Roto Riteup: June 10, 2015

Despite my South Koreans falling 2-0 to Brazil in yesterday’s World Cup match, I remain (blindly) optimistic on their chances to advance out of group play.

On today’s agenda:
1. Quick thoughts on Chris Heston
2. Joe Panik is raking
3. Travis d’Arnaud reminder
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Quick thoughts on Chris Heston
In the wake of the 27-year-old’s no-hitter, it seems like a good time to discuss him. Heston has been a bit of a pendulum this season, swinging from very good to not-so-hot from one start to the next. Overall he is up to a 66:18 strikeout to walk ratio and his 3.77 ERA is backed by even better 3.32 FIP and 3.21 xFIP estimators. I’m not convinced he’ll continue to post a 8+ K/9 as he is more of a ground ball pitcher than swing-and-miss guy, however Heston should be reliable in most leagues as a stream or spot starter. Currently available in just 32 percent of CBS formats but over 70 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN leagues, Heston isn’t likely to remain on the waiver wire for much longer.

Joe Panik is raking
In not quite half a season last year, Panik posted a .305 batting average and a .343 BABIP along with it. Thus far he’s essentially repeating the feat, with a .318 AVG and .346 BABIP. Panik is flashing more power, as his .152 ISO is higher than anything he’s accomplished in a full season in the minors. He may reach double digit home runs this season but counting on his AVG is the much safer bet. Given his increased walk rate — 8.8 percent — and his position as the number two hitter in the Giants lineup, Panik could surprise with his runs scored total as well. As a middle infielder with more than a pulse at the plate, Panik is already owned in over 70 percent of CBS leagues. Only 65 percent of ESPN managers have caught on to his game and even fewer, just 38 percent, of Yahoo! owners have picked him up.

Travis d’Arnaud reminder
The Mets are set to activate d’Arnaud prior to today’s game against the Giants. After a hot start, an errant pitch broke his hand and forced him to miss eight weeks of action. Most, that is 90 percent, of CBS leaguers opted to hang onto the 26-year-old, however d’Arnaud was dropped down to sub-50 percent ownership rates in both Yahoo! and ESPN leagues. If you happen to play at either of those sites and are in need of an upgrade at catcher, d’Arnaud is your guy.

Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Rick Porcello at BAL (Wei-Yin Chen)
Porcello is owned in 70 percent of CBS formats — though only about 50 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN leagues — so he is a pseudo stream option. The O’s own the fourth highest strikeout rate when facing a right-handed pitcher and Porcello could have a nice strikeout day while still getting his normal ground ball outs.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Alex Colome vs LAA (Garrett Richards)
With an up-and-down season thus far, hopefully Colome can settle down against the Angels. The Halos have not fared too well against right-handers thus far and Colome should post a quality outing.