Roto Riteup: August 2, 2021

I need answers!!!

Question, if a player said they refused to shave, what could the Yankees do? That can’t actually be in their contract if they were traded there.

— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) July 31, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

Matt Wisler threw a scoreless ninth inning versus the Red Sox to get the save on Sunday. With Diego Castillo shipped out of town and Fairbanks on the IL, there is likely a committee in Tampa Bay for the closing job, but we at least know that Wisler will be a part of that. However, it is hard to trust anyone in the Rays bullpen as a saves contributor.  

 

Quick Hits

The Mets did not sign their first round pick Kumar Rocker. Apparently, he failed the physical over concerns about his elbow. He will return to school and the Mets will get a comp pick in next year’s draft which appears to be a pretty deep class.

Luis Guillorme was placed on the IL with a hamstring injury. There is no timetable for his return. 

Domingo German was placed on the IL with shoulder inflammation. This is disappointing as he was great in his last start and there was no sign that he was hurt. There is no current timetable for his return. 

Michael Brantley left Sunday’s game with an ankle issue. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

 

Various News and Notes

Max Schrock went 5-for-5 with a home run in the win over the Mets on Sunday. 

MAD MAX SCHROCK SOLO SHOT pic.twitter.com/YRlWiwxwhw

— And This Blog Belongs To The Reds (@ATBBTTR) August 1, 2021

Schrock had a great day in the victory which may earn him a little more playing time in the immediate future, but that will be short lived as the Reds start to get healthy with Senzel and Moustakas working their ways back.

Myles Straw went 1-for-3 with a home run in the loss to the White Sox.

Cleveland Indians legend Myles Straw Home Run

pic.twitter.com/bhemjzr7fx

— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) August 1, 2021

Straw was one of the under the radar moves at the deadline, but ends up in a pretty nice spot for his fantasy value. The Indians led him off in his first game for them against lefties and their lack of depth in the outfield means he should play every day.

Ha-Seong Kim went 2-for-3 with a home run in the victory over the Rockies.

there were a lot of (fair) questions about how Ha-seong Kim would handle velocity in MLB after rarely seeing 95+ in KBO

but he’s such a good athlete, I’m staying optimistic that he’ll adjust eventually. slow start this year but some great signs lately: pic.twitter.com/0MKcdbbGXe

— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) August 1, 2021

Kim is going to see more playing time with Fernando Tatis Jr. out for at least 2-4 weeks following Tatis’ reinjurying his shoulder. Kim has power in his bat and a ton of speed and has improved after a tough transition to the Majors. He is a worthy gamble in deeper leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today:  Eric Lauer vs PIT

Lauer has been great of late and has a great matchup. 

High Risk Options:  Jose Suarez at TEX, Bryse Wilson at MIL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  Luis Patino vs SEA

Patino has begun to go deeper into games and has amazing stuff. 

High Risk Options:  Adrian Houser vs PIT, Kyle Freeland vs CHC, Kris Bubic at CHW. 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”