Roto Riteup: June 11, 2016

Today’s Roto Riteup author heard someone made a mess of some magician’s hats yesterday, but isn’t quite sure why that’s sporting news.

On the agenda:
1. Tim Anderson Up Yesterday
2. Zach Eflin Up Next Week
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

Tim Anderson Up Yesterday
The White Sox are shaking things up, adding shortstop prospect Tim Anderson to the active roster yesterday, and he’ll get a shot to hold down the position going forward. Anderson has some tasty tools, best of all being his speed on the basepaths; the not-yet-23-year-old stole 49 bags last year, and 11 steals in 55 games before being recalled. He also has a frame that could develop a bit of power as he ages and potentially adds mass, but he hasn’t shown any sustained pop to this date. The big question, for both now and in the future: will he get on base enough to make a difference? Anderson doesn’t really walk, and has never held a strikeout rate below 22% in an meaningful minor league stint, so he will be truly reliant on his BABIP to reach first. AL-only owners have to give him a shot, but there’s nothing wrong with leaving him on the waiver wire in standard mixed leagues.

Zach Eflin Up Next Week
Zach Eflin is scheduled to make his debut with the Phillies next Tuesday in place of the injured Vincent Velasquez. Eflin, the 33rd pick in the in the 2012 draft, has some potential to sit the back of a big league rotation for many years, working with a sinker and changeup that are both average or better offerings. Eflin, however, doesn’t profile as a fantasy option — his K/9 in AA last year was a whopping 4.65, and even with improvements this year, he won’t do much more than keep balls in the yard, while potentially delivering a serviceable WHIP is his walk rate stays low like it was in the minors.

Velasquez was initially diagnosed with a biceps injury after making it through just two pitches in his start this week, and most of us feared the worst. However, an MRI today was promising, and it appears his injury may truly be to the biceps and not his UCL. There’s no timetable yet, but expect him to rest for another couple days before the team sets a firm plan for rehab. Owners shouldn’t expect him back before July 1.

Various News and Notes
Going back to Chicago, Austin Jackson will likely miss a couple months with a meniscus tear. The White Sox have pretty much nothing in the way of depth, so the likes of J.B. Shuck will be taking his place.

Since we’re talking about center field and players with speed today, Billy Hamilton has been placed on the 7-day concussion DL, and will be constantly reevaluated over the next few days. Going to Seattle, Leonys Martin has rejoined the big league club after missing the past couple weeks with a hamstring injury, and will look to jump back in with two feet and get back on his incredible pace from the start of the year.

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

A pitcher for today: Eduardo Rodriguez at MIN (Kyle Gibson)
Take LHP in Minnesota. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Pat Dean vs BOS (Rick Porcello)
It’s a very bad day for SP deals, but I’ve seen Dean be effective against my favorite team, which means he’s also effective, and thus a good pick.