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.

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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.





You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.

21 Comments
Oldest
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Vader
10 years ago

NO TRADE ANALYSIS?! WIERS IS THE WORST. You’re like the Edwin Jackson of FanGraphs.

Derp
10 years ago
Reply to  Vader

Derp.

baltic wolfMember since 2026
10 years ago
Reply to  David Wiers

Lmao. One thing for certain, we’d all like to have Jackson’s income.

You’re doing a great job David.

I don’t always have to stream, but when I do, I check this column. Stay thirsty my friends.

Holliday
10 years ago

Holliday out for the year with torn quad. That was known last night.

Mike W.
10 years ago

David, any thoughts on the Brandon Moss trade that went down this morning? He has started to get dropped in a few leagues and I’m curious if moving to St. Louis helps/hurts his value going forward at all?

Oliver
10 years ago

How much does hamels value change with the move to TEX?

Mike W.
10 years ago
Reply to  Oliver

I think it bumps up his value, the ballparks are a push in my eyes since they are both hitter parks. Rangers have a much better offense and no team is worse defensively than Philly so he automatically gets a slight boost just from that even if the Rangers defense is nothing to write home about.

Only spot the Rangers seem potentially a bit weaker in is in the bullpen, but even that is likely an improvement now that Papelbon is gone in Philly as well.

Oliver
10 years ago
Reply to  David Wiers

Thanks so much for the response! Thats what i was going to ask next. Should I be looking to sell and who (pitchers or hitters) should i realistically be targeting?

Oliver
10 years ago
Reply to  David Wiers

Sorry 12 team essentially redaft (can keep 2 waiver pickups that werent drafted) could use an outfielder with stanton and springer out or some starters

Classic Plate Garnish
10 years ago

Pickle, pickle, parsley.

DeQuarium Lumpkin
10 years ago

Need to get under my league’s salary cap in 30 minutes. Cut bait on Holliday?

Marty McFly
10 years ago

Would you keep rolling with Wilson Ramos if D’Arnaud is on the wite?