Roto Riteup: July 30, 2015

I’m obviously biased, but the MLB trade deadline is the best in sports. Not even soccer transfer windows are this much fun…unless you’re Wilmer Flores. Rather than trade evaluations, we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming. Of course, if you’d prefer the trade coverage, let me know in the comments!

On today’s agenda:
1. Bad news for Matt Holliday
2. Mookie Betts shelved with a concussion
3. Javier Baez watch
4. Welcome back, Travis d’Arnaud
5. Streaming Pitching Options

Bad news for Matt Holliday
After previously losing time on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right hamstring, Holliday looks likely to miss additional time as he appeared to have reaggravated the injury. The severity of the injury won’t be known until some point today, however if it is the same level of strain as before, count on Holliday missing at least three weeks. If the injury is of the season ending variety — and this is solely speculation on my part — then the Cardinals may make a move and grab an outfielder.

Mookie Betts shelved with a concussion
Betts toppled over the outfield wall attempting to make a catch, and was subsequently removed from the game. Officially placed on the 7-day concussion related DL, Betts will be taking a break for at least week, though he could be reevaluated at any time. Given the Red Sox current standings, the club doesn’t have a reason to rush him back. If Betts sits for the remainder of the season, I wouldn’t be shocked.

Javier Baez watch
Since Baez has been around seemingly forever, it’s very easy to forget he’s still just a 22-year-old in Triple-A. On Tuesday the shortstop/second/third baseman blasted a pair of home runs, and after yesterday’s game Baez has reached base in seven consecutive games. Prior to yesterday he was hitting for a .317/.387/.572 for the Iowa Cubs with 10 home runs and seven steals. As Addison Russell continues to post mediocre results at the plate — though he has been stellar in the field — it seems likely to see Baez join the big league team when rosters expand, if not sooner.

Welcome back, Travis d’Arnaud
He isn’t set to be activated until tomorrow, but d’Arnaud is expected to join the Mets at some point today. He’s missed time with multiple injuries this season, and given the team’s lack of production from catcher — the collection of talent behind the plate has hit for a .223/.285/.331, and that includes d’Arnaud’s .296/.338/.535 line — it isn’t a moment too soon. If d’Arnaud is available in your league, it’s time to pick him up. While he’s already owned in 80 percent of CBS leagues, one can find him available in over 65 percent of Yahoo! or ESPN formats.

Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: J.A. Happ at MIN (Phil Hughes)
The Twins have been about league average against southpaws thus far, and while Happ isn’t exactly a dominant pitcher, I think he can nab a win. He’s free to stream in 80 percent of CBS formats as well as over 90 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! leagues.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Erasmo Ramirez at BOS (Eduardo Rodriguez)
Well, Ramirez burned me the last time I suggested him, so now he owes me one. The Rays hit lefties very well, so even if Ramirez lasts a mere five innings, hopefully he’ll be in line for the win. You’ll find him available in about half of the CBS settings, 70 percent of Yahoo! formats and almost 80 percent of ESPN leagues.