Roto Riteup: August 22, 2013

Today’s Roto Riteup was written just hours after its author viewed The Raven, which is a surprisingly watchable movie.

On today’s agenda
1. Jason Heyward fractures jaw, out 4-6 weeks
2. Derek Jeter rehabbing today
3. Ryan Dempster’s next start: August 30
4. Fun with arbitrary endpoints

Jason Heyward fractures jaw, out 4-6 weeks
The young Braves slugger was drilled in the head by a pitch from Mets’ left-hander Jon Niese, and thankfully the pitch appeared to be an accident with no malice aforethought. The pitch caught Heyward squarely in the side of the head, fracturing his jaw. Heyward will now miss 4-6 weeks, which likely means we won’t see him during the regular season. Heyward could see action in the last week of the year to help get him tuned back up for the playoffs, but fantasy owners in redraft leagues can simply drop Heyward. Even though there’s been no word of Heyward suffering a concussion, head injuries are scary things, so be sure to send some good vibes his way.

Derek Jeter rehabbing today
The Captain will be in Triple-A Scranton tonight to start his latest rehab assignment, and the shortstop will only play five innings. Before last night, the Yankees were just five games out of the playoffs, and since their shortstops have been the worst offensive crew in baseball, New York will welcome Jeter back with open arms. Jeter could be an interesting option for fantasy teams looking for a playoff boost.

Ryan Dempster’s next start: August 30
After attacking Alex Rodriguez from afar with a projectile, Dempster will return to the mound next Friday against the Chicago White Sox. With Clay Buchholz rehabbing and anticipating a return to the mound, this could potentially be one of Dempster’s last starts this year. Dempster has had problems with walks and homers in his age-36 season, and the Red Sox will have to determine what to do with the $13.2 million left on Dempster’s contract this offseason.

Fun with arbitrary endpoints
All stats through Tuesday’s game action.

Dan Haren, July and August: 50 IP, 50 K, 10 BB, 4 HR; 2.16 ERA, .244 BABIP
Jemile Weeks, AAA: 566 PA, .274/.383/.370; 17 SB, 10 3B
Starlin Castro, last 23 games: 88 PA, .176/.195/.235; 22 K, .226 BABIP
Jason Vargas, since return from DL: 9.2 IP, 6 K, 4 BB, 3 HR; 6.52 ERA, .364 BABIP