Roto Riteup: August 10, 2018

The Roto Riteup loves to take advantage of lesser competition.

On the Agenda:
1. The Great Giancarlo
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

The Great Giancarlo
Giancarlo Stanton hit a home run in his third-straight game against the Rangers last night – his 28th of the season.


After having an April to forget (.218/.304/.356, 3 HR), Stanton has catapulted himself into the top-25 among hitters on the ESPN Player Rater. His power metrics, especially on Statcast, remain elite – however – his plate skills have taken a step back when you look at his numbers for the season at large (0.30 K/BB prior to yesterday’s game, 0.41 career). His home/road splits – which most thought would be affected positively due to his move to New York – has worked out negatively at home. Either way, Stanton will continue to have a plentiful amount of home runs moving forward.

 

Various News and Notes
Carlos Correa is expected to make his return from the disabled list today.


Correa had a dismal rehab assignment, but he’ll be a welcomed sight to fantasy owners who have been without him since June 25th. The Astros have been using Alex Bregman at shortstop while Correa has been sidelined, but he’ll be pushed back to third base. Yulieski Gurriel will be moved back to first base rendering J.D. Davis and Tyler White useless in most formats.

Leonys Martin was placed on the 10-day disabled list on Thursday due to an illness. He was held out of the lineup on Wednesday and the Indians decided to give him some time. The illness is being called, “intestinal turmoil” – yikes. Cleveland promoted Greg Allen from Triple-A Columbus, and he’ll likely see some playing time while Martin is on the shelf. This should only be a short stint for Martin.

The Oakland Athletics acquired Fernando Rodney from the Twins in exchange for minor leaguer Dakota Chalmers.


Rodney will now join a bullpen that has a myriad of quality arms and former closers. He won’t be in line for ninth inning duties, making him an automatic drop in most formats. The Bullpen Report will likely cover this topic in more detail, but Trevor Hildenberger is my preferred option to take over the closer role in Minnesota. With that said, Trevor May and Addison Reed could both be used in the role, or even in a closer-by-committee situation. Dakota Chalmers was not ranked in Eric Longenhagen’s top-23 for Oakland’s farm system heading into the year. He’s close to 22-years old, and hasn’t pitched above A-ball as of yet. He’s a non-factor for fantasy.

Speaking of bullpen situations, Corey Knebel allowed four runs – walking three-of-the-four hitters he faced – in route to his third loss (fourth blown save chance) of the season against the Padres on Thursday. Brewers manager Craig Counsell said he’ll use Knebel in an, “easier spot” next time out as a result.


Once again, this is a topic that will be covered in more depth on the Bullpen Report. Regardless, it’s safe to say that Knebel owners are more than frustrated with how things have faired this season. Jeremy Jeffress is the speculative add right now based on Joakim Soria departing early due to a groin strain. Josh Hader also remains a viable option for saves when the situation presents itself. Knebel owers should hang tight in most spots since there will be save chances for the Brewers and he’s had so much success in the past. At some point you have to wonder if he’s fully heathy though.

Jurickson Profar went 2-for-4 with a home run against the Yankees on Thursday. He’s now up to 13 on the year, to go along with 26 doubles, 62 RBI, and nine stolen bases on nine attempts in 369 AB. After hitting .288/.377/.439 in July, the former top prospect is now 9-for-29 (.310) with five extra-base hits (three home runs), 10 RBI, and one stolen base to start August. Paul Sporer and others have mentioned that prospect growth isn’t linear, and Profar has always had a boat load of talent. His ownership levels have soared recently, but this might be someone to buy-high, or invest in for the rest of the season and in dynasty/keeper formats.

Aaron Judge ran the bases on Thursday, but there is still no timetable on when he’ll pick up a bat.


The Yankees initially gave a four-to-six week timetable and it looks, at least initially, like it’s going to be closer to the latter. Let’s see how he progresses day-to-day, but fantasy owners should continue to have their replacement in place.

Mookie Betts completed the first cycle of the 2018 season against the Blue Jays on Thursday night.


I would write some quick, stat-driven argument for how great Mookie is, but do you really need that? He’s good, we know. Congratulations for snagging the first cycle of the season!

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Shane Bieber at CHW (If available), Derek Holland vs PIT
Holland has allowed 2 ER or less in every outing since July 5th (8 GS) and the Pirates are 21st in wRC+ since the calendar switched to August. Oh, and it’s in At & T where Holland has a 3.13 xFIP and 29% K.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Trevor Williams at SF (If available), Corey Oswalt at MIA
Oswalt is obviously insanely risky, but Miami has a 65 wRC+ over the last 30 days (29th) and average 3.5 RPG at home (29th). Play at your own risk though.





Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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ccovillemember
5 years ago

Roto Riteup? Is this a new feature here at Rotographs?