Roto Riteup: August 4, 2018

The Roto Riteup loves weekends.

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On the Agenda:
1. Various News and Notes
2. Streaming Pitchers

 

Various News and Notes
We received an update on the Dee Gordon injury situation:

Good news for Mariners: Dee Gordon’s ankle injury is not expected to be a long-term issue and he might not miss much time at all, though they’ll need to see how he is when he gets to park today before making any determinations.

— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) August 3, 2018

He was back in the lineup hitting second against the Blue Jays. This is amazing news, but fantasy owners should monitor his stolen base attempts over the next couple weeks. Despite the ankle injury not being serious, it could take some time before he starts to rev things up in that department again.

Ian Kinsler exited Friday’s game against the Yankees in the second inning with left hamstring tightness and was later placed on the 10-day disabled list.

Ian Kinsler left the game with left hamstring tightness.

— Pete Abraham (@PeteAbe) August 3, 2018

Utility infielder Tony Renda was called up to replace Kinsler. An interesting wrinkle that came from this is Mitch Moreland coming in to play first base, Steve Pearce (who homered again) being moved to right field, and Mookie Betts filling in at second base. He used to play the position back in his minor league days, — and was even 2B eligible in a ton of leagues when he was first coming up.

Andrew Miller was activated from the 60-day disabled list on Friday.

“I’m back- LET’S GET WASTED!!”

-Andrew Miller, probably pic.twitter.com/9SlA87dVS7

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) August 3, 2018

Zach McAllister was designated for assignment in a corresponding move. Miller hasn’t pitched in an MLB game since May 25th due to a knee injury. His seven-game rehab stint hasn’t gone swimmingly in terms of results (5.1 IP, 7 H, 7 ER, 1 HR, 7 K, 1 BB), but he should find himself in high-leverage situations in fairly short order. The Bullpen Report crew (myself included) has the Indians closer situation as a committee at the moment. If Miller can get back to his “normal form,” it could lead to Brad Hand snagging even more save chances. Cody Allen only has one save since July 16th.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Tommy Pham has been diagnosed with a fractured foot and will miss about a month of time. This is the play that caused the injury. It’s even more impressive that he ran the bases and ended up scoring.

Tommy Pham’s short tenure with the @RaysBaseball so far has featured more than his fair share of baseballs hitting his body. #RaysUp pic.twitter.com/fqwoi8Bzvj

— FOX Sports Florida (@FOXSportsFL) August 2, 2018

Chris Owings was optioned to Triple-A Reno on Friday.

The #Dbacks have optioned Chris Owings to Triple-A to make room for Andrew Chafin off the paternity leave list.

Listen to @BurnsAndGambo on 98.7 FM, the app or online: https://t.co/tDfV4MoZ8W https://t.co/8ku4mzuyZ0

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) August 3, 2018

For what it’s worth, he was the PCL MVP back in 2013. He’s been flat-out unusable in most formats this season – hitting .198/.267/.287 with three home runs and nine stolen bases. Ketel Marte has hit .292/.381/.567 with a .397 wOBA, 150 wRC+, eight home runs, 25 XBH, and three stolen bases over 197 PA (excluding last night) since June 1st. He’s been a top-15 SS on the ESPN Player Rater since the beginning of July as well. Jon Jay will continue to fill-in for Arizona in the outfield, with Daniel Descalso, Ketel Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and Nick Ahmed holding things down in the infield. Owings could be down in Triple-A until September if things don’t improve (and no one gets injured). Things have been downhill for him since posting 11 HR and 11 SB with a .297 BA from April-June last season.

Eric Longenhagen’s second ranked prospect in the Reds system – Hunter Greene – was diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow on Friday.

RHP Hunter Greene has been placed on Class A Dayton’s disabled list with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will not pitch again for Dayton this season. He will begin rehab in Goodyear immediately and will be evaluated throughout the offseason. #RedsMiLB pic.twitter.com/mr5ZIiApfc

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 3, 2018

This is obviously devastating news. It looks like rest and rehab is the treatment plan as of now, but a lot of fantasy owners and baseball fans know where this specific injury tends to lead. The 18-year old second overall pick from the 2017 draft will end his first full season with a 4.48 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, and 3.20 xFIP with an 89/23 K:BB ratio in 68.1 IP. We here at the Roto Riteup wish him nothing but the best.

