Roto Riteup: August 28, 2020

I am so glad I got sober before the invention of camera phones:

Arguably the greatest move by a Mets GM ever: pic.twitter.com/qDIbjTtH7L

— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) August 27, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. Closer Chaos
2. Trades!!! (and Rumors!)
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitcher

 

Closer Chaos
Both Richard Rodriguez and Nick Turley recorded saves in the doubleheader games for the Pirates versus the Cardinals on Thursday. Rodriguez is likely the favorite for saves moving forward, but he has been shaky this season. Turley seems like he may be an option if Rodriguez falters.

Trades!!! (and Rumors!)
The Blue Jays acquired Taijuan Walker from the Mariners for a player to be named later. The Blue Jays have been in the market for at least one starter with multiple of their rotation pieces on the IL. Walker has been decent this year, with a 4 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP, however, His 40+% flyball rates and 43% hard contact percentage may not play well in Buffalo and the AL East as it does in the comfy confines of Seattle.

The Rays acquired Brett Phillips from the Royals for Lucius Fox. This is an odd move because Phillips is like Kevin Kiermaier-lite with health. The health part may explain it as Kiermaier has been banged up off and on since about 1990. Fox is likely a speedy utility guy that could find himself with some playing time in Kansas City and deliver cheap stolen bases and plenty of Batman jokes.

According to Robert Murray, there are teams that are interested in trying to trade for Carter Kieboom. Kieboom has been a top prospect for the Nationals for a long time, but has not yet been able to establish himself in the Washington lineup. He would likely get more playing time on a new team so it will be interesting to see if the Nationals will move him.

Quick Hits
Evan White left Thursday’s game with a shoulder injury. Apparently, he hurt it earlier in the week in the field and re-injured it during a swing on Wednesday. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Matt Manning has been shut down for the season with a forearm strain. That is scary news even if the team is characterizing it as “slight.” You have to hold in dynasty, but if you have been stashing him in redraft leagues, you can cut bait.

Walker Buehler was placed on the IL with a blister issue. Buehler has struggled this season since starting out the year on a reduced workload. Maybe some time off will help him get right. Tony Gonsolin is expected to be recalled to start this weekend.

Various News and Notes
Multiple teams did not play games on Wednesday and Thursday as players and teams boycotted over systemic racism and social injustice. Friday has a full slate of games and all are expected to be played.

Anthony Alford was claimed off waivers by the Pirates. Alford is a former top prospect of the Blue Jays that has struggled to make contact in the Majors. He has power in the bat and plenty of speed and should get plenty of run for the rebuilding Pirates. Maybe a change of scenery is what he needs.

Gavin Lux was recalled by the Dodgers for the doubleheader versus the Giants on Thursday. Lux went 0-for-3 and was promptly sent back down. Lux will be up with the Dodgers at some point soon, bujt it appears that Dodgers are playing the service time game with him and they can afford to considering how well they are playing without him.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Griffin Canning vs SEA
Definitely some risk here since Canning has struggled as of late, but I believe in the talent and the matchup.
High Risk Options: Daniel Ponce De Leon vs CLE.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Brett Anderson vs PIT
Probably not a ton of upside, but he has been pitching well and it’s a good matchup.

High Risk Options: David Peterson at NYY.