Roto Riteup: August 3, 2020

Everyone last night:

FAAB this week: pic.twitter.com/CQTB6RT7mo

— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) August 3, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues
According to John Heyman, the Cardinals had multiple positive and inconclusive tests. Craig Mish would report that the inconclusive tests are likely positive tests on the saliva test and then a negative on the nasal test or vice versa. There should be more information before lock tomorrow, but this could turn into a Miami situation.

Yoenis Cespedes has opted out of the 2020 season. This was a strange story as apparently Cespedes had his agent inform the team, but it never got to the right people and the Mets reported to the press that he was missing. Either way, Cespedes is done for the 2020 season, unless he pulls a Markakis.

Lorenzo Cain has opted out of the 2020 season.

Aroldis Chapman will throw his first bullpen on Monday since being placed on the IL with COVID. Chapman figures to be activated at some point this week and with the Yankees playing up to eight games this week, he could rack up a few saves. Zach Britton will continue to close until Chapman is back.

Closer Chaos
Jairo Diaz got his first save of the season versus the Padres. The Rockies placed closer Wade Davis on the IL with a shoulder issue and Scott Oberg’s season is done due to blood clot. This leaves Diaz as the closer with very little competition left on the roster.

Roberto Osuna was placed on the IL with an elbow injury. This does not sound good. Ryan Pressly is expected to be the new closer, though Cy Sneed could get some saves as well if Pressly is not over his own elbow injury.

 

Quick Hits
Adalberto Mondesi left Sunday’s game with a quad injury. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Mike Moustakas left Sunday’s game after being hit by a pitch in the arm. X-rays were negative and it appears he should be ok. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Mookie Betts left Sunday’s game with a finger issue. He had hit a homer earlier in the game and manager Dave Roberts said he is day-to-day, so this appears to not be serious.

Manny Margot left Sunday’s game with back stiffness. While it is not considered serious, it is expected that Austin Meadows will return this week, which will hurt his playing time.

Chad Kuhl left his start with a finger issue. This sounds like a fingernail or a blister issue. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Danny Santana was placed on the IL with a forearm injury. This likely opens up more playing time for Nick Solak in the outfield.

 

Various News and Notes
Shohei Ohtani left Sunday’s start after only an inning and two-thirds against the Astros. Ohtani reported feeling discomfort in his arm during the outing. He received an MRI and the results will be available in the next day or two. This is awful news for the two-way star in his first season pitching since Tommy John Surgery. It would not be surprising if the Angels just make him a hitter rest of the way, if he can even do that.

Josh James threw three innings allowing four runs on one hit and six walks. James really struggled with his command in this one. James was a popular sleeper pick coming into the season, but he has been awful and is droppable in most formats.

Evan Longoria hit a home run on Sunday versus the Rangers. Longoria has started off his season hot since being activated from the IL last week. He has a four game set in Colorado, so he is worth scooping in leagues just for that.

Anotonio Senzatela threw six innings, allowing only one run while striking out six. Senzatela has pitched well so far this season including this home start. Senzatela is not much of a strikeout guy and the blowup factor is huge in Colorado. That being said, he has a decent matchup this week in Seattle.

Anthony DeSclafin threw five innings only allowing three hits and a walk while striking out two in the scoreless season debut. DeSclafani missed the first couple weeks of the season with a teres major strain, but that appears to be behind him. If he is available, scoop him up.

According to Craig Mish, the Marlins will call up Monte Harrison for his MLB debut. Harrison was the secondary piece of the Christian Yelich trade and has power and speed, but is unpolished and raw. He is worth the gamble in most formats.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Alec Mills vs KC
Mills went six in a decent first start and now draws the Royals at the beginning of a nice two-step.

High Risk Options: Justus Sheffield vs OAK

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High Risk Options: Tyler Mahle vs CHW