Roto Riteup: April 7, 2018

It’s Ohtani’s world, we’re just living in it:

Ohtani walks to bring in a run! Score is Athletics 8, #Angels 7 as we head to ⬆6⃣. pic.twitter.com/j9mvY6Avuy

— Angels (@Angels) April 7, 2018

On the Agenda:
1. Ohtani Homers in Three-Straight
2. Sanchez Exits Game
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

Ohtani Homers in Three-Straight

Shohei Ohtani went 1-for-4 with a home run and an RBI walk on Friday. The home run was his third in as many games, and gives him seven hits, seven RBI, four runs scored, and a 4/1 K:BB ratio in 19 PA to date (278 wRC+). There’s no doubt that Ohtani belongs on a major league field, but in most formats where his player value is split between pitching and hitting, there’s a lot of questions. The best-case scenario is what is currently happening – him getting the opportunity to hit in half the games, while getting some rest after pitching. Most fantasy leagues however, would relegate a player with that type of playing time – no matter how good the skills – to the waiver wire. All-in-all, this is an exciting story, but Ohtani the hitter is only viable for deeper AL-Only formats.

 

Sanchez Exits Game

Friday’s matchup between the Yankees and Orioles was full of excitement – just watch this:

Absolutely unreal, @TheJudge44. pic.twitter.com/okddmMVfcp

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) April 7, 2018

The Yankees would end up falling in the game, and in the process saw Gary Sanchez depart in the 14th inning due to a calf issue. Yankee manager Aaron Boone would go on to say that they’re hopeful it’s just cramps, but this is a situation to watch for DFS formats and daily leagues nonetheless. The Yankees also saw C.C. Sabathia, Tyler Wade, and Brandon Drury leave the game for various reasons.

Injury report from Aaron Boone:

Sabathia – MRI on right hip didn’t show much, wait and see

Drury – migraines, blurred vision

Wade – fever, flu-like symptoms

Sanchez – hoping it is just cramps

— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) April 7, 2018

 

Various News and Notes

Andrew Heaney allowed one run over 6.1 IP in his rehab outing with Class-A Inland Empire. The southpaw threw 87 pitches and is expected to rejoin the LA rotation sometime next week. The oft-injured Heaney will be in his age-27 season. He’s coming off a five-start cameo in 2017 where he registered bad results, but a promising 14% SwStr and 11.2 K/9. He’s worth a flier in mixed leagues, but best left on the bench at least to start.

Anthony Rizzo was scratched from Friday’s game against the Brewers with lower-back tightness.

Anthony Rizzo has been scratched w lower back tightness. This pops up a few times a year on him and the Cubs are being cautious. Victor Caratini will play first base in his place. https://t.co/MFEZMxznCL

— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) April 6, 2018

The fantasy stud is currently day-to-day. If someone is willing to sell based on his putrid start, fantasy owners should capitalize on it.

Red Sox prospect Michael Chavis was slapped with an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a performance enhancing drug. The drug that enabled this result is called Dehydrochlormethyltestosterone (say that five-times fast). Based on a five minute google search, the drug is extremely harsh on your liver and kidneys, but offers substantial growth in muscle, speed, and endurance. Chavis put himself back on the map last season, after hitting 31 HR between High-A and Double-A. Lead prospect analyst Eric Longenhagen has Chavis number one in the Red Sox system.

Trayce Thompson is scheduled to join the Athletics today. Current center fielder Boog Powell was roughed up after attempting to snag Justin Upton’s 3-run home run the night before.

Justin Upton’s go ahead 3 run shot. 385 foot shot that left the bat at 104 mph. #Angels pic.twitter.com/XjTecK6VKp

— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) April 7, 2018

Thompson has over 40 games of experience in center field. He’s at least worth monitoring in AL-Only leagues in the scenario that he gets some regular playing time. He’s demonstrated double-digit HR/SB upside in the minors.

 

Streaming Pitchers

A Pitcher for Today: Andrew Trigss @ LAA (recommended yesterday)

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Trevor Richards @ PHI
Obviously, you can’t count on a win here, but Richards possesses a plus change-up, and had a 5/1 K:BB ratio in 4.1 IP against the Red Sox in his MLB debut. The Phillies have the second-highest K% as a team thus far. I like the sneaky possibilities in deep leagues and in DFS tournaments.