Roto Riteup: June 14, 2013

Sadly for all of you, the Roto Riteup continues to be all mine until Sunday.

On today’s agenda:
1. Troy Tulowitzki out 4-6 weeks
2. Tulo’s replacements
3. Stephen Strasburg is up and throwing
4. Derek Jeter is allowed to run

Troy Tulowitzki out 4-6 weeks
After making a diving try on the defensive end, Tulo’s MRI showed a broken rib. Tulo has already played more games in 2013 compared to 2012, but his injury will sideline him for over a month. Prior to yesterday, Tulo was hitting .347 with 16 homers, putting him on pace for his best season to date. While the prognosis may be four-to-six weeks, bet on the more serious side of the injury when figuring out your strategic plan for the remainder of the year.

Tulo’s replacements
With Tulo out, the Rockies have a couple of internal options to fill his shoes. First, the team could simply insert Jonthan Herrerra and DJ LeMathieu into the lineup together and call up a backup infielder from Triple-A; perhaps Charlie Culberson.

Or, the more likely solution is the Rockies recalling Josh Rutledge from AAA to play at shortstop full time. Rutledge was a big help to Colorado late last season, but he had to be sent down to the minors after struggling mightily early in 2013. Since being sent down, Rutledge has hit a sizzling .348 with a couple of homers and a much improved K%. Rutledge still has some sweet potential, so don’t be afraid to go out and get him in standard leagues.

Stephen Strasburg is up and throwing
After messing up his lat in a game a dozen or so days ago, Strasburg was able to cleanly throw a bullpen session yesterday. Strasburg expects to return on Sunday, which would mean the right-hander would miss the minimum 15-days since landing on the DL. Strasburg has been quietly excellent this year, and since his DL stint was more of a precaution, you should be sliding him right back into your lineups.

Derek Jeter is allowed to run
Jeter had his ankle examined by a doctor yesterday, and the prognosis was positive enough for The Captain to return to “baseball activities.” While this is certainly good news, don’t go out and add Jeter just yet. Jeter is still at least a month away from returning, and likely will be out even longer. At this point, don’t count on receiving any production from Jeter during the 2013 season.