Roto Riteup: July 28, 2020

Presented without further comment:

On the Agenda:
1. COVID IL Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID IL Issues
According to reports, the Nationals took a team vote and the majority of the players voted to not play this weekend versus the Marlins. MLB would later announce that the Marlins will pause their season for a week. It resulted in the Phillies pausing their season until Friday as well and the Yankees and Orioles playing unscheduled games against each other this week. “Embrace the chaos!”

Both Mike Moustakas and Nick Senzel have tested negative for COVID-19. They have missed the last few games due to illnesses, but it sounds like it is not COVID related and they could return shortly.

Austin Nola was a late scratch from the lineup on Tuesday. This sounds like it may be COVID related as the Mariners would not comment on why he was scratched. Nola was about to get catcher eligibility in many formats and he would be a valuable C2 if he is ok.

According to manager Brian Snitker, both Braves catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d’Arnaud could return as early as Wednesday.

According to manager Davey Martinez, Juan Soto has received two consecutive negative tests and could rejoin the team as he gets approval from both MLB and the city of Washington DC. Sounds like he could return just in time for the Nationals to not play the Marlins this weekend.

 

Closer Chaos
Nick Burdi got the save in a scoreless inning versus the Brewers on Tuesday. Burdi got the opportunity a couple nights after Kyle Crick blew a save. Burdi has some of the best skills in the Pirates bullpen, but his health track record is scary bad and the Pirates have said they will be careful with him. However, it sounds like he is the man until Keone Kela returns.

Oliver Drake got the save for the Rays against the Braves on Tuesday night. Most people drafted Nick Anderson and many picked up Jose Alvarado and Diego Castillo this past weeked, but it is pretty clear that this will be a straight committee in Tampa.

Sergio Romo picked up his first save of the season for the Twins in the win over the Cardinals. It is a bit strange that Taylor Rogers has not pitched yet this season. Manager Rocco Baldelli addressed it after the game:

I don’t know what that means, but it sounds like Rogers and Romo may share some of the save opportunities moving forward.

Sean Doolittle came into the seventh inning and retired two straight batters to end the inning. This is the second time Doolittle has been called on in non-save situations and it appears that he may not be the closer at this point. If Daniel Hudson is available, pick him up.

 

Quick Hits
Tommy Pham was removed from the game on Tuesday night after being hit in the groin with a pitch. He is considered day-to-day at this time.

Josh Lindblom was removed from his start on Tuesday after suffering back spasms. While manager Craig Counsell minimized the issue with the press, Lindblom himself said it was extremely painful likening it to being suffocated by a python. Consider him day-to-day for now, but have a back up plan ready.

Eloy Jimenez missed both games of the double header on Tuesday, but is expected back soon according to manager Rick Renteria.

Ji-Man Choi was removed from Tuesday’s game with a shoulder injury. He is considered day-to-day at this time.

Andrelton Simmons was placed on the 10-day IL with an ankle injury. Luis Rengifo was called up to replace him on the roster.

Miles Mikolas is done for the season after injuring his flexor tendon. Daniel Ponce de Leon will take his spot in the rotation.

 

Various News and Notes
Merrill Kelly threw 7.2 innings with seven strikeouts in a fantastic outing versus the Rangers. Kelly had a no hitter going into the seventh before giving up a solo shot to Rougned Odor. The strikeouts were a welcome surprise, but it seems unlikely that he can keep it up moving forward.

Christin Stewart went 2-for-4 with a home run on Tuesday. Stewart is a former top prospect with power and the ability to take a walk, but he has struggled to deliver on his upside. He is a player to watch as he does have a cemented role in Detroit.

Homer Bailey threw five innings, allowing two runs and striking out four. Bailey had moments where he cruised and moments where he struggled putting his pitches where he wanted them. It was a mediocre first outing, but he has a great offense and defense behind him, so he should rack up a fair amount of wins in a season where a lot of guys won’t.

Dylan Cease allowed four runs in 2.1 innings against the Indians. Cease has nasty stuff, but really struggled to command it and it led to home runs from Francisco Lindor and Bradley Zimmer. Right now, he is best used as a streamer.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: None

High Risk Options: Danny Duffy at DET

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Brady Singer at DET
Singer looked great in his first start in spite of the fact he is mainly a two-pitch guy right now. Detroit is a nice matchup that you can stream him for.

High Risk Options: None





Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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pedeysRSox
3 years ago

8 K/9 isn’t too unreasonable since he did have 7.7 K/9 last year and has had better marks in the KBO in 2017-2018 so he might be able to pick up some more strikeouts.