Roto Riteup: July 7, 2020

Took a global pandemic for baseball to promote their best player:

What a photo of Mike Trout.

(Can't find photo credit, but I assume via the Angels.) pic.twitter.com/RnshkEpj3U

— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) July 5, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. COVID IL and Opt Outs
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes

COVID IL and Opt Outs
Kirby Yates was back with the Padres on Monday. Yates had a positive test within his family, but it appears that he cleared all the protocol to return to the team. Yates is likely to be a top three closer in drafts rest of the way.

Will Smith and Freddie Freeman are among four players that tested positive for Coronavirus on the Braves. While Smith is asymptomatic, Freeman reportedly is struggling with the symptoms. This is awful news for the 30-year-old first baseman. It is so hard to predict how quickly he will recover or how long it will take him to get back on the field, it is best to avoid him in drafts here on out. Right now, Yonder Alonso is penciled in at first base, but the Braves could use Austin Riley, Adam Duvall, or go outside the organization if it seems like Freeman will be out during the season.

Sal Perez stated on Saturday that he tested positive for COVID. Perez states he has not had any symptoms, but this means he will miss the next two weeks of the summer camp as long as things don’t get worse.

Julio Teheran has yet to report to Angels camp. The Angels have not commented on this which is leading people to speculate that Teheran may have tested positive for COVID.

Felix Hernandez has decided to sit out this season. Felix was an NL Only option this year, but this opens the door for Kyle Wright or Bryse Wilson to take that fifth starter role.

D.J. Lemahieu was placed on the IL after testing positive for COVID. Reports are that he is not experiencing any symptoms, but it is definitely something to be wary of.

Aaron Nola was placed on the COVID IL. Apparently, this is precautionary as Nola was exposed to someone with Coronavirus, but has not tested positive himself. This sounds precautionary, but if he is not back with the team in a few days, it will be something to worry about.

David Price has opted out for the 2020 season. Price is going to play it safe and take the season off and prepare for 2021.

Miguel Sano has tested positive for COVID-19. Sano is in quarantine, but the team is not offering any other details at this time.

Zack Wheeler stated that he has not decided if he will play after his baby is born. Wheeler’s wife is due at the end of July, so he becomes a real risky player in fantasy if he only gets a start of two and then decides not to play.

Both Mike Fiers and Jesus Luzardo have not reported to A’s camp yet. The A’s declined to comment which would lead us to believe they may have tested positive for Coronavirus, but there was also a report that the A’s had issues getting test turned in over the holiday weekend. Definitely worth monitoring.

The St. Louis Dispatch had to issue a retraction that Giovanny Gallegos tested positive for COVID-19. This is interesting because the team went out of their way to clear this up, which makes it seem like it is likely that the issues keeping Gallegos from camp may not be COVID related.

Nick Markakis has decided not to play this season. The Braves have been hit hard so far this season with COVID and opt outs. This is another opening for Austin Riley and Adam Duvall or maybe the Braves look at bringing in Yasiel Puig who is still unsigned.

Luis Urias has tested positive for COVID. The delay to the start of the season allowed Urias to recover from his broken hamate, but now he is dealing with this. Orlando Arcia should likely get the playing time in Urias’ absence.

Joey Gallo has tested positive for COVID-19. Gallo is reportedly symptom free, but this will obviously set him back and if he misses any time, it could open up playing time for Nick Solak.
Kole Calhoun has tested positive for COVID-19. Manager Torrey Lovullo stated that Calhoun was asymptomatic and is doing well.

Tyler Glasnow, Austin Meadows, Randy Arozarena, Yonny Chirnos and Jose Martinez have not been seen at camp yet. This could be COVID related or not, but it is something to continue to monitor.

Quick Hits
Masahiro Tanaka was hit with a comebacker in the head during live BP. The pitch was hit by Giancarlo Stanton and it was ugly. Tanaka was released from the hospital later that evening, but is expected to be put on the concussion IL.

Both Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge started in the outfield during the Yankees intersquad game on Monday. This is huge news for both players that have struggled to stay on the field. Giancarlo Stanton is reportedly healthy and will begin the season as the team’s DH.

Jimmy Nelson will miss the 2020 season with back surgery.

Various News and Notes
Nationals manager Davey Martinez stated that Carter Kieboom is in line to be the everyday third baseman as of now. With Ryan Zimmerman opting out and the DH coming to the National league, a lot of his competition for full-time playing time now have sports to play. Kieboom is still super cheap, going at pick 312 in the NFBC Online Championship drafts over the last few days. He has a ton of upside if he can make enough contact and the defense doesn’t hurt the Nationals.

Manager Luis Rojas stated that the Mets may use a closer by committee approach this season. This is surprising news considering that Edwin Diaz has the contract and skills that make him the obvious choice. This may be coach speak, but it should drop Diaz a few spots in your closer ranks.

According to manager Bud Black, former top prospect Brendan Rodgers is a “full go.” It is hard to tell if that means Rodgers will get a ton of playing time. The Rockies have a horrible recent history in terms of giving young players a shot to play. Rodgers is an interesting late sleeper that could surprise.

Ross Stripling said he could go six innings to start the season. Stripling is likely in the rotation now that David Price has opted out. It remains to be seen if the Dodgers would let him go that deep early on, but the fact Stripling is prepping for it is a good sign.