Roto Riteup: June 11, 2019

Me when I am home alone with the kids:

Yooooo, John Kruk is FED UP with the Phanatic. 😂 pic.twitter.com/yCayd7L8y0

— Cut4 (@Cut4) June 11, 2019

 

On the Agenda:
1. The Sleeper and the Bust DFS contest
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitching Options

 

The Sleeper and the Bust DFS contest
Every week The Sleeper and the Bust podcast puts together a DFS contest on DraftKings. The winner gets a shoutout on the podcast as well as the Roto Riteup and my and Paul’s hard earned cash. Click the link to join: https://www.draftkings.com/draft/contest/73458363

 

Various News and Notes
Matt Adams left Monday’s game after hurting his oblique on a check swing. Following the game, the Nationals expressed some concern about Adams’ chance to avoid the IL. Oblique injuries tend to lean towards at least 4-6 weeks on the shelf, so Adams can be dropped in most mixed league formats and some NL Onlys. This will likely result in Howie Kendrck getting more playing time, but the Nationals could slide Brian Dozier to first as well and recall top prospect Carter Kieboom, who has been killing it in AAA.

Joe Mugrove and Josh Donaldson were both ejected on Monday night after this altercation following an inside pitch from Musgrove:

Benches clear as #Braves' Josh Donaldson is hit by a pitch by Pirates' Joe Musgrove. pic.twitter.com/7xKeHgC9Fn

— FOX Sports: Braves (@FOXSportsBraves) June 10, 2019

Seems silly that this escalated to the point where both players were tossed, but neither should miss any further time as it would be surprising to see MLB suspend either for the incident. However, both teams are likely to be warned coming into today’s game, so if either team’s starting pitcher decides to retaliate, they would likely be tossed pretty quick. DFS players may want to avoid using either Chris Archer or Mike Foltynewisc just in case, though it’s not like either are likely high up on anyone’s priority list.

Yoan Moncada left Monday’s game with a back issue. The issue is being characterized as upper back tightness and isn’t expected to keep him out for very long. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Dallas Keuchel threw seven innings in high A, allowing one hit and one walk without giving up a run in the outing. Keuchel struck out nine during the appearance and was able to get through the inning with only throwing 77 pitches. This is a really good sign and the Braves will likely move him up to better competition. He is expected to make at least one more start in the minors before joining the Braves rotation. With Kevin Gausman continuing to struggle, expect the Braves to be aggressive with Keuchel if he looks good in his next minor league start.

According to Mark Saxon, Alex Reyes is expected to make one more AAA start, but then could join the Cardinals rotation next week. Reyes had an impressive outing in his last start, striking out 10 in four innings, but he also walked four and gave up a home run and only 45 of his 88 pitches were thrown for strikes. Reyes is still a top prospect in baseball, but while the Cardinals want him in the rotation, they are in a dog fight in the NL Central, so he will need to pitch well to stay there once brought up.

Dylan Cease is on the verge of a call up according to White Sox general manager Rick Hahn. Cease has a 4.10 ERA and over a strikeout an inning in AAA and is widely considered one of the top prospects in baseball. He should be stashed in most formats if you have the bench spots.

 

Streaming Pitching Options (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: None

High Risk Options: Trent Thornton at BAL, Felix Pena vs LAD.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None
Not great options under 50%, but a number of high risk ones.

High Risk Options: Merrill Kelly at PHI, Daniel Norris at KC