Roto Riteup: July 21, 2015

Well dear readers, since Zack Zach Sanders has a life on the weekend, I’ll be handling the Roto Riteup duties from now until the end of the month. If you didn’t come back until August, I couldn’t blame you.

On today’s agenda:
1. Welcome to the show, Stephen Piscotty
2. Nori Aoki could return Friday
3. Jon Gray watch
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Welcome to the show, Stephen Piscotty
The 24-year-old is expected to make his big league debut today. Our own Kiley McDaniel rated Piscotty as the Cardinals No. 2 prospect and No. 81 overall heading into this season. Coming from Triple-A where he hit .272/.366/.475 with 11 home runs and five steals (in 11 attempts), Piscotty offers a solid all around game. As the linked article suggests, it seems likely for Piscotty to see time at first base and some occasional time in the outfield. I wouldn’t grab him in 10-teamers just yet, however in standard 12-team or deeper leagues, I’d add him on speculation alone. One can find Piscotty available in 85 percent of CBS formats and more than 95 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

Nori Aoki could return Friday
The Giants are planning to activate Aoki possibly as soon as this week after they ease him back into some games. Barring any setbacks, count on the outfielder to be back in action before the weekend. Aoki suffered a broken right fibula and has been on the shelf for a month after getting off to a hot start at the plate. Posting a .317/.383/.385 line before the injury, he exclusively started games from the leadoff spot. I’d wager he’ll return there upon being activated and is worth picking up. Take note of his .333 BABIP as it seems unlikely to last, however even with a regressed BABIP Aoki still rates as an above average hitter in both standard 5×5 or on-base percentage leagues. He’s free to pick up in more than 60 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! settings, but just 37 percent of CBS formats.

Jon Gray watch
Dang. I had high hopes of seeing Gray soon after the All-Star break, however that won’t be the case. Rockies general manager Jeff
Bridich told reporters the club will run with a four man rotation until July 28. Through 104 1/3 innings at Triple-A this season, Gray has fanned 97 batters, though he has allowed 37 walks. His 4.75 ERA and 4.01 FIP are inflated by a .345 BABIP; the Pacific Coast League can be tough on pitchers, especially the high desert in Albuquerque. According to StatCorner, Albuquerque’s run environment is inflated by 18 and 21 percent for left and right-handed hitters respectively. The third overall pick of the 2013 draft rated as the Rockies best prospect and No. 28 overall of Kiley’s preseason rankings so the talent for Gray is there. Colorado is a tough place to pitch, but I’m optimistic about him. Given his 75 percent availability in CBS leagues and 95 percent in ESPN or Yahoo! leagues, you should be able to pick up the talented right-hander if you so desire.

Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Aaron Nola vs TB (Nate Karns)
The 22-year-old righty is making his MLB debut at home against a Rays lineup that has been below average for most of the season against right-handers. He can be streamed in 40 percent of CBS settings and around 80 percent of Yahoo! or ESPN formats. Nola possess a plus change piece and I’m expecting a strong outing today.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Mike Bolsinger at ATL (Julio Teheran)
Bolsinger can miss bats and while the Braves have been about league average against right-handers thus far, Freddie Freeman was responsible for a lot of the damage the team did against righties. One can find Bolsinger on the wire in about half of CBS leagues, 65 percent of ESPN settings and 75 percent of Yahoo! leagues.