Roto Riteup: June 1, 2018

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June 1, 2018

Now walk it out…..

On the Agenda:
1. Kershaw/Reyes Injuries
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Kershaw/Reyes Injuries
Clayton Kershaw allowed 1 ER on 4 H over 5 IP to go along with 5 K and 1 BB in his return from a biceps injury. It was his first time toeing the rubber since May 1st. Unfortunately, he’ll be headed for an MRI after his back “tightened up” on him during the outing.


Back issues have hampered Kershaw in the past and his velocity was noticeably down yesterday. It has yet to be determined whether this will result in yet another stint on the disabled list, but the Dodgers have had terrible luck with their rotation already. The only actionable thing to do here is hope that things work out. With that said, fantasy owners might have to start planning for another lengthy absence based on his multi-week DL stint in 2017 and a disc problem in 2016.

 

According to the Cardinals GM Mike Girsch, Alex Reyes suffered a “significant” lat strain in his season debut on Wednesday.


He was placed on the 10-day disabled list. There’s no concrete timetable for his return, but it’ll definitely be more than two starts. Reyes demonstrated plus velocity on Wednesday (94.8 mph average fastball), but he only induced three whiffs on 73 pitches, while only getting ahead in counts 53% of the time. This is obviously a massive setback for him and fantasy owners alike. The Cardinals will use a five-man rotation consisting of Luke Weaver, Jack Flaherty, Michael Wacha, Miles Mikolas, and Carlos Martinez (returns Tuesday from a lat strain). Fantasy owners will have to ride this out if they have space on their disabled list. Reyes has the potential to be top-tier starter once he returns.

 

Various News and Notes
Jung-Ho Kang is on track for a mid-June return to the Pirates after participating in games with High-A Bradenton. He’s been working out at the Pirates spring training complex the last four weeks and should be added in NL-Only and deeper mixed formats at this point if you have space.

Madison Bumgarner allowed 1 ER in 4.2 IP with 7 K and 0 BB in a rehab start with High-A San Jose.


The southpaw has obviously been on the shelf since spring training after fracturing his pinkie. He’s on track to return next Tuesday against the Diamondbacks.

Miguel Cabrera is making considerable progress in his recovery from his hamstring injury – as he fielded ground balls, ran, and took batting practice on Wednesday.


He took a day of rest yesterday, but could be activated for today’s game against the Blue Jays. Cabrera was hitting .323/.407/.516 with 3 HR, 13 R, and 21 RBI before going down on May 4th.

Jeimer Candelario exited Thursday’s game in the fourth inning after getting in the hand by an Andrew Heaney pitch.


Candelario swatted an RBI-double and scored before leaving the game. While he’s day-to-day, he’s hit .292/.414/.708 with 3 HR since returning from the disabled list on May 25th. He’s quickly becoming more relevant in shallower formats.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today (Justin): None

Hail Mary Options for Today (Justin): Chris Stratton/Frankie Montas

A Pitcher for Today: None

Hail Mary Option: Zack Wheeler vs CHC

Wheeler has a 22/5 K:BB ratio over his last three outings (16 IP). The Cubs offense finished second in wRC+ in May and made a lot of contact (19% K). That’s why he’s risky.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Trevor Cahill @ KC

Might be too high-owned to be a “streamer” but the matchup is obviously amazing.

Hail Mary Option for Tomorrow: Vincent Velasquez @ SF (If available)
Domingo German @ BAL

The Orioles ranked 28th in wRC+ and owned the second-highest K% as a team in May. German has a 14% SwStr% and 10.6 K/9 but had a rough couple of starts against TEX and OAK before righting the ship (a little) against HOU.





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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Jimmember
5 years ago

So where is Kang going to play? Mercer has a much better glove at SS, and Moran is doing well at 3B, with Freese able to start against lefties. And then there’s Harrison and Frazier at 2B.

0
Spa City
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Having a defined starting position is over-rated. Almost everyday the Bucs need to fill at least one position with a backup. Kang can probably fill in at any infield position. That would allow JHay to play OF occasionally. Basically as the primary infield backup option, Kang should be able to find almost daily playing time.

All that is premised on the assumption he can still hit and play the field with something approaching his former levels. If not, it won’t matter. But if he hits, he will find plenty of playing time.

4
Azizalmember
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Mercer is a better glove than Kang, but he’s not exactly elite. And he has huge splits. Might be better if he started vs. LHP only with that sub 80 career wRC+ vs. RHP.

Especially because Kang has a 135 wRC+ vs. RHP, which drops off to a 107 vs LHP. Kinda hard to imagine Mercer’s glove makes up for over 60 points of wRC+, no?

Or they could start Kang on days where they have one of their heavy flyball pitchers going. Or the opposite, start Mercer on days when one of their GB pitchers is starting.

2
feslenraster
5 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Kang will be a CO/power back up pinch hitter. Nothing wrong with more depth.

0