Roto Riteup: July 2, 2021

This is the Pirates everyday left fielder tomorrow:

F10 pic.twitter.com/268HH4uBB0

— Cut4 (@Cut4) July 2, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. Closer Chaos
2. Trade!!!
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Closer Chaos

Joakim Soria threw a scoreless ninth inning against the Giants to log his first save of the season. Soria was considered to be the front runner for saves, but the Diamondbacks haven’t won many games in the last month, so this is nice confirmation that he is the guy. 

 

Trade!!!

The New York Yankees acquired Tim Locastro from the Diamondbacks for Keegan Curtis. Locastro has struggled at the dish and likely becomes outfield depth for the Yankees. However, with their history of injuries, he could find himself being a useful piece for speed needy teams if he can get playing time at some point. 

 

Quick Hits
Yoan Moncada left Thursday’s game with a hand injury.

YOÁN STAYING IN THE GAME WHILE BLEEDING. So tough pic.twitter.com/hVyu4HzlJn

— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) July 1, 2021

Moncada had an ugly slide attempt into third base that caused the injury and he was down a while before attempting to stay in the game. The White Sox are calling it a bad bruise, but he is expected to miss at least a few games and could hit the IL. Jake Burger is expected to be called up and is an interesting short term play with some upside.

Colin Moran was placed on the IL with a broken hand. There is no timetable for his return. The Pirates recalled Jared Oliva, who will likely start off as a reserve outfielder, but if he can find time, there is a ton of stolen base potential.

Kolten Wong left Thursday’s game after reaggravating his calf injury. Wong had missed four straight games with the injury and Thursday was his first game back. He seems likely to hit the IL.

Corbin Burnes left Thursday’s game with a knee injury. After the game, Burnes stated that he jammed his knee when he slipped during a pitch, but doesn’t think it will be an issue moving forward. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Eddie Rosario left Thursday’s game with an abdominal strain. He is expected to undergo further testing. Consider him day-to-day for now.

 

Various News and Notes
Dylan Bundy has been moved to the bullpen. Bundy has struggled mightily this season so this is not unexpected. If he can get right in the bullpen, he could rejoin the rotation at some point, but for now, Jose Suarez will take over.

Mike Tauchman was placed on the IL with a knee sprain after injuring himself after this catch.

Tauchman made another insane catch at Dodger Stadium pic.twitter.com/jSsdD41mfn

— SF Giants on NBCS (@NBCSGiants) June 30, 2021

There is no timetable for his return. Jaylin Davis was recalled from AAA and could be interesting, but will have issues finding playing time on a deep Giants team.

Nate Lowe went 2-for-4 with two home runs in the victory over the A’s.

Sir, may I please have another? pic.twitter.com/zmncapM4Mv

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) July 1, 2021

Lowe has been up and down this season, but when he is hot you have to roll with him. Lowe has a long swing which prevents him from getting to certain pitches and that will continue to lead to slumps. He has talent, but until the hole in his swing is fixed, he will be very streaky.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Drew Smyly vs MIA

Smyly has been very good lately and has a nice matchup here. 

High Risk Options: Brady Singer vs MIN, Adrian Houser at PIT, Alex Cobb vs BAL, J.A. Happ at KC.

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Patrick Sandoval vs BAL

Sandoval has pitched very well since joining the rotation for good and has a nice matchup at home. 

High Risk Options: Sammy Long at ARI, Kyle Muller vs MIA, Eric Lauer at PIT, Michael King vs NYM. 

 

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.”