Roto Riteup: August 4, 2021

I am here for StatCat coverage:

The return of Catcast ™.

(MLB x @GoogleCloud) pic.twitter.com/HfgqX7MewR

— MLB (@MLB) August 3, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

Jordan Montgomery tested positive for COVID-19 and hit the IL according to Yankees general manager Brian Cashman. This is the second positive test for the Yankees in two days following the announcement that Gerrit Cole tested positive. Hopefully, this won’t become a greater issue in New York. 

Keston Hiura was placed on the IL ith COVID-19. Hiura had been optioned, but apparently did not not pass COVID protocols once he arrived at Nashville. This will delay any potential return to the Majors this season. 

Jazz Chisholm was placed on the IL with COVID-19 symptoms. There is no confirmation that he tested positive as of yet, so this could be a quick return if he does get a negative test. 

Matt Barnes was placed on the COVID IL on Tuesday after displaying symptoms of the virus. However, he reportedly tested negative and is expected to be activated on Wednesday. 

 

Quick Hits

Cavan Biggio was placed on the IL with neck discomfort. This is the same issue that sent him to the IL earlier this season, so this is a bit concerning. There is no timetable for his return. Corey Dickerson was activated from the IL to take his spot on the roster. 

The Yankees placed Gio Urshela on the IL with a hamstring strain. This is disappointing news as the Yankees had hoped he could avoid the IL. However, it sounds like he could return in relatively short order as the move is retroactive to August 1st. 

Kyle Freeland left his start after injuring his foot after being hit with a comebacker in the fifth inning. Consider him day-to-day until we get further information.

Andrew Benintendi left Tuesday’s game with an injury to his shoulder. It is being characterized as a strain. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

 

Various News and Notes

Mookie Betts played second base for the Dodgers on Tuesday night. This is now the third time playing the position this season and if he can play there somewhat regularly the rest of the way, he could gain eligibility there for next season, which would be a huge addition to a very thin position in the fantasy game. 

Sam Hilliard went 2-for-3 with a home run in the Rockies victory over the Cubs. 

Eli Morgan, 76mph Changeup and 92mph Elevated Fastball, Overlay/slow

That changeup looks like it has a parachute. 🪂 pic.twitter.com/34q5vZ8IIy

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 2, 2021

Hilliard is now hitting .275 with four home runs and a stolen base in 16 games since being recalled by the Rockies. There has always been a ton of power and speed in the profile, but he has not made enough contact. He is still striking out over 30% of the time, so this may just be a hot streak, but when you play in Colorado, hot streaks are definitely worth riding.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Drew Smyly at STL

This is a risk because he hasn’t gone deep into games recently, but this isn’t a great streaming slate and the Cardinals aren’t a team I am super worried about. 

High Risk Options:  Alec Mills at COL, Matt Harvey at NYY, Paolo Espino vs PHI. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  None

Some interesting high risk options, but no one I am betting on. 

High Risk Options:  J.T. Brubaker at CIN, Ross Strippling vs CLE, Tyler Anderson at NYY, Dylan Bundy at TEX, Spencer Howard vs LAA. 

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”