Roto Riteup: July 8, 2020

I missed you, baseball. I missed you.

Shed Long is a delight, in case you forgot pic.twitter.com/MTY7Kj3iqS

— Lookout Landing (@LookoutLanding) July 8, 2020

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

COVID IL and Opt Outs

Juan Soto is isolating away from the Nationals after coming in contact with another player that has tested positive for COVID-19. Soto has not tested positive, so it is not time to panic yet… yet.

Eduardo Rodriguez has tested positive for COVID-19. Rodriguez has had symptoms, but is reportedly feeling better according to Red Sox beat writer Pete Abraham. Rodriguez is coming off of a breakout season in which he was also able to stay healthy for the first season. His price hasn’t been affected much by the breakout and will likely drop outside of the top 200 now. If Rodriguez is unavailable to start the season, Nathan Eovaldi, who reportedly looks great and is throwing 100 mph, will likely get the Opening Day nod versus the Orioles

Franmil Reyes is not at Indians camp after attending a fourth of July party without wearing a mask. This is purely precautionary according to Terry Francona as the Indians wait for test results to come in, but it is something to monitor if you have drafts coming soon.

Seth Beer has tested positive for COVID-19. This is disappointing news for the top prospect that has an MLB ready bat, but defense that is destined for the Designated Hitter role. The delay in the start of his season will surely cost him in supplanting either Kevin Cron or Christian Walker.

Jesus Luzardo has reportedly tested positive for COVID-19. He will likely be quarantined for 14 days before rejoining the team. This could put his start to the season at risk and could mean it takes him a while before he can go deep into games.

Royals players Ryan O’Hearn and Brad Keller have tested positive for coronavirus. O’Hearn is reportedly asymptomatic and Keller has experienced minor symptoms. Both players are AL Only fodder anyhow.

Quick Hits
Anthony Rizzo missed Tuesday’s intersquad game due to lower back tightness. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Max Muncy was hit in the hand on Sunday. He reportedly injured his left ring finger and is considered day-to-day at this time.

 

Various News and Notes
According to general manager John Mozeliak, Ryan Helsely will be in the mix as the Cardinals closer. Mozeliak also mentioned Giovanny Gallegos and Carlos Martinez, but Helsley’s mention makes him an instant addition to almost every fantasy roster.

According to manager Aaron Boone, Clint Frazier has a foot issue that has bothered him for a few months. Frazier is still practicing, but may not be ready to start the season. It likely wouldn’t matter anyhow as the former top prospect is buried on the depth chart with Giancarlo Staton, Aaron Hicks and Aaron Judge getting healthy.

According to manager Gabe Kapler, Johnny Cueto looks strong. Cueto is likely the Opening Day starter versus the Dodgers on the road and would line up versus the Padres at home for his second start. That isn’t a great start to the season and the Giants have a rough early season schedule, but if Cueto is back to previous form, he will be an interesting pick up when the schedule lightens up in September.

Gerrit Cole gave up a home run in Tuesday’s intersquad game. The home run wasn’t as interesting as the events leading up to it:

Gerrit Cole cant reuse a ball he likes due to corona, has to use a ball he doesn't like and gives up a homer , a breakdown pic.twitter.com/GR9M4b798R

— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) July 7, 2020

The rule change for the 2020 season that balls will be switched out after being touched by multiple players will be frustrating to pitchers and could lead to added hits and walks as pitchers can’t get the desired grip with balls not to their liking.