. Williams had a perfect game through five innings and struggled at the end. He was very impressive in the outing, keeping the Brewers off balance at the plate. His next start is against Pittsburgh, so he should be streamed in all formats.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: 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.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None
Only five pitchers qualify for this section and I would rather not roll with any of them.

High Risk Options: David Peterson at PHI, Chad Kuhl at CIN, Antonio Senzatela vs ARI.