Roto Riteup: August 12, 2013

Join in celebrating the 16th anniversary of the landmark self-titled album, Backstreet Boys, being released in the United States. This is the best track from that album, hands down.

On today’s agenda:
1. Welcome back, Salvador Perez
2. Time to own Jonathan Villar
3. Ryan Ludwick’s return
4. Three thoughts for three starting pitchers

Welcome back, Salvador Perez
After missing the minimum seven days for a concussion related disabled list stint, Perez came back yesterday and went 1-for-3 with a walk. The walk is of note given that it was just his 14th in 357 plate appearances. As such, he holds much more value in standard 5×5 leagues than on-base percentage leagues. He is available in over 30% of CBS formats, 40% of Yahoo! leagues, and 50% of ESPN leagues.

Time to own Jonathan Villar
The Houston Astros may have found another up-the-middle threat on the base paths to pair with Jose Altuve. Through 16 games Villar has grabbed 10 steals while hitting .245/.344/.302. His minor league track record leads one to reason that Villar is more than capable of stealing 40+ bases in a full season. Villar may have missed yesterday’s game with a sprained thumb, but he figures to be back in the lineup again today. Villar is currently available in 75% of CBS leagues, 85% of ESPN formats, and over 90% of Yahoo! leagues.

Ryan Ludwick’s return
The Cincinnati Reds will welcome back left fielder Ryan Ludwick today. After missing all but game one this year, the Reds will be happy to get Ludwick’s bat back into the lineup. In his absence, the Reds have seen their left fielders hit a collective .237/.306/.363 for a 26th ranked 84 wRC+. Currently owned in less than 5% of both ESPN and Yahoo! leagues and 20% of CBS leagues, Ludwick makes for a potentially powerful bat with guaranteed playing time going forward.

Three thoughts for three starting pitchers
Martin Perez was very impressive, even if it was against the Astros. He’ll be facing the offensively challenged Seattle Mariners in his next start and should be streamed where available. Perez is owned in 43% of CBS leagues but fewer than 15% of both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

Ian Kennedy fired eight innings of two run ball on the road against a very good Reds lineup. Though he only recorded three strikeouts, it was his first quality start in his last four games started. If Kennedy can get on track during their upcoming 10 game home stand — where Kennedy projects to pitch twice — he could be worth an add. His next two opponents should be the New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates — both clubs rank in the bottom 10 in terms of runs scored — and Kennedy should be considered a solid stream candidate. Kennedy is owned in 65% of both CBS and Yahoo! leagues, but just 35% of ESPN formats.

Stephen Strasburg is just plain nasty. He threw the first complete game shutout of his career yesterday, and it was a Maddux to boot.