Roto Riteup: August 10, 2020

2020 in a nutshell:

I…. pic.twitter.com/bhfYqxhq5V

— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 9, 2020

 

I am back from the IL after experiencing COVID-like symptoms, but my test was negative and I am now feeling better. I apologize for the lack of content last week.

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

 

COVID Issues
The Cardinals and Pirates series has been postponed due to another Cardinals player testing positive for COVID-19. The plan right now is for the Cardinals to play a doubleheader versus the Tigers on Thursday, at this point it would not be surprising if that is postponed as well.

Zach Plesac was sent home after violating team and MLB rules about COVID health and safety protocols. Plesac will be required to quarantine for 72 hours before he can return to the team. He may be returning as a reliever for a little while also. Cleveland’s team president stated that the team was already discussing putting him in the bullpen prior to the incident since the Indians do not need a fifth starter for a couple of weeks.

Yordan Alvarez went four for six in an intrasquad game on Sunday. Alvarez is ramping up since returning to the team due to a COVID issue. He should be rostered in all leagues, but shallow league players should double check their waiver wire in case he was dropped.

Hunter Dozier returned from the IL on Sunday and went one for four with two RBIs. Dozier had yet to play this season after contracting COVID, but he is back and may be available in leagues in which people dropped him because they couldn’t stash him in their IL.

 

Quick Hits
Madison Bumgarner left Sunday’s start after experiencing back spasms. Bumgarner was struggling in the outing and has struggled this season. He is droppable in most formats at this point.

Ramon Laureano was ejected from Sunday’s game after charging a coach in the Astros dugout. This likely will lead to a suspension as the league is trying to prevent players from doing things like this due to the pandemic.

Charlie Morton left Sunday’s start with a shoulder issue. Morton stated after the game that he didn’t think he would moiss much time, but this is concerning considering how Morton has struggled this season. Morton leads the Majors in hard contact and has not looked right this season.

 

Various News and Notes
Spencer Howard made his Major League debut versus the Braves, throwing 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on seven hits and one walk and striking out four. Howard had moments where he showed the promise that his prospect pedigree has to offer and the home runs he gave up weren’t necessarily bad pitches, but he definitely struggled with command at times within the zone and made mistakes. He has a nice matchup versus the Orioles coming up and is worth the risk.

Dylan Moore went one for three with a home run and a walk in the victory over the Rockies. Moore has now hit three home runs this season and could be pushing for more playing time for the rebuilding Mariners. He will likely go back to being a short-side platoon guy once he cools down, but for now he is playing.

Kevin Gausman was brilliant on Sunday, throwing 6.1 innings allowing only one run on three hits without walking anyone. Gausman is one of those pitchers that draws you back in and then sucker punches your fantasy team. That being said, he pitches in a great park and that could lead to some safety in his numbers. Keep an eye on him and if he has another good start he could be worth grabbing in all formats.

Andres Gimenez went three for four with a stolen base versus the Marlins on Sunday. Gimenez is a former top prospect that lost a lot of his hype in the last couple of years. He has a role with the Mets with Cespedes opting out and Robinson Cano on the IL. He could be a sneaky pick up for people ravaged by injuries.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Kyle Gibson vs SEA
Gibson has looked pretty good this year, especially at home.

High Risk Options: Julio Teheran vs OAK

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Alex Cobb at PHI
Cobb has had a nice bounceback season so far and while there is some risk here, he is better than a lot of the options on this top heavy slate.

High Risk Options: Tyler Alexander vs CHW, Elieser Hernandez at TOR