Roto Riteup: July 7, 2025
As a proud member of the Never Bunt crowd, I am conflicted:
On the Agenda:
- Trade
- Quick Hits
- Various News and Notes
- Streaming Pitchers
Trade
Alex Jackson was traded to the Orioles for international pool money and a player to be named later. Jackson will be added depth for the Orioles behind the plate after they lost another catcher.
Quick Hits
The Orioles placed Gary Sanchez on the IL with a knee injury. This is the fourth catcher the Orioles have lost to injury since mid-June. Sanchez was raking but is droppable in all formats. Jacob Stallings will pick up the majority of the plate appearances behind the plate for now.
Lane Thomas was placed on the IL with a foot injury. There is no timetable for his return. Will Wilson was recalled to take Thomas’ spot on the roster.
Andres Gimenez was placed on the IL with a sprained ankle. Joey Loperfido was recalled to take Gimenez’s spot on the roster.
Rhys Hoskins was placed on the IL with a thumb injury. Andrew Vaughn was recalled to take his spot on the roster.
Brandon Lowe left Sunday’s game with a side issue.
The Rays are calling it precautionary, so consider him day-to-day at this time.
Jake Meyers left Sunday’s game with a calf injury. The Astros are calling it precautionary, so consider him day-to-day at this time.
Various News and Notes
Brandon Woodruff threw six innings on Sunday versus the Marlins, allowing one run on two hits and no walks while striking out eight in the victory.
This was Woodruff’s first start in the Majors since 2023 and he did not disappoint. He had a 67% CSW on the sinker and a 33% whiff rate on the fastball. Woodruff was a top tier start prior to his injury, so he should be picked up in all formats where he is still available.
Joe Boyle threw five innings against the Twins, allowing one unearned run on two hits and one walk while striking out seven on Sunday.
Boyle entered the game in the third inning and was fantastic, getting a 71% whiff rate on the slider. Boyle was great in AAA this season, but has struggled with control throughout his career. If he is going to get a shot to be a follower like he was in this one, he could have massive value. On the flip side, Drew Rasmussen was pulled after two innings, in spite of only facing eight hitters. Rasmussen is on an innings count this season and that could mean he plummets in terms of fantasy value if he cannot go five innings in starts.
Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Andrew Heaney at KC
Heaney had been having a great season before hitting a massive speed bump in the road, but he rebounded in his last start and this is a good matchup in a good park.
Other Options: Colton Gordon vs CLE, Sean Burke vs TOR, Richard Fitts vs COL, Janson Junk at CIN.
Pitcher for Tomorrow: Andre Pallante vs WAS
Pallante has pitched great recently and has a good matchup at home.
Other Options: Simeon Woods Richardson vs CHC, Didier Fuentes at ATH, Brandon Young vs NYM.
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.
Big Woo is back! It could end at anytime, but good for him. He seems like a good dude and well-liked teammate.