Chris Devenski was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to left hamstring tightness. He’s struggled since the All-Star break and the injury is likely at least part of the reason to blame. There’s currently no timetable for his return. With Roberto Osuna set to be activated from suspension on Sunday, along with the addition of Ryan Pressly, the Astros could play things safe and wait before ramping things up.

Steven Matz was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a left flexor pronator strain. He’s allowed 19 ER over his last 18 IP (4 GS), upping his ERA to 4.35 for the season. Corey Oswalt has been promoted in a corresponding move and will take his spot in the rotation for seemingly at least a few starts.

Julio Urias has a possible return date on September 1st according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.

Dave Roberts just told us on @MLBNetworkRadio that a Sept. 1 return date for Julio Urias is “probably the most realistic timetable.” Roberts envisions a multi-inning bullpen role for Urias this year, with him moving back to starting in 2019. @MLB @MLBNetwork

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) August 3, 2018

Urias underwent left shoulder surgery to repair an anterior capsule last May. The once highly-touted prospect is set to come out of the bullpen the remainder of this season, but will remain a starter heading into the 2019 season. He’s worth holding on to or buying in keeper leagues based on his upside alone. Shoulder injuries are always scary (ask Jason Collette), but he’s worth taking a chance on.

Jung-Ho Kang underwent wrist surgery yesterday and will be sidelined for the next four-to-six weeks.

Jung Ho Kang had surgery to debride cartilage in his left wrist this morning, the Pirates announce. Typical recovery is 4-6 weeks.

— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) August 3, 2018

If he returned in six weeks it would leave about three left in the season (give or take). He’s posted a .310/.408/.517 line with three home runs, 16 RBI, and eight strikeouts to nine walks spanning 16 games between two levels of the minor leagues this year (71 PA). If he’s able to return and be promoted to the major leagues at some point, he could be relevant. Kang could be a bargain heading into drafts next year if the Pirates brass feels he’s ready to contribute to the team and give him a specific full-time role.

Chance Adams – Eric Longenhagen’s ninth ranked prospect in the Yankees system – will be called up to make his first MLB start today against the Red Sox.

Unless there is a last-second shift in plans the #Yankees intend to have Chance Adams make his major league debut Saturday against the #Redsox.

— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) August 3, 2018

Adams had a strong start against Triple-A Rochester in his last outing, but for the season boasts a 4.50 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 102/48 K:BB ratio over 98 IP at Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre. His stock has fallen since last year, but there’s still reason to believe he can be a formidable starter in the big leagues. He’s not an option for fantasy today, but keep an eye on him moving forward. The fact the Yankees called Adams up instead of Justus Sheffield is at least worth keeping up with moving forward.

After allowing five earned runs or more in three of-his-last four starts, Tyler Mahle was sent down to Triple-A Louisville by the Reds to work on things. Cincinnati will go with Luis Castillo, Matt Harvey, Homer Bailey, Sal Romano, and Anthony DeSclafani in their rotation for now.

Jonathan Villar led off again for the Orioles on Friday, collecting three hits after notching two the day before. While he hasn’t swiped a base yet, Orioles manager Buck Showalter expressed that he has a “greener than green light” – I’m paraphrasing – on the base paths. Suffice it to say, this resembles the situation Villar walked into a couple of years ago with the Brewers where he stole 62 bases. I’m not saying things will be on pace to be that plentiful, but he’s worth adding in formats where he was dropped.

Yan Gomes made an early departure from Friday’s game against the Angels as a precautionary measure due to soreness in his right knee. It’s a day-to-day situation. Roberto Perez came in to replace him.

Buster Posey was removed from Friday’s game against the Diamondbacks after taking a foul-tip off his catcher mask. He’ll likely enter the concussion protocol.

Buster Posey is exiting this game alongside trainer Dave Groeschner.

— Kerry Crowley (@KO_Crowley) August 4, 2018

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Clay Buchholz vs SF (If available)
High-Risk Option: Marco Estrada @ SEA
Estrada admittedly has been awful. His pitch count should tick back up coming off injury, and the Mariners finished 27th in wRC+ in July.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Wade Miley vs COL
Rockies are 25th in wRC+ on the road (84) and Miley has allowed 2 ER or less in all 4 GS since his return to the mound.
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Ervin Santana vs KC (If available)