Roto Riteup: August 31, 2023

Ya know, I’m starting to think Sarah Langs might just be onto something – baseball really is the best:

Braves pitcher Darius Vines went six strong innings in his MLB debut and his mother was brought to tears when being asked about it pic.twitter.com/GO17Xg5PmL

— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 31, 2023

On the Agenda:

1. ‘Tis the SZNs
2. Bumps and Bruises
3. Comeback Trails
4. Streaming Pitchers

‘Tis the SZNs

With New York hopes of contending far in the rearview and center fielder, Harrison Bader, recently placed on waivers, top prospect Jasson Domínguez will be called up in time for this weekend’s series against Houston. The 20-year-old whetted our fantasy dreams with 15 HR and 37 SB over 507 PA at Double-A this season and has put up a .494 wOBA and 187 wRC+ over a brief eight-game sample at Triple-A.

Dominguez will be joined by catcher, Austin Wells, who has 17 HR and 7 SB across three levels this year, most recently slashing .262/.355/.467 over 141 PA at Triple-A.

Ronny Mauricio is expected to be called by the Mets this weekend. Mauricio has laid waste to Triple-A this season, slashing .295/.349/.511 over 527 PA, with 23 HR and 24 SB, with a .371 wOBA.

Ceddanne Rafaela got his first start in the bigs at shortstop on Wednesday, with Trevor Story getting the night off, going 1-for-4, with a double, a run scored, and an RBI. Rafaela has dominated at two levels this season (.302/.349/.520, 20 HR, 36 SB) but doesn’t necessarily have a path to everyday playing time.

Bumps and Bruises

Julio Rodríguez missed his second straight game on Wednesday with a pinched nerve in his foot, with manager Scott Servis hopeful he’ll be able to return in time for this weekend’s series against the Mets.

Salvador Perez was scratched with a tight back on Wednesday. Consider him day-to-day.

Lane Thomas was pulled in the seventh inning yesterday with a balky back. Consider him day-to-day.

After getting pulled on Tuesday with a hip issue, Jorge Soler was out again on Wednesday. Consider him day-to-day for now but do be aware that hips don’t lie and Soler also had issues with his in 2022.

Comeback Trails

Ranger Suárez (hamstring) will be activated to start Philadelphia’s series finale in Milwaukee on Sunday.

J.D. Martinez (groin) is expected to start a brief rehab assignment soon before rejoining the Dodgers this weekend. Martinez has been out of action since August 19, having slashed .262/.338/.446 in the second half, with 3 HR in 76 PA.

Ryan Helsley (forearm) is likely to be activated from the IL on Friday. Considering he hasn’t pitched in the majors since early June and has had multiple starts and stops to his rehab track, it’s hard to assume he’ll immediately move back into the St. Louis closer role.

Marcus Stroman (rib) got some long-toss in on Wednesday but is running out of time to rejoin the Cubs rotation for any meaningful amount of fantasy contributions before the regular season ends.

Streaming Pitchers

Ahh, the shortest of the short-slates…We have a whopping four games today!

Streaming Pitcher for Today: Umm, no.

High Risk for Today: Joan Adon, WSN vs MIA – Look, we’re picking bones here. Adon has a 5.25 ERA (4.64 FIP) for the year but will get a rematch against a Marlins team that he just shut out for six innings in his last start, allowing three hits and striking out three.

Matt Manning, DET @NYY – Since allowing a total of 19 runs (17 ER) over an earlier three-start stretch, Manning has been solid for his most recent three starts, allowing just 1 ER (4 R) over 17.2 IP. But being backed by a languid Detroit offense that has only scored a total of 11 runs over their current five-game losing streak and a miniature 15% K%, Manning’s value ceiling is extremely limited.