Roto Riteup: June 15, 2022

Teamwork makes the dreamwork!

A superb relay from the @Dbacks!

(MLB x @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/yzurLS9ju6

— MLB (@MLB) June 15, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. Quick Hits
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Quick Hits

Ozzie Albies was placed on the IL with a fractured foot. This is not surprising as we discussed the injury on yesterday’s Roto Riteup, but it was a bit surprising that he was put on the 60-Day IL. He will miss at least two months now and while the Braves have said that Orlando Arcia will be the guy for now, it would not be surprising to see them make a trade to fill the hole. 

Liam Hendriks was placed on the IL with a forearm strain. This is scary news as these strains can be a precursor to Tommy John Surgery. He is expected to be out three weeks, but Kendall Graveman just became the #1 pick up this week. 

Fernando Tatis had a CT scan which “did not reveal the level of healing” expected according to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Tribune. His return will be pushed back, but it is unknown for how long. 

Zach Eflin left Tuesday’s start with knee soreness. Eflin was pitching fairly well, so this is disappointing. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Anthony Rendon left Tuesday’s game after aggravating his right wrist. Consider him day-to-day for now, but this is concerning as he just returned from the IL. 

 

Various News and Notes

Matthew Liberatore threw five scoreless innings versus the Pirates, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out five.

Matthew Liberatore, Gorgeous 74mph Curveball. 😍 pic.twitter.com/3hzworHplX

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 14, 2022

Liberatore wasn’t overpowering, but did a nice job of keeping the Pirates off balanced and inducing weak contact. He will likely head back to AAA after this start but he should be reserved in formats where you have that ability.

Michal Harris II went 3-for-5 with a home run in the victory over the Nationals.

Michael Harris II – Atlanta Braves (2) pic.twitter.com/fav0tEGesp

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) June 15, 2022

Harris now has home runs in consecutive games and is hitting .317 with two stolen bases. Since his call up Harris has only hit ninth in the order, but with his success and the loss of Albies, he could find himself moving up the lineