Roto Riteup: July 21, 2020

Found my dream job:

Good gig, if you can get it. pic.twitter.com/WsxG9nilmF

— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) July 20, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. Closer Chaos
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes

 

Closer Chaos
According to manager Mike Schlidt, Kwang-Hyun Kim is likely to be the team’s closer to start the season. Carlos Martinez has won the fifth starter job and it does not seem like Giovanny Gallegos won’t be ready to start the season. Ryan Helsley could be in line for late inning work as well, but right now it appears Kim is the man to start the season.

According to manager Dusty Baker, if Roberto Osuna is not ready to close on Opening Day, Ryan Pressly will likely get the first opportunity. Osuna is behind after getting to camp late, but it doesn’t sound like he would miss much time even if he is not ready.

 

Quick Hits
A.J. Puk was placed on the 10-Day IL with a shoulder issue. This is the same issue that he injured back in March. He is going to see specialist Dr. ElAttrache, so we should get an update before the start of the season.

Jean Segura left Monday’s after being hit on the hand with a pitch. Apparently there was no technician to run the x-ray, so we will have to wait for an update today.

Hunter Harvey may not be ready for the season due to arm fatigue. This doesn’t sound too serious, but those counting on saves from Harvey may have to wait a bit and might need to look elsewhere as Harvey has a long history of injury problems.

According to manager Joe Maddon, Anthony Rendon may not be ready for Opening Day. Rendon is dealing with an oblique injury and should be pushed down people’s boards if you are drafting. Taylor Ward and David Fletcher would likely benefit if Rendon has to start the year on the IL.

Evan Longoria and Brandon Belt will start the year on the IL. Neither are particular in fantasy outside of NL Only leagues and likely should be dropped.

 

Various News and Notes
According to manager Dave Roberts, the second base job is still an open competition. Rookie of the Year candidate Gavin Lux was late to camp and that has given Chris Taylor and Enrique Hernandez a chance to get the job. Taylor hit a three run home run and a double on Monday night and could put some pressure on the rookie. That being said, the Dodgers start the year against three righties, so it would make sense for Lux to start those games.

Sean Manaea threw five innings on Monday versus the Giants, allowing three runs on four hits without allowing a walk. More concerning than the line is the fact that he topped out at 89 mph and sat at 87 mph most of the night. Manaea has had a dip in velocity in each of his first four seasons, but another dip for the lefty is going to make him more hittable.

Griffin Canning threw six scoreless innings, allowing only three hits and two walks while striking out five. Canning dealt with elbow issues back in spring, but is healthy now and looks like he is in control and throwing with velocity. He is a former top prospect and could be a nice bargain in drafts rest of the way.

Garrett Richards threw 4.2 innings allowing only an unearned run and striking out five. The most impressive part of Richards outing was how good his control was. He only allowed one walk in the outing. Richards is in the last year of his deal with the Padres and shouldn’t have any limits to usage.

Former Angel Garrett Richards is rocking a filthy stache pic.twitter.com/VyMB3C0d17

— Brent Maguire (@bmags94) July 21, 2020

When you look like this, you know a big year is coming.