Roto Riteup: August 23, 2021

This is what the game is about:

Throw a no-hitter at #LLWS. ✅ @MikeTrout shows love. ✅

Washington’s Eli Jones will never forget this moment. #LittleLeagueClassic pic.twitter.com/R80vOg2yAc

— Play Ball (@PlayBall) August 22, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

COVID Issues

Nelson Cruz was placed on the COVID IL on Sunday. The Rays stated that Cruz was not feeling well so this was a precautionary move. With an off day for the Rays on Monday and Thursday, Cruz is a bit of a risky play in weekly leagues, especially if the entire roster locks at the beginning of the first game of the week. 

Evan Longoria was placed on the COVID IL with vaccine side effects. He should return in a day or two once the symptoms subside. 

 

Quick Hits

Wily Peralta was placed on the Il with a blister. There is no timetable for his return. 

Ji-Man Choi left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. This is a recurring issue for Choi so don’t be surprised if he ends up on the IL. 

Eduardo Escobar left Sunday’s game with a hamstring issue. He is expected to undergo an MRI on Monday. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Anthony Desclafani was placed on the IL with ankle inflammation. The move is retroactive to August 19th. There is no timetable for his return, but it doesn’t sound like he will be out an extended period of time. 

 

Various News and Notes

Alec Bohm was optioned to AAA on Sunday. While this is not shocking due to how he has played this season, it is unexpected considering how well regarded he is as a young player. Bohm will get a chance to work things out in AAA, but he will be a bounceback candidate in 2022 that people will sleep on. 

Tyler Naquin went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs.

Tyler Naquin is not here to mess around 👀 pic.twitter.com/dqyc13mnqS

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 22, 2021

Naquin has gotten at least a hit in 12 straight games with five home runs during that span. Naquin is a streaky bat and it is definitely worth riding the hot streak while it lasts.

Cal Quantrill threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out nine in the victory over the Angels.

You might not have realized it if you were tuned in, but Cal Quantrill had another unbelievable outing.

Cal set down the last 13 hitters he faced.#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/kNuAY4QCme

— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) August 23, 2021

Quantrill has been excellent recently, not allowing more than three earned runs in any outing since June and going at least five innings in each of those outings. He is a former first round pick and is finally coming into his own. He will be a popular “sleeper” coming into 2022 and still weirdly available in some shallower format leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Wil Crowe vs ARI

One of the few teams the Pirates have a good chance of winning against are the Diamondbacks, so if there is ever a series to stream Pirates pitchers, this is it. 

High Risk Options: Daniel Lynch at HOU, Antonio Senzatela vs CHC, Kolby Allard at BOS. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:Eli Morgan vs TEX

Morgan has been pitching well of late and has a nice matchup.

High Risk Options: Griffin Jax at BOS, Jesus Luzardo vs WAS, Ranger Suarez vs TB, JT Brubaker vs ARI. 

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.”