Roto Riteup: April 7, 2025

Turnabout is fair play:

On the Agenda: 

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

Closer Chaos

Jordan Leasure gave up a hit and a walk and did not record an out in the blown save versus the Tigers on Sunday. 

The White Sox have not registered a save yet this season, but Leasure was the one they turned to tonight. Mike Clevinger and Cam Booser are also options in the latter innings, but there may not be enough saves if one guy gets them all in Chicago and especially if the role is shared.

Ryan Borucki threw two-thirds of an inning, allowing three earned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out one in the blown save versus the Yankees on Sunday.

With David Bednar being sent down, the Pirates are in need of a new closer. It seemed like Dennis Santana was the frontrunner, but he entered in the eighth of this game. With Borucki blowing the save, Santana may end being the only option, but it is more open than it initially seemed in Pittsburgh.

Quick Hits
Victor Robles left Sunday’s game with a shoulder injury after this play:

Robles was in extreme pain after the play and had to be helped off. He was getting imaging done after the game. Consider him day-to-day for now, but he is likely heading to the IL.

Nestor Cortes was placed on the IL with an elbow strain. This is always concerning since these often precede Tommy John surgery. Be ready to drop him.

Blake Snell was placed on the IL with shoulder inflammation. The hope is that this is not going to be a long absence, but it is concerning. Reserve him in all formats.

Iván Herrera left Sunday’s game with a knee injury.

Herrera injured the knee while running the bases. The Cardinals are calling it inflammation, so hopefully it isn’t too serious. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Andrew Benintendi left Sunday’s game with an adductor injury. He was injured while running the bases as well. Consider him day-to-day for now.

David Peterson left Sunday’s game with an illness. This doesn’t appear to be anything serious and he should be able to make his next start.

Various News and Notes

Kris Bubic threw 6.2 innings versus the Orioles, allowing one earned run on five hits and a walk while striking out eight in the victory on Sunday.

Bubic was fantastic in this one, throwing his fastball for a 30% CSW and getting a 73% whiff rate on his changeup. Bubic has shown promise before but struggled to stay healthy and consistent. He is healthy right now and he looks like he could be the real deal.

Andrew Heaney threw seven innings on Sunday, allowing one earned run on five hits and a walk while striking out 10 in the no-decision versus the Yankees.

Talent has never been in question for Heaney, but he can struggle with command and health. The command was good in this one, but I have been burnt enough times to be skeptical that it won’t be an issue in the future.

Kyren Paris went 2-for-4 with a home run and stolen base in the victory over the Guardians on Sunday.

Paris has been great this season, hitting .444/.545/.889 with two home runs and four stolen bases in just 22 plate appearances. Paris has not been a full-time player, but the Angels are a pretty injury prone team and are currently missing Yoan Moncada due an injury, so Paris should find enough playing time to put his great speed to use.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Hayden Wesneski at SEA

Wesneski looked good in spring and is facing a bad offense in a great park. 

High Risk Options: Michael Lorenzen vs MIN, Simeon Woods Richardson at KC, Matthew Liberatore at PIT.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Ben Lively 라이블리 vs CHW

Lively is a boring option, but he is facing a bad White Sox offense and lines up for a two-start next week. 

High Risk Options: Landen Roupp vs CIN, Shane Smith at CLE. 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”