Roto Riteup: July 28, 2020

Happy Birthday to the greatest player to ever play the game:

Happy 80th Birthday to Bugs…the Changeup 🐐 pic.twitter.com/de4iYYZFvg

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) July 27, 2020

 

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 Rob Manfred, the Marlins could begin playing again on Wednesday against the Orioles. The Marlins are likely waiting for tests to come in to determine how many players on their team are infected. MLB cancelled their game today as well as the Yankees/Phillies game since the Marlins just played a series in Philadelphia.

 

Closer Chaos
Craig Kimbrel was pulled from his outing after nearly blowing a save attempt for the Cubs versus the Reds. He walked three batters and then hit Freddy Galvis and then walked Tyler Stephenson before manager David Ross replaced him with Jeremy Jeffress. Kimbrel likely has a long lease due to the lack of depth in the Chicago bullpen, but could find himself out of the role if the Cubs can find a reliable arm to replace him.

Kyle Crick blew a save on Monday versus the Brewers. The Pirates went on to lose in extra innings. Crick was the logical choice to fill in for Keone Kela while Kela was on the IL, but Nick Burdi has looked very impressive in his return from Tommy John surgery and could get some looks.

Ken Giles was officially placed on the 10-Day IL with elbow soreness on Monday. Later that day Anthony Bass picked up his first save of the season. It appears Bass is the man to pick up in fantasy if you are now hurting for saves.

 

Quick Hits
Nate Pearson will make his Major League debut on Wednesday according to manager Charlie Montoyo. It will be interesting to see how he is used in his start. In the minors last season he would often alternate between long to short outings to help protect his arm.

Bo Bichette did not play on Monday due to a tight hamstring. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Travis Shaw was placed on the family medical leave list. No reason was given. It sounds like he will miss at least a few days if not longer.

Reynaldo Lopez was placed on the 10-Day IL with a shoulder injury. Gio Gonzalez is expected to replace him in the rotation.

 

Various News and Notes
Mike Foltynewicz was designated for assignment after his start on Monday. Folty allowed six runs in 3.3 innings, but it is still a bit shocking to see him get DFA’d. There may be more to the story that we haven’t heard about yet, but he likely to land with another team whether it is via trade or waivers.

Michael Wacha threw five innings versus the Red Sox, allowing one run and striking out four. Wacha had improved velocity, but more importantly, his change up was filthy. With the injuries the Mets have sustained, Wacha is cemented in the rotation and could be a sneaky add in deeper formats.

Colin Moran hit two home runs on Monday versus the Brewers. It was his second and third homers of the season. Moran is a former top prospect that never blossomed, but he has had average to above average contact rates in the Majors and the juiced ball could parlay that to a breakout if he can keep it up.

Hunter Renfroe hit two home runs on Monday versus the Rays. Renfroe should get a fair amount of playing time in the Rays outfield, especially with Austin Meadows working his way back, but the Rays are platoon happy so he won’t play full time. That being said, he plays great defense and has a ton of power in that bat and should be on rosters in most formats.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Kyle Gibson vs ARI
Gibson is healthy after a rough 2019 and pitching at home which has played very pitcher friendly.

High Risk Options: Austin Voth vs TOR, Tyler Mahle vs CHC, Derek Holland vs MIL

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High Risk Options: Danny Duffy at DET