Roto Riteup: July 26, 2017

I’ve been a big Alex Verdugo fan for a while, but now I think I am in love:

No Jose Cansecos were harmed in the hitting of this home run by #Dodgers No. 2 prospect Alex Verdugo of @okc_dodgers. pic.twitter.com/9jXVPkevKO

— MiLB.com (@MiLB) July 26, 2017

 

On the Agenda:

1. Nunez to the Red Sox

2. Trade Rumors!

3. Various News and Notes

4. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Nunez to the Red Sox (and more)

Late Tuesday night, the Giants traded Eduardo Nunez to the Boston Red Sox for minor league pitchers Shaun Anderson and Gregory Santos. Neither prospect are guys that are worth entertaining in fantasy at the moment except in the deepest of dynasty leagues. Nunez is expected to slot in the Red Sox lineup as their third baseman now that Boston trimmed some of their fat off by releasing Pablo Sandoval. Complicating this a bit is the fact Boston recently promoted their top prospect in Rafael Devers. Devers went 0-for-4 in his debut for the Red Sox Tuesday night, but walked twice in a marathon 12-inning game against the Mariners and looked surprisingly good defensively at times. What could be telling for Nunez’s role with the team is the fact that they called him a “utility player” in the press release announcing the trade. Nunez could take a hit in terms of fantasy value if he is not playing every day and moves into a super utility role instead of playing the hot corner in Boston. If he can get full time at bats, he could get a nice boost considering the change in park and lineup around him. We will have a better idea of the Red Sox’s plans after he is added to the roster Friday.

Ken Rosenthal speculated on his Facebook page last night that in spite of the Red Sox acquiring Nunez, they could look to add a DH or 1B-type player via trade. With Mitch Moreland struggling as of late and the Yankees making multiple moves, Rosenthal opined that Red Sox GM Dave Dombrowski could be tempted into making a larger move for a bat. He speculated that Curtis Granderson and Jay Bruce might fit the bill, but Tommy Joseph or Lucas Duda might make more sense considering how close the Red Sox are to the luxury tax threshold.

 

Trade Rumors!

Ken Rosenthal also reported that the Nationals are “adamant that they will not move any of their top three prospects – outfielders Victor Robles and Juan Soto and right-hander Erick Fedde.” This would ostensibly eliminate them from any other major moves considering the depletion of their farm system that has occurred over the last year in trading for Major League talent.

According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com the Yankees are working on a deal to acquire Sonny Gray and Yonder Alonso from the Oakland A’s. After losing Pineda to Tommy John Surgery (and free agency in 2018), the Yankees have been looking on the market for a starter and could definitely use Alonso to replace the revolving door of first baseman they have had this season. According to Jon Morosi, the Athletics have strong interest in CF prospect Estevan Floral who could be the centerpiece of the return.

Jon Morosi also reported that the Brewers and Tigers are discussing a trade that would send Ian Kinsler and Justin Wilson to Milwaukee. Kinsler is hitting .246/.330/.395 with nine home runs and seven stolen bases, but would certainly benefit from a move to Miller Park. Wilson on the other hand would most likely lose value in Milwaukee as he would most likely not be the close for the Brew Crew. Alex Wilson would most likely be next in line in Detroit for saves.

According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rockies have interest in Jonathan Lucroy. Lucroy has struggle this year with the Rangers and appears to have fallen out of favor with the team after some unflattering comments made by Lucroy to the press regarding some of his

 

Various News and Notes

Dexter Fowler was placed on the 10-day DL on Tuesday. In response to this the St. Louis Cardinals called up prospect Harrison Bader to the big leagues. Bader had hit .297/.354/.517 with 19 home runs and nine stolen bases in 97 games at AAA this season. While there is no guarantee he stays up, the Cardinals outfield has been in flux and they may decide he worth keeping around if he gets off to a hot start.

Lewis Brinson was pulled from the his minor league game on Tuesday, fueling speculation he could be moved, but it appears he is being recalled by the Brewers. Brinson struggled in his first taste of big league action, but has fantastic upside and should be roster in the majority of formats.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Jeff Hoffman @ STL

Hoffman has struggled a bit as of late, but has been a much better pitcher on the road than in Coors.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Luis Perdomo vs NYM

That Mets lineup could look really bad on Thursday if Yo is out of it and they trade any of their assets by then.