Roto Riteup: July 25, 2022

Me trying to figure out how to cash in my leagues:

This is Ko Yamaguchi.

A switch hitter that switches between each pitch…pic.twitter.com/T4PQ9VbMqd

— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) July 23, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Trades (and rumors)!
4. Quick Hits
5. Various News and Notes
6. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt are unable to travel with the Cardinals to Toronto for their two game series against the Blue Jays. This is disappointing, but it is only two games so it is not devastating. They should return to the lineup once the Cardinals return to the States. 

 

Closer Chaos

Anthony Bass allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and no walks while striking out three in the blown save on Sunday. Bass was getting an opportunity with Tanner Scott struggling and having thrown 31 pitches the night before. Bass allowed a single before an error gave him another baserunner. The Pirates then singled home the two runs before Bass struck out two straight to end the inning. Bass could be in the mix for saves, but it seems more likely that the Marlins turn to Dylan Floro, who was unavailable, or Anthony Bender when he returns from the IL. 

Kyle Finnegan threw 1.2 scoreless innings versus the Diamondbacks to register the save on Sunday. Finnegan was the logical next man up with Tanner Rainey out, but it is nice to see that confirmed here. He could be on the trade block, but he has multiple years of team control, so the Nationals have made it clear that they would want a lot back in return which may be a stretch. Finnegan could be a source of saves for those in leagues where every closer is rostered, but considering the Nationals are last in Major League Baseball in saves, he isn’t a huge difference maker moving forward most likely even if he doesn’t get traded. 

 

Quick Hits

Michael Pineda was placed on the Il with a triceps strain. There is no timetable for his return. 

Bryan Reynolds is expected to return to the active roster on Monday. Reynold has been on the IL since July 11th with an oblique injury so this is good news he is coming back so quickly. Get him back into your lineups. 

Max Meyer was placed on the IL with an elbow strain. Meyer left his start on Saturday with the issue and this is extremely concerning for the top prospect. He is droppable in most redraft formats. 

Brian Anderson was placed on the IL with a shoulder sprain. There is no timetable for his return. 

Michael King is out for the season with an elbow fracture. With King out, the Yankees are expected to be aggressive on the reliever trade market. 

Evan Longoria was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. There is no timetable for his return. 

Steven Matz was placed on the IL with a tear in his left MCL. This will likely end his season as it will need to be surgically repaired. 

Bobby Witt left Sunday’s game with a hamstring strain. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Max Kepler left Sunday’s  game with a contusion on his right pinkie toe. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Javier Baez left Sunday’s game with arm soreness. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Jesse Winker left Sunday’s game with an ankle sprain. Consider him day-to-day but it seems likely this ends him up on the IL. 

 

Various News and Notes
Yan Gomes went 2-for-4 with two solo home runs in the victory over the Phillies on Sunday.

Yan Gomes has homered twice! He had just three homers on the season entering today’s game pic.twitter.com/wmFtpkky9s

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 24, 2022

Gomes has been the backup catcher to Willson Contreras this season, hitting .220/.237/.351 with five home runs and 14 RBI. However, with Contreras likely heading out of town at the trade deadline, Gomes could move into a more full time role in Chicago, unless he is traded himself. This would make him viable in deeper two catcher leagues, but probably not anything shallower than that.

JJ Bleday went 2-for-4 with a stolen base in the victory over the Pirates.

2-for-4 day for JJ Bleday 🤩 pic.twitter.com/9sFne0QOMk

— Fish On First Spaces (@MarlinsSpaces) July 24, 2022

Bleday was making his first Major League start in the Majors and did not disappoint. However, he wasn’t particularly strong in AAA this season, hitting just .228/.365/.470 with 20 home runs and a stolen base in 367 plate appearances while striking out 27% of the time. He has an up and down pedigree as a prospect, but he should get a fair amount of run and is worth gambling on in deeper formats, but the contact skills remain a question mark.

 

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Adrian Sampson vs PIT

Sampson has pitched well as of late and this is a nice matchup. 

High Risk Options: J.T. Brubaker at CHC, Zack Greinke vs LAA, Glenn Otto at SEA. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  Spenser Watkins vs TB

Watkins has quietly been very good this season and has a nice matchup at home. 

High Risk Options: Mitch White vs WAS, Dane Dunning at SEA, Jose Suarez at KC. 

 

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.”