Roto Riteup: August 30, 2015
Today’s Roto Riteup author is enjoying something of a Harry Potter marathon this weekend and doesn’t appreciate you judging him.
On today’s agenda:
1. Various news and notes
2. Streaming Pitcher Options
Various news and notes
The White Sox are considering skipping one of Carlos Rodon’s starts in September in order to keep his innings under control. Rodon has thrown just a little over 120 innings this year, but when your team is eight games below .500, there’s no use in pushing your young starters. Rodon has been almost exactly what was expected this year: plenty of strikeouts but also plenty of walks, looking dominant at times and ineffective at other.
Joe Kelly has quietly been quite good since returning from the minors, especially over his last five starts. To wit:
| IP | K | BB | HR | ERA | WHIP | BABIP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Since returning from minors | 45.2 | 36 | 12 | 6 | 3.74 | 1.31 | 0.311 |
| Last 5 GS | 32 | 22 | 10 | 3 | 1.69 | 1.13 | 0.256 |
Javier Baez is expected to make his return to the majors shortly after rosters expand on Tuesday, and he could be coming up to do more than ride the pine. Baez could rotate in at second base for the Cubs, a position that’s been a noticeable weakness this season. The power potential is tantalizing, and he did cut his strikeout rate by about five points this year in Triple-A, so perhaps there’s a chance he hits above the Mendoza Line this September.
Luis Severino continues to struggle a bit with his command, but put up another solid outing yesterday, holding the Braves scoreless over six innings. Severino has walked at least three in each of his past three outings, but he continues to pile up strikeouts a limit damage with runners on base. There will be some regression coming, but all-in-all, a successful debut so far for the Yankees rook.
Streaming Pitcher Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.
A pitcher for today: Alec Asher vs SD (James Shields)
Have some fun and roll with the rookie in his MLB debut.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Colby Lewis at SD (Tyson Ross)
This isn’t about fun; it’s about getting Lewis away from Texas in a friendly environment.
Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.
Asher is not in the system on ESPN so BOOOO!