Roto Riteup: August 26, 2022

One of the many reasons I love baseball:

This is so awesome! @PujolsFive gave his jersey to a young fan after last night's game at Wrigley.

via: @BobbySTL1936 pic.twitter.com/0g3kfy8ZNc

— MLB (@MLB) August 25, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

Closer Chaos

Ryan Pressly was placed on the IL retroactive to August 22. Pressly had been struggling with a neck issue for a few days and the Astros had hoped he would avoid the IL. With Pressly being out, Hector Neris and Rafael Montero are likely the next men up in Houston. 

Andres Munoz threw 1.1 scoreless innings to register his third save of the season on Tuesday versus the Guardians. The Mariners have had four pitchers pick up saves in the second half with Paul Sewald leading the way. However, Monuz has a ton of talent and now that he is healthy, he will figure his way into the equation and is an injury away from becoming the main guy in the Mariners pen. 

Quick Hits
Jared Walsh was placed on the IL with thoracic outlet syndrome. The injury is not very common, but even less common for hitters than it is for pitchers. It would explain Walsh’s struggles this season as he has hit .215/.269/.374 with 15 home runs and two stolen bases in 454 plate appearances. It is likely that his season is over.

Nestor Cortes was placed on the IL with a groin strain. There is no timetable for his return.

Ty France left Thursday’s game with a calf strain after colliding with Will Benson at a play at first base.

Thoughts? Ty France is now out of the game. Clean or no? pic.twitter.com/h9mNRq45Rd

— Seattle Mariners ON Tap (@MarinersONTap) August 25, 2022

Consider him day-to-day for now.

Zack Wheeler was placed on the IL with forearm tendinitis. The Phillies don’t believe the injury to be serious, but it is very concerning especially this late in the season.

Yoan Moncada left Thursday’s game with hamstring tightness. Consider him day-to-day for now.

 

Various News and Notes
Mitch Haniger went 2-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Mariners.

Mitch Haniger – Seattle Mariners (7)
pic.twitter.com/j3BICwInbT

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) August 25, 2022

Haniger has struggled with injuries this season, but he has been good when he has been on the field, hitting .275/.327/.500 with seven home runs. If he can stay healthy, then he can be a difference maker down the stretch and be potentially an underrated player heading into 2023 drafts.

Cade Cavalli will make his Major League debut on Friday versus the Reds. Cavalli is the top pitching prospect in the Nationals system with a plus fastball and three legit secondary pitches. He does struggle with his control and command, but there is legit upside here and opportunity on the rebuilding Nationals. He is likely the top pick up of the week in most leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today:  Glenn Otto vs DET

Otto has been really good as of late and gets the Tigers at home. 

High Risk Options: Cade Cavalli vs CIN, Mitch White vs LAA, Tommy Henry at CHW. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Eduardo Rodriguez at TEX

E-Rod looked great in his return and has a nice start in Texas. 

High Risk Options: David Peterson vs COL, Kohei Arihara vs DET. 

 

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.”