Roto Riteup: August 25, 2021

Some pretty good stories in here, including my own.

Have you ever been kicked out of a league?

If you’d like to share why, I’m sure we’ll get some fun stories.

— ThatMouthyWife (@MrsDSalinger) August 24, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Sticky Situations

Caleb Smith was suspended 10 games for having a foreign substance in his glove. Smith will continue to be active as he appeals, but it seems unlikely he will won that appeal. 

 

Closer Chaos

Aroldis Chapman was pulled from his save chance after allowing a run on two hits and two walks. Manager Aaron Boone brought in Wandy Peralta to finish off the game, so it worked out for the Yankees, but Chapman is still brushing off the rust. Chapman will get a long leash, but if he continues to struggle the Yankees may make a move since they are in the middle of a playoff race.  

Matt Barnes was replaced in the ninth inning versus the Rangers after allowing a solo home run and two walks. Hansel Robles came in and finished off the game for the Red Sox. Barnes has struggled recently, not converting a save since August 4th and allowing 10 earned runs in 4.1 innings since that last save. The Red Sox may turn to Robles or Adam Ottavino as they can’t afford to blow too many more games in the playoff race. 

 

COVID Issues

Dane Dunning, Jonah Heim and Spencer Howard were placed on the COVID IL. This sounds like it may be a matter of being exposed to someone who is positive, so there isa chance one or more of these guys are activated once they clear protocols, but it seems unlikely Dunning or Howard will make their next starts. 

Kevin Gausman was placed on the COVID IL with vaccine side effects. He should be fine and back for his next start. 

 

Quick Hits

Ji-Man Choi was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. There is no timetable for his return. 

Eduardo Escobar was placed on the IL with a strained hamstring. There is no timetable for his return at this time. 

Chas McCormick was placed on the IL with hand soreness. There is no timetable for his return. 

Evan Longoria was placed on the 10-Day IL with a hand injury. This was a bit weird considering they activated him from the COVID IL just to place him on the actual IL. Hopefully he won’t be out long. 

Cole Irvin left his start on Tuesday with a hip injury. It doesn’t sound serious and manager Bob Melvin stated he expected Irvin to make his next start. 

Buster Posey left Tuesday’s game with a knee issue. It sounds like it might have been precautionary considering how much the Giants were winning. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Brandon Crawford left Tuesday’s game with a back issue. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Jack Flaherty left his start on Tuesday with shoulder tightness. Flaherty described the issue as a “throwing problem” and “general soreness” so hopefully he won’t miss his next start. 

Willy Adames left Tuesday’s game with quad discomfort. This issue popped up a few weeks ago, so it may land him on the IL. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Jorge Mateo left Tuesday’s game with a back issue. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Tejay Antone left Tuesday’s game with an elbow injury after throwing just five pitches. Manager David Bell stated that “ he definitely felt something in his elbow” and expects Antone to undergo further testing, but this doesn’t sound like it will end well. 

 

Various News and Notes

Leody Taveras has been recalled from AAA Round Rock. Taveras was a trendy sleeper coming into the season, but struggled mightily in April before being demoted. He hit .245/.343/.475 with 17 home runs and 13 stolen bases in AAA and with the way the Rangers push it on the basepaths, he has some real potential to be a game changer rest of the way in fantasy. 

Nathaniel Lowe went 5-for-5 with a home run in the Rangers victory over the Indians.

Nathaniel Lowe – Texas Rangers (13) pic.twitter.com/yTMpym30Wh

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 24, 2021

After a great start to the season, Lowe has really struggled in the second half, hitting .224/.303/.308 with no home runs and two stolen bases prior to last night’s game. Lowe’s issues come from a hole in his swing from it being so long. He can get on extended hot streak, but he will continue to struggle if he does not address the issue in his swing.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

Not many options and the few there are aren’t good. 

High Risk Options: Bailey Ober at BOS, Zach Davies vs COL.

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Elieser Hernandez vs WAS

Hernandez has been pretty good since returning from the IL and gets a nice matchup with Washington. 

High Risk Options: Dillion Peters vs STL, Miles Mikolas at PIT, Tyler Gilbert at PHI. 

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.”