Roto Riteup: July 31, 2018

Bad News guys…

On the Agenda:
1. Trades!
2. Rumors!
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Trades!
The Toronto Blue Jays have traded Roberto Osuna for Ken Giles, David Paulino and Hector Perez. Osuna has been serving a domestic violence incident, but this is a major move for his fantasy value. He could become extremely valuable as the closer of the Astros, but there are no guarantees that he closes, especially not right away. Giles was in AAA for the Astros and could be an easy option to close for the Blue Jays, a position that Houston no longer trusted him in. David Paulino has been a top pitching prospect for the Astros, but has struggled with elbow issues and a PED suspension in 2017 and hasn’t pitched since May this year after experiencing a shoulder issue. Hector Perez has a plus fastball and slider, but lacks the command to stay in the rotation at present. The Blue Jays can afford to keep him on a starters path right now and see if the 21-year-old can learn to harness his stuff.

Ian Kinsler was traded to the Boston Red Sox for prospects Williams Jerez and Ty Buttrey. Kinsler becomes the everyday second baseman for the Red Sox with Dustin Pedroia still on the DL. Both Jerez and Buttrey re older reliever prospects. Buttrey is the more interesting one since he can hit 100 mph on the radar gun and has an 80 grade name.

The Pirates acquired Keone Kela from the Rangers for Taylor Hearn and a player to be named later. Kela will likely become the primary setup man in Pittsburgh, which destroys his fantasy value. Jake Diekman is likely the next man up in the Rangers bullpen, but he is also been rumored in trade talks so Jose Leclerc or Alex Claudio may be the better stashes (Leclerc has been in trade rumors as well.)

The Atlanta Braves have acquired Adam Duvall from the Cincinnati Reds for Lucas Sims, Matt Wisler, and Preston Tucker. Duvall adds some thump to the Braves lineup and the Reds get some MLB ready Major League pitching in Sims and Wisler.

 

Rumors!
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the Nationals are shopping Bryce Harper. Harper is a free agent after this season and the Nationals have underperformed, so it wouldn’t be a bad time to sell, but unnamed sources have indicated that the Nationals would only move Harper if they were blown away by a huge offer. This doesn’t appear likely to happen, but there are competitors that can afford to make this splash including the Yankees, Dodgers, and Astros. Let’s get Bryce Harper’s reaction to the rumors he has been put on the block:

According to Craig Mish of Sirius XM, the Marlins are not expected to trade J.T. Realmuto. There have been reports that Miami would like to sign Realmuto to a long term deal and it appears that the preseason asking price of a top tier prospect has gone up.

According to Jon Morosi, the Yankees, Phillies, and Indians have expressed interest in Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen has been mediocre for the Giants this year after being acquired in an offseason trade. He is hitting .258/.352/.407 with 10 home runs and nine stolen bases, but can still play center (kinda) and is considered a clubhouse guy (whatever that is worth.) The Giants are five games out of the second Wild Card and five and a half games out of the division, so it will be interesting whether they buy, sell, or hold.

 

Various News and Notes
Johnny Cueto has been placed on the 10-Day DL with renewed pain in his pitching elbow. Cueto experienced pain once again in his most recent start and will now be shut down again. With the Giants behind in the division race and potentially looking to sell some pieces, it would not be surprising to see Cueto be shut down for the rest of the season. Chris Stratton will return to the rotation in Cueto’s absence.

Ross Stripling has been placed on the 10-Day DL with toe inflammation. Stripling hasn’t been as sharp recently, so this could be the reason why or this could be the Dodgers gaming the system and curtailing his innings as he has already passed his career high innings and is over 25 innings above his total last season.

Carlos Martinez was removed from his start on Monday. Martines was throwing hard before a sudden drop in velocity. After the game he was diagnosed with a right shoulder strain. The strain has been characterized as mild after an MRI. This sounds like he may have avoided major injury.

 

Streaming Pitchers Options
A pitcher for today: None
Hail Mary Options: Kolby Allard vs MIA, Clayton Richard vs SF

A pitcher for tomorrow: None
Hail Mary Options: Mike Fiers vs CIN, Sal Romano @ DET, Dylan Covey vs KC





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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Will H.
5 years ago

I couldn’t find any mention of Rondon after I read about the Osuna trade last night. But I kept getting that the gist was that Osuna would take over once he’s back. You think not necessarily?

Anon
5 years ago
Reply to  Will H.

Yeah, I’m curious to see how that plays out as well. I have Rondon and obviously hope he keeps the gig but I agree with you, it seems like a lot of what I’m reading has Osuna eventually taking over closer. I can see a scenario where the Astros are taking heat for the move and decide to bury him in middle innings rather than have him be the face of victory at the end of a win. I mean, innings are kind of innings, right? Bring him in to face the meat of the lineup in the 7th or even 6th if need be.

Rollie's Mustachemember
5 years ago
Reply to  Anon

It’s possible they do use him in more of a matchup role rather than as a traditional closer. But I don’t think “burying” him is going to happen. If they were worried about PR they wouldn’t have acquired him in the first place. He’ll be in a high profile role if he pitches well enough to earn it.

Anon
5 years ago

Probably true.