Roto Riteup: August 14, 2020

Nothing wrong with having imaginary friends.

Protect @TheCUTCH22 at all costs. pic.twitter.com/RcIxrJS4MY

— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 12, 2020

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

COVID Issues
The Cardinals and White Sox game on Friday has been postponed after a member of the coaching staff for the Cardinals tested positive for COVID-19. There is some hope that they will be able to play a double-header on Saturday, but it seems unlikely at this point.

 

Closer Chaos
Keone Kela was activated off the IL. He should slot right into the closer role in Pittsburgh since the Pirates bullpen has been hit by injuries with both Nick Burdi and Kyle Crick hurt.

 

Quick Hits
Victor Reyes did not play on Thursday. Robles was hit by a pitch in Wednesday’s game but x-rays came back negative. Consider him day-to-day for now.

According to manager Brian Snitker, Ozzie Albies is unlikely to come off the IL when first eligible next week. This is disappointing news, but Albies should be held on to in most formats in spite of this.

Jeff McNeil left Thursday’s game with a knee injury. McNeil ran into a wall while making this catch:

Jeff McNeil is being carted off the field after making this catch. He attempted to walk back to the clubhouse under his own power, but was unable. pic.twitter.com/1FJoK6QIR7

— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) August 13, 2020

X-rays after the game were negative, consider him day-to-day for now, but he is likely to miss a few days over the weekend.

Sean Doolittle was placed on the IL with a knee issue. Will Harris was activated to take his place on the roster. Doolittle can be dropped in all formats.

Adam Haseley was placed on the IL with a wrist injury. Both the MRI and x-rays that were taken were negative, but the Phillies decided he would need some time to recover. Roman Quinn and Scott Kingery will likely take his spot in center.

Kris Bryant was scratched from the lineup on Thursday with a finger issue. Manager David Ross stated that the injury is not considered serious and he is expected back soon.

Jose Peraza left Thursday’s game after being hit in the knee with a pitch. X-rays came back negative after the game. Consider him day-to-day for now.

 

Various News and Notes
Top prospect Alec Bohm made his major league debut on Thursday night, going 1-for-4 with a double against the orioles. Bohm is a nice power bat with the ability to walk and a decent hit tool. His presence will be bad news for Scott Kingery as Bohm will likely play third and that moves Jean Segura over to second. However, Kingery could move out to center with Adam Haseley hitting the IL. Bohm should be picked up in all formats on upside alone.
[/embed]

Look at this beautiful spray chart from Alec Bohm. This is, combined with a 13.5% K rate and 7.6% SwStr rate is why he's a top 20 prospect on the @ProspectsLive top 500 list.https://t.co/1I9Lp7H6al pic.twitter.com/zhJk7wVj7f

— mdthompFWFB (@mdthompFWFB) August 14, 2020

Tomas Nido went 2-for-4 with two home runs and six RBIs in the win over the Nationals on Thursday., Nido isn’t a premium talent, but with Wilson Ramos hitting .196/.274/.286 so far this season, he could find himself getting more and more plate appearances. Nido is now hitting .353 on the short season and is worth a stream in deeper two catcher formats.

Jorge Mateo made his Major League debut on Friday for the Padres. Mateo is a former top prospect with the Yankees and A’s that was traded to San Diego before the season. However, he contracted COVID-19 and has been recovering. While there is no clear path to playing time, Mateo can play multiple positions in the infield and outfield, Mateo has game changing speed and is worth a stash in deeper formats.

Hunter Renfroe went 3-for-6 with two home runs in the victory over the Red Sox on Thursday. Renfrow had been struggling this year and the big day only brought him up to a .200 batting average. Renfroe has a ton of power, the ability to walk and plays good defense, but his tendency to strikeout makes him difficult to roster on a team that will likely platoon him.

According to team president John Mozeliak, the Cardinals will bring up prospect Dylan Carlson once the team is cleared to play again. Carlson is an interesting prospect that has the ability to hit for power and chip in some speed while contributing in average and OBP. If he was dropped in any formats, he should be grabbed immediately.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Tommy Milone vs WAS
I keep waiting for the wheels to fall off, but it hasn’t happened yet for Milone.

High Risk Options: Chad Kuhl at CIN, Spencer Howard vs NYM, Kyle Wright at MIA, Yusei Kikuchi at HOU, Pablo Lopez vs ATL

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High Risk Options: Asher Wojcieowski vs WAS, Kevin Gausman vs OAK