Roto Riteup: July 30, 2016

That’s right, it’s still me. Four straight days of Zach with the Roto Riteup, what a treat.

On the agenda:
1. Andrew Cashner, meet the Marlins
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Andrew Cashner, meet the Marlins
The Marlins and Padres made a big trade yesterday, and the biggest name is Cashner, a man with a 4.76 ERA despite playing half his games in Petco. Cashner was excellent in 2013 and 2014, but he struggled a bit with the home run ball last year, and he has only compounded this year. Miami is friendly to pitchers, but unless he can figure out what’s ailed him, there’s no fantasy value to be had. Also going to the Fish was Colin Rea, who will take a spot in their rotation. Rea was an NL-only option last year, and even though his whiffs have ticked up a full percentage point, he hasn’t been able to duplicate his success this year. Stay away for now.

Looking towards the future, the Padres received first base prospect Josh Naylor, who has hit nine homers and stole 10 bags in A-ball this year. Naylor hasn’t shown much discipline in the minors, and while his body projects well for power, it’s just not there yet. He’s only 19 years old, so patience will pay off, but he’s not fantasy ready yet, even in dynasty leagues. The Padres also acquired a version of Luis Castillo, this one a starter with an explosive fastball and a slider that flashes as an out pitch in its own right. Castillo is closer to 24 than 23 and in High-A ball, so he’s probably a reliever long-term, but hot damn if he puts it all together he can be special.

Various News and Notes
Rich Hill is still experiencing issues with a blister on his throwing hand, and will not be able to make another start before the trade deadline because of it. Now, because the injury is a blister and not an imploded shoulder, he could still be on the move come Monday, and owners should be hoping he goes to the NL.

Reynaldo Lopez is coming back to the bigs to start today for the Nationals. In his first big league start, the right-hander struck out nine of the 25 batters he faced — walking just one — but also allowed a homer and nine other hits before being pulled without finishing the fifth inning. Lopez sports an impressive fastball and solid curve, so he has the ability to pull a beauty out of his hat against the Giants today.

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

A pitcher for today: Christian Friedrich vs CIN (Anthony DeSclafani)
If you’re risk averse, this is not the play for you. Friedrich can look solid at times, and the Reds on the road could be dead meat.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Jerad Eickhoff at ATL (TBD)
If my boy Eickhoff is available or won’t come cheap, Jarred Cosart’s first start in San Diego could be interesting.