Roto Riteup: July 27, 2017

Adrian Beltre proved once again that he is the GOAT:

Adrian Beltre is the greatest and Gerry Davis is in need of a sense of humor. pic.twitter.com/y9Mi5EMoC0

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2017

 

On the Agenda:

1. Trade Rumors!

2. Various News and Notes

3. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Trade Rumors!

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN, the Cubs have expressed interest in Seth Lugo of the Mets. Lugo has been mediocre since returning from an injury he sustained in spring, but has yet to fully regain velocity and is striking out less than six batters per nine innings so far. While a trade to Chicago would potentially increase his value, he would most likely be best as a streamer in most formats.

Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reported Wednesday that there are multiple teams interested in acquiring Addison Reed at the deadline. Reed has been one of the few bright spots for the Mets this season. He has converted 18 of 20 save opportunities and could be a nice piece for a contending team that doesn’t want to break the bank on a reliever considering he is a free agent at the end of the season. If Reed was traded, Jerry Blevins would likely be the closer until Jeurys Familia is ready to return.

Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Twins could become sellers if they continue to struggle over the next week. This would be a surprising turn of events considering the Twins just traded for Jaime Garcia in what appeared to be a signal that the Twins aimed to compete this season. Morosi stated that both Garcia and Ervin Santana could be made available if Minnesota decides to change course.

According to everyone, every team has interest in Sonny Gray. Not really, but it sure feels like that. Jon Morosi reported on Wednesday that the Mariners had entered the fray for Gray’s services. Gray has become the hottest commodity on the pitching market because of his youth and years of cheaper team control. No matter where he ends up, it will likely be a worse pitching environment so you could see a rise in home runs allowed by Gray, but he most likely would have a better defense behind him and that would be a definite plus. Either way, the Athletics appear to be in line to get a pretty nice haul in return.

 

Various News and Notes

Kyle Barraclough was placed on the DL with a shoulder impingment on Wednesday. This is unwelcome news for fantasy owners that may have stashed him in hopes that A.J. Ramos would be traded soon. Nick Wittgren seems like the best stash candidate in the Marlins bullpen now is Ramos is to be moved, however, Junichi Tazawa would likely get a shot as well, but he has been largely ineffective this season.

Stephen Strasburg will hit the DL after having an arm issue over the weekend which forced him to leave a start. While the Nationals insist this is a minor injury, it is still extremely alarming to fantasy owners considering Strasburg’s health woes over the course of his career. On the bright side, the Nationals will call up top prospect Erick Fedde to take his start on Saturday. Fedde has struggled in 21 innings since being promoted to AAA, but did look good in AA with a 3.04 ERA and 8.63 k’s/9 in 56.1 innings this season.

The Braves optioned for first overall pick Dansby Swanson to AAA. Swanson has struggled this season hitting .213/.287/.312 with six home runs in 95 games. Swanson doesn’t posses high upside and is a much better real life prospect than fantasy one, something I wrote about in my bold predictions article in March.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: 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.

A pitcher for tomorrow: None