Roto Riteup: August 31, 2020

The MLB Trade Deadline is here!

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

 

COVID Issues
The Athletics and Astros game was postponed following a positive test of the Athletics organization. The A’s were supposed to travel to Seattle for a series versus the Mariners, but stayed in Houston Sunday night which means there will be postponements for at least their next series.

 

Closer Chaos
Cole Sulser blew his third save of the season on Sunday versus the Blue Jays. Sulser has not been good this year, but the Orioles don’t have a ton of options especially after trading Mychal Givens to Colorado (see below.) Hunter Harvey could factor in as the closer here pretty soon now that he is back with the team.

 

Trades!!!
Tommy Milone was traded to the Braves for two players to be named later. Milone was able to make it to Philadelphia to pitch for the Braves that day, but was crushed in his start. Milone has been pitching well, but a lot of it is smoke and mirrors. He is likely just a streamer in most formats.

The Boston Red Sox traded Mitch Moreland to the Padres for Hudson Potts and Jeisson Rosario. Moreland will likely be their DH against right-handed pitching. This will likely hurt his stock a bit moving forward as he won’t get every day playing time in San Diego, but it will be a better team around him. The Red Sox called up Bobby Dalbec who is a power hitting first baseman who made his impact immediately by hitting a home run off of Austin Voth on Sunday. Dalbec is mixed league relevant if you can afford the average hit that is sure to come with the power he has.

Jose Martinez was traded to the Cubs for two players to be named later. The Rays needed to clear some room for their own acquisitions and Martinez just has not been able to do much offensively and is a huge negative defensively. Martinez is only viable in NL only.

The Orioles traded Mychal Givens to the Rockies for Terrin Vavra and Tyler Nevin. Vavra is the more interesting prospect of the two, with a Major League ready bat, but there are questions about where he lands defensively. Nevin is the son of former Major League player Phil Nevin and is more likely a depth piece for the O’s at least right now. Givens could become the closer in Colorado who needed to add to their bullpen and now gets a piece they have coveted for a while now.

The Padres acquired Jason Castro from the Angels for reliever Geraldo Reyes. Castro is not much of an upgrade offensively, but he is a good defensive catcher and a great framer. The Padres also acquired catcher Austin Nola from the Mariners in a trade that sent Taylor Trammell, Andres Munoz, Ty France, and Luis Torrens to Seattle. The Padres also picked up relievers Dan Altavilla and Austin Adams. Nola likely will platoon with Castro and pick up random starts as a utility player. Trammell is the main piece for the Mariners and is a polarizing prospect. He has fantastic speed and a very good defender, but has struggled offensively since hitting AA last year. I tend to be a bit higher on Trammell than most just because reports are that he is a very hard worker and I love the raw tools.

 

Quick Hits
Tyler Chatwood left Sunday’s game with an elbow injury. Chatwood was cruising his start before pulling himself after a pitch that didn’t even reach the plate. Jose Quintana finished up his start. Chatwood is considered day-to-day for now, but it likely ends him back on the IL.

David Fletcher left Sunday;s game after spraining his ankle in the third inning. Consider him day-to-day for now.

J.D. Martinez left Sunday’s game after being hit with a pitch on his wrist. X-rays following the game were negative, so consider him day-to-day for now.

Aaron Hicks left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Ronald Acuna was pulled from Sunday’s game against the Phillies with a hamstring injury. Manager Brian Snitker stated that it was a precautionary move and they expect him to play on Monday.

 

Various News and Notes
Deivi Garcia made his Major League debut for the Yankees versus the Mets on Sunday, throwing six innings and only allowing an unearned run on four hits while striking out six. Garcia was optioned back to the alternative training site following the game. Garcia is considered the Yankees top pitching prospect and may have a bright future with the club, though there are concerns about his small frame holding up as a starter. He should be back with the team at some point this year.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: None
High Risk Options: Garrett Richards at COL, Anthony Desclafani vs STL, Chase Anderson vs BAL

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High Risk Options: Chad Kuhl vs CHC





Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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Jimmember
3 years ago

Castro is, in fact, an upgrade — at least from the left side. Read Ben’s story.