Roto Riteup: July 25, 2012

This morning’s Roto Riteup most definitely recognizes that today is Hump Day.

• Wandy Rodriguez was dealt to the Pittsburgh Pirates last night for prospects Robbie Grossman, Rudy Owens, and Colton Cain. Wandy’s strikeout rate may have taken a substantial dive this year, but his ERA and WHIP have made him a valuable fantasy starter. Moving from Houston — a hitter’s park for batters on both sides of the dish — to the right-handed suppressing PNC park should result in an even lower ERA and WHIP from Wandy. The 33-year-old left-hander still has another year left on his contract, as well as a player option for 2014, so this isn’t just a short-term change in value. Expect Wandy’s value to rise three-to-five dollars over a full season.

• The Mariners continued making roster moves today, sending Justin Smoak down to the minor leagues. You may recall me ranking Smoak highly among first baseman prior to the start of the year and being ridiculed for it — just like you may recall me ranking Melky Cabrera highly and being ridiculed for it — but Smoak has since proved me wrong. Smoak looked great at the beginning of 2011, and while he showed up to spring training in better shape and with a clear head, but he was never able to duplicate his performance. Smoak’s swing has looked slow this year, and Triple-A simply won’t fix that issue. If you hadn’t yet, let Smoak go in all formats.

• Replacing Smoak is Mike Carp, fresh off a rehab stint down the street from me in Triple-A Tacoma. Carp had a bit of a breakout last year in both the majors and the minors, but his 2012 has been plagued by injury and small sample sizes. If Carp hits like he did last year, he’ll be a solid fantasy outfielder.

• Emilio Bonifacio moving back to second base should be good news for fantasy owners everywhere, as the switch-hitter will now retain eligibility at said position next year. Prior to the Omar Infante trade, Boni was on pace to only be eligible in the outfield next year, which would have been a real shame for roto owners. Now, Bonifacio will be able to fill either your 2B or your MI spot next season, making one of the more interesting guys up the middle.

• Alexei Ogando could be in the mix for a return to the rotation should the Rangers decide not to acquire an arm at the deadline. Colby Lewis is now out for the year, and Roy Oswalt’s back problems are a legitimate concern. Scott Feldman and Martin Perez are filling their spots in the rotation, but it could just be a matter of time before Ogando is stretched out for a return.

For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here are a couple matchups you may be able to exploit.

A Pitcher for Today: N/A
Wednesday’s streaming options are very, very limited. Take the day off from rotating pitchers through, please, because I can’t in good faith recommend a starter.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Jason Vargas vs KCR
Vargas is pretty good while at home, so take advantage of him. Not like that, you sickos.

A Hitter for Today: Brennan Boesch at CLE (Derek Lowe)
Cleveland is a slightly better park for Boesch, and if Lowe grooves one, the left-hander should be all over it.