Roto Riteup: July 25, 2023

I feel like we need to check on Spencer Strider:

When you ask an All-Star a question, you never know the answer you're going to get. 😂 pic.twitter.com/2ejKkSKuvy

— MLB (@MLB) July 24, 2023

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. Trades and Rumors!
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

Trades and  Rumors!

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Reds have let other teams know that Jonathan India is available. The Reds have a ton of offensive talent and not a ton of pitching so this makes a ton of sense for them. However, this would likely hurt India’s value moving forward. The Reds lineup has been one of the most powerful in baseball and the park is the best park in the Majors for power. 

The Braves acquired Pierce Johnson from the Rockies in exchange for minor leaguers Victor Viodnik and Tanner Gordon. Johnson figures to be a setup man in Atlanta and could be a nice source of holds. While he has struggled in Colorado, he has been much better on the road. Neither Gordon or Viodnik figure to have fantasy value. 

 

Quick Hits

Aaron Hicks left Monday’s game with a hamstring cramp. This doesn’t sound serious. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Tucupita Marcano left MOnday’s game with a knee injury.

Really really hope Tucupita Marcano is OK after his knee buckled trying to avoid the tag at 3rd pic.twitter.com/LRdUPY0nV6

— Platinum Ke’Bryan (@PlatinumKey13) July 25, 2023

This looked pretty bad and I would expect him to be placed on the IL. He will likely undergo further testing on it over the next few days.

 

Various News and Notes
Kenta Maeda threw 6.1 innings versus the Mariners, allowing one earned run on six hits and two walks while striking out eight in the no-decision on Monday.

Kenta Maeda, Filthy Sliders…and is Fired up. 🔥

6th and 7th Ks. pic.twitter.com/iaZclgYx3T

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 25, 2023

Maeda was fantastic in the outing, getting a 43% CSW on his slider and a 35% CSW overall. Maeda has pitched really well since returning from the IL and while he can struggle with command and control at times, there is no reason that he can’t keep this up the rest of the way as long as he is healthy.

Sal Frelick went 1-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Brewers on Monday.

FIRST BIG LEAGUE BOMB FOR SAL FRELICK TIES THE GAME pic.twitter.com/3oRbepcDqA

— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) July 25, 2023

Frelick made his Major League debut over the weekend and had some impressive moments. He is widely considered a top 100 prospect that has a good hit tool, speed and a good understanding of the strike zone. He hasn’t shown a ton of power in the minors, so I wouldn’t expect a bunch of home runs, but he should be picked up in all formats for his batting average, on base percentage and speed.

Liver Peguero went 2-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Padres on Monday.

Wilmer Flores – San Francisco Giants (11) pic.twitter.com/1FRBbodmOp

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) July 19, 2023

Peguero is likely nothing more than a super utility guy long term for the Pirates, but with Pittsbugh’s injuries, he is likely to get regular playing time for right now. There is a little bit of power, but a fair amount of speed and he could be viable in deeper formats as an accumulator if he continues to get time.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

Not many great options

High Risk Options: Steven Matz at ARI, Austin Gomber at WAS, Trevor Williams vs COL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  Jose Quintana at NYY

Quintana pitched well in his first start back and gets a beat up Yankees squad. 

High Risk Options: Patrick Sandoval at DET, Alex Wood at OAK, Alec Marsh at CLE. 

 

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 my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”