Roto Riteup: August 18, 2020

Really looking forward to the Mortal Kombat movie!

The Ripper mcdooms McBroom to the infinity day IL.
🔪💀⚰️ pic.twitter.com/cxcR5J0APR

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 15, 2020

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

COVID Issues
According to manager David Bell, the Reds have had no new positive COVID-19 tests in the most recent round of tests. This is good news and it sounds like that could play on Tuesday.

According to multiple reports, Indians reliever Oliver Perez told the team that he would opt out if pitchers Zach Plesac and Mike Cleveinger were able to return to the team quickly after they had gotten caught going out to dinner in Chicago after a game. Both players were optioned and multiple players on the team have been critical of them including star Francisco Lindor. Cleveland could look to hold them down until they gain an extra year of service time or even trade them.

Carlos Martinez has been cleared to resume baseball activities. This sounds like he has gotten the necessary negative tests and should be able to rejoin the rotation somewhat soon.

Francsico Mejia was placed on the IL with a thumb contusion. He is expected to be able to return when first eligible.

Edwin Rios was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. The injury is considered minor, but at this point it is hard to roster anyone put on the IL.

Rowdy Tellez left Monday’s game after being hit in the head with a ball. He is considered day-to-day as the Blue Jays monitor him for concussion like symptoms.

 

Closer Chaos
Kirby Yates is to have surgery on his elbow to remove bone chips. This would likely end his season. Drew Pomeranz appears to have the closer’s job locked down at this point.

Daniel Hudson gave up four runs versus the Braves in the ninth inning, blowing the save and the game for the Nationals. Hudson is clearly the closer, but the Nationals may have to make a change at some point if he continues to struggle. With Sean Doolittle on the IL, Will Harris, who came into the game in the eighth could be first man up. Taylor Rainey could also factor into the mix.

Trevor Gott gave up a walk-off home run against the Angels on Monday, blowing his second straight save. Gott has been awful recently and it is a matter of time before manager Gabe Kapler replaces him with Shaun Anderson, Tony Watson or Tyler Rogers.

 

Quick Hits
Tommy Pham has been diagnosed with a broken hamate bone in his right wrist. He will undergo surgery and miss 4-6 weeks, which will likely end his season from a fantasy perspective. Trent Grisham will take over in center while Josh Naylor, Edward Oliveras and Jorge Mateo should pick up more playing time.

Oscar Mercado was optioned to the team’s alternative training site. Mercado was a breakout star last year, but has struggled at the plate this season. The Indians outfield is a mess and so it is likely he ends up back at the Majors at some point.
Chris Paddack and Dinelson Lamat have been moved back a day in the rotation. Prospect Adrian Morejon will come up and make a spot start to allow Paddack and Lamet an extra day to rest.

DJ Lemahieu was placed on the IL with a sprained thumb. Lemahieu is expected to miss 2-3 weeks according to manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees recalled Miguel Adujar to take his spot on the roster.

Yasmani Granal left Monday’s game with back tightness. Manager Rick Renteria stated that the issue is not serious. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Sal Perez left Monday’s game again due to blurry vision. Perez had left for this issue on Sunday, but was cleared to play on Monday. Consider him day-to-day, but this is very concerning.

 

Various News and Notes
The Tigers called up Isaac Paredes, Casey Mize, and Tarik Skubal. All have immediate fantasy value. Mize is largely considered one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, though Skubal and his strikeout ability may end up being the better fantasy option, especially right away. Paredes gets overshadowed by all the pitchers in the system, but he is no slouch himself. He has an above average hit tool already and some decent pop. With Jemeir Candelario moving to first base to replace CJ Cron, Paredes should be able to carve out a regular role in the lineup and could be a nice option in deep formats.

Luis Garcia went 1-for-5 with his first Major League home run. Garcia was brought up after Starlin Castro broke his wrist and looks like he may be a mainstay in the Nationals lineup. He has the ability to hit for power and offer a decent average at the same time. He is worth a flier in deeper mixed leagues.

Brad Miller went 3-for-5 with two home runs while starting in both ends of the Cardinals double header on Monday. The Cardinals are extremely short-handed right now and Miller should get plenty of run until they start getting bodies back from the COVID IL.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Tony Gonsolin vs SEA
Gonsolin may not go deep into the game, but he should rack up a ton of strikeouts in the process.

High Risk Options: Brad Keller vs CIN, Tarik Skubal at CHW, Daniel Ponce de Leon at CHC

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Tommy Milone vs TOR
Milone has been good so far this year, but it will come crashing back to Earth eventually. Hopefully not against the Blue Jays.

High Risk Options: Patrick Sandoval at SF.