Roto Riteup: August 30, 2012

Another five stories in today’s Roto Riteup? What is it, Christmas?

• Joey Votto is going to be returning this weekend if things go well during his current rehab assignment in Single-A. Votto was on pace to have one of the greatest offensive seasons in the history of Major League Baseball before he was sidelined, so here’s hoping his knee doesn’t flare up again in the next day or two. Todd Frazier will be moved to the bench to accommodate Votto’s return.

• Remember when Chris Carpenter had season-ending surgery in in July? Yeah, turns out he may not actually miss the rest of the season, and the right-hander has already thrown a 40-pitch bullpen session. I’d still bet against seeing Carpenter for precautionary reasons, but he could be a difference maker down the stretch depending on how the Cardinals use him. For fantasy owners, he won’t be of much help, but it’s great to see that he’s going to be ready to go for 2013.

• It’s not a done deal by any means, but Shelby Miller is likely going to get a look in the majors after the Triple-A season ends. Miller hasn’t enjoyed his time in the PCL — no pitcher really does — but the Cardinals still rightfully believe in his ability and could use a top arm to help them over the hump as they push for the playoffs. Kyle Lohse will be a free agent after the year, potentially allowing starters like Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly and Miller to compete for the fifth spot in St. Louis’ 2013 rotation during Spring Training. Miller is an exciting talent, and getting some data on his in the majors would be fun for nerds and prospect junkies alike.

• Sticking with prospects and September, Dylan Bundy will not be making his MLB debut until at least 2013. The Orioles will be sending the right-handed stud to the Instructional League after his Double-A season ends. Odds are Bundy will start 2013 in Triple-A and stay there until mid-June when the Super-Two deadline has passed.

• Dillon Gee’s shoulder is apparently looking great six weeks after doctors fixed a severely damaged artery in his throwing arm. Despite his artery being 96% blocked, Gee still had the best season of his career in 2012 before hitting the DL. Gee’s velocity was up, along with his strikeouts and GB%, leading him to a 1.25 WHIP over 17 starts. All worries about his shoulder taken under consideration, I’m excited to take Gee in NL-only and 14-team standard leagues next year.

For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here are a couple matchups you may be able to exploit.

A Pitcher for Today: Ryan Vogelsong at HOU
Vogelsong isn’t going to be available for streamers, but he’s an excellent choice in FanGraphs: The Game.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Brandon Morrow vs TB
Morrow may still be available in his second start back from the DL.

A Hitter for Today: Jesus Montero at MIN (Brian Duensing)
Montero has been great on the road, and he’s been good against left-handers. Getting a combo is just too much to pass up.