Roto Riteup: August 6, 2016

Today’s Roto Riteup author would like to remind you all about the dangers of heat stroke. Stay safe out there kids.

On the agenda:
1. Various News and Notes
2. Streaming Pitcher Options

Various News and Notes
The Diamondbacks are optimistic that A.J. Pollock will return from the DL before rosters expand on September 1. Pollock had elbow troubles in Spring Training and eventually fractured it, and somehow he’s worked his way back to the point of starting a rehab assignment. Pollock is just DHing for now, but he’ll get back to playing the outfield likely by the end of next week. The D’Backs are well out of the playoff mix, so they can afford to be patient, and they likely will be. Expect Pollock back no sooner than two weeks from now.

Joe Ross hasn’t started a game in the majors since July 2, and at this point he may not make another until September. Ross had been two starts into his rehab assignment, but now he’s taking a break to rest his sore shoulder. Perhaps the Ross family simply isn’t built to be pitchers, eh? There’s no timetable for Ross’ return to rehab action, meaning there’s no timetable for his return to MLB action.

The Cardinals are getting a key member of their infield back, as Matt Carpenter returned yesterday after missing almost exactly a month with an oblique injury. Not only has Carpenter matched his output from last year, but he’s continued to improve, boosting his ISO by 40 points while cutting his strikeout rate by five percentage points.

Mike Zunino went yard off of Tim Lincecum in the first inning of Ken Griffey Jr. weekend in Seattle, bringing his total to six over 14 games played. Perhaps more important, Zunino has cut his strikeout rate by nearly ten points from the last two seasons, and is walking about thrice as often. Don’t look now, but Zunino may finally be living up to his promise. The Mariners should be expected to split playing time between Zunino and veteran Chris Iannetta over the rest of the way, though continued excellence could lead Zunino to take the majority share.

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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: Jose Berrios at TBR (Chris Archer)
Berrios had a nice outing earlier this week upon his return to the majors, and now he gets to face the Rays.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Matt Andriese vs MIN (Kyle Gibson)
Picked on the Rays, and now it’s time to pick on the Twins.