Roto Riteup: July 27, 2018

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July 27, 2018

Things are starting to heat up!

via GIPHY

On the Agenda:
1. Trades!!!
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Trades!!!
The Blue Jays traded J.A. Happ to the Yankees in exchange for Billy McKinney and Brandon Drury.


This is a rental for the Yankees, but from a pure baseball prospective, a strong move. McKinney was hitting .230/.294/.502 with 13 HR and 32 RBI in 228 PA with Triple-A Scranton Wilkes Barre. He was Eric Longenhagen’s 16th ranked prospect for the Yankees coming into the season. He should get some MLB time at some point. As far as Drury goes, he’s been dreadful in the majors this season, but he also hasn’t received a ton of steady playing time. With Josh Donaldson being a free agent at the end of the season, there’s a chance he gets the starting third base job for Toronto coming into next season.

The Cubs and Rangers have agreed to a deal that will send Cole Hamels to Chicago.


At the time of me writing this, there’s nothing official in terms of what’s heading to the Rangers and specific money allocations, but it is official that Hamels will be heading to the Cubs. Rollie Lacy, a RHP in High-A for the Cubs, was scratched from his start last night, so he could be one of the lower-tier prospects the Rangers are receiving. Hamels has been much better on the road this season, won’t have to deal with Globe Life Park in the summer, and will get the added benefit of facing a pitcher instead of a DH most nights. For fantasy purposes, this does help Hamels value. Unfortunately, he probably will remain a fringe starter in mixed leagues at best (top-75 ish).

The Milwaukee Brewers strengthened their bullpen on Thursday as they added RHP Joakim Soria from the White Sox for a pair of minor leaguers.


The Brewers pen — Jeffress, Burnes, Jennings, Hader, Knebel, and now Soria – will absolutely be tough to put runs up against as the summer mows on. Soria is posting his best ERA (2.56) and WHIP (1.16) since 2015, as well as a 4.9 K/BB (second-highest of career). With that said, he’s likely not going to see many save chances. The White Sox receive the 21st ranked Brewers prospect prior to the season according to Eric Longenhagen’s list (Kodi Medeiros). He’s posted a 3.14 ERA and 1.31 WHIP with a 107/45 K:BB ratio over 103 IP at Double-A. Longenhagen’s notes say he’s most likely set to be a reliever in the big leagues. Wilber Perez is a RHP in rookie ball who’s going to take a while to make an impact.

While this isn’t a trade, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports is reporting that the Rangers are on the verge of a possible deal for Keone Kela.


The Rangers have also been in talks with multiple teams regarding relievers Jose Leclerc, Jake Diekman, and even Alex Claudio. When Kela is moved, Leclerc will likely be the beneficiary for fantasy purposes, but we’ll have to wait and see if he stays himself. Keep Chris Martin on speed dial as well since he’s close to returning from the DL. Kela has been a top-13 reliever in fantasy this season, but will likely lose his closer role when he leaves for a contender. Stay tuned.

Red Sox beat writer Chris Cotillo reported that Boston has been in talks with the Angels regarding Blake Parker and Justin Anderson.


Parker has been used in low-leverage situations recently – meaning the Angels are likely showcasing him for interested teams. If both Anderson and Parker were to be traded, Hansel Robles could be the leading candidate for saves.

Jon Morosi reported that the Braves could be looking at making a deal for Marcus Stroman.

Buster Olney reported that Asdrubal Cabrera could be the next Mets player on the move.

The Yankees are looking into adding one of the Twins starters.

The Astros acquired Martin Maldonado from the Angels in exchange for LHP Patrick Sandoval and bonus money. Maldonado will split time at catcher with Max Stassi but won’t have much fantasy value. His replacement in Anahiem – Francisco Arcia – homered in his debut, but is also not fantasy relevant.

The Sueng-Hwan Oh deal:


Wall and Spanberger were ranked 7th and 21st in the Rockies system according to Eric Longenhagen’s list. Wall could be up this season, possibly getting a full-time role starting next year. Spenberger will take a couple of years, but he’s posted some strong offensive numbers thus far in the minors.

The last round-up of trade updates from yesterday, including the Dodger’s interest in adding Shane Greene.

 

Various News and Notes
Stephen Strasburg was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a pinched nerve in his shoulder. MASN reporter Mark Zuckerman had a couple of tweets about this.


Let’s all hope Strassy can come back quickly.

Aaron Judge is headed to the hospital for an MRI after getting hit by a pitch in the first inning of Thursday’s game against the Royals.


Stay tuned for updates on this. If he has any broken bones we could be looking at an extended absence. Clint Frazier is sidelined with concussion symptoms, the club just traded Billy McKinney, and Shane Robinson is the only other outfielder on roster at the moment – where’s Jacoby Ellsbury when you need him?

Update: Judge will be out three-to-five weeks with a fractured right wrist (no surgery required).

A couple of Giants updates:


Belt is the one we care about most here and he won’t even begin baseball activities for five days. Between April/May he had 11 HR and a BA north of .300, since the calendar switched to June he’s hitting .230/.319/.344 with 3 HR and 12 RBI (82 wRC+).
Tim Britton of the Athletic reports that Noah Syndergaard will return from the disabled list to face the Nationals next week.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Wade LeBlanc @ LAA (If available)/ Ivan Nova vs NYM

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Trevor Williams vs NYM
“In Facing the Mets Offense we Trust”





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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Metropolitans
6 years ago

Yanks are looking to appeal the Judge’s decision…thanks, I’ll be here all day.

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