Roto Riteup: August 14, 2023
Somewhere near San Francisco, there is a Mason with pants currently tighter than Robbie Ray.
First Cedric tooketh:
This angle of the Cedric Mullins robbery really shows how insane it was pic.twitter.com/O9ZpljQ64p
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 13, 2023
Then Cedric gaveth:
CEDRIC MULLINS ROBS A HOME RUN
CEDRIC MULLINS HITS A HOME RUN pic.twitter.com/p7eagyyyaj
— 𝙆am Brice (@kambrice1tv) August 13, 2023
On the Agenda
- News and Notes
- Bumps and Bruises
- Comeback Trails
- Streaming Pitchers
News and Notes
Wander Franco will not travel with Tampa Bay to their series in San Francisco as MLB investigates disturbing allegations that began circulating on social media about his relationship with an underage child. We won’t go any further until these allegations become verified accusations but if true, let’s be perfectly clear that “relationship” is not the correct word to use.
Shohei Ohtani was supposed to next start at Texas on Wednesday but will now have his turn in the rotation skipped after telling manager Phil Nevin he was feeling some arm fatigue. This doesn’t seem to be a significant issue and Ohtani is expected to return to the mound next week against the Reds.
Luckily, arm fatigue won’t stop Ohtani from hitting:
Shohei Ohtani launches his American League-leading 41st home run! pic.twitter.com/anvf2aSymZ
— MLB (@MLB) August 13, 2023
More skip to my loo, with Hunter Brown also getting hopped over in the Houston rotation and will now likely start Friday against Seattle instead of Wednesday against the Marlins. This isn’t injury-related, though, as Brown will be available out of the bullpen for the Miami series but be aware that his Friday start will be in jeopardy if he’s used. IE Not a great fantasy situation if you’re in a weekly league.
Marco Gonzales hasn’t pitched since late May but will have his season officially ended after the Mariners announced he’ll undergo surgery on his left forearm. Sidebar: It just seems impossible that Gonzales is somehow still just 31 years old.
Bumps and Bruises
Just in time to break some FAAB hearts before an upcoming homestand, Jurickson Profar hurt his knee crashing into the outfield whilst making an impressive catch on a Mookie Betts liner. Profar’s status for this week is unknown but he was on the ground for a couple of minutes and needed help getting off the field so my expectations aren’t currently super high he’ll be good to go in Week 21.
Ozzie Albies was pulled on Sunday with cramping in his left hamstring after running out a groundout in the eighth inning. It doesn’t appear serious but consider him day-to-day until further word.
Matt Chapman was a late scratch on Sunday with inflammation in his right middle finger. No word yet on the severity of the injury so keep an eye on your Monday lineups.
C.J. Cron (back) missed Sunday’s game after leaving in the sixth inning of Saturday’s contest. Consider him day-to-day.
Luis Robert Jr. missed his third game in a row with a sprained right pinky finger after initially being injured on Wednesday. We still don’t know if this will require an IL stint so those rostering Robert need to keep their eagle eyes open.
Comeback Trails
Carlos Rodón (hamstring) is scheduled to face live hitters in a simulated game this week. As long as things stay positive, Rodón could return as soon as he’s eligible on August 22. Counterpoint: Absolutely nothing is going right for the Yankees and their general stank could lead to Rodón immediately reinjuring himself, Nestor Cortes-style.
Starling Marte (groin) is eligible to return from the IL on Wednesday but is unlikely to be activated. While he did receive an injection to speed healing after first injuring himself last Monday, Marte may need a rehab assignment before returning, with the ever-spiraling Mets having few reasons to push him back sooner.
Hunter Harvey (elbow) might not need a rehab assignment and could return to the Nationals bullpen this week. Harvey had taken over the closer’s job prior to getting hurt but Kyle Finnegan has been rather excellent during his absence, picking up seven Saves since July 17, with a 0.00 ERA and 14 K over 11.2 IP, allowing just four hits and one walk. Given that, it’s hard to imagine that the Nationals would just immediately yank the job back over to Harvey.
Streaming Pitchers
Streaming Pitcher for Today: None – It’s a short-slate Monday and we only have four pitchers likely to be available on most waiver wires, none of whom will inspire much confidence.
High Risk for Today: Carlos Carrasco, NYM vs PIT – Carrasco is coming off of a solid start against the Cubs (5 IP, 2 ER, 5 K) and the Pirates offense continues to struggle in the second half vs RHP, ranking 22nd in wOBA and K%, as well as 24th in runs scored overall. But putting their mediocre swashbuckling aside, do be aware that Carrasco can pull some bomb pops out of his pocket at any time, regardless of opponent. In his four starts prior to facing the Cubs, Carrasco ran a 12.33 ERA, with just 9 K in 15.1 IP, with three of those outings also coming against opponents that looked like solid matchups on paper (KC, WSN, CHW).
Streaming Pitcher for Tomorrow: David Peterson, NYM vs PIT, Dakota Hudson, STL vs OAK
tooketh and gaveth. Pulitzer prize baby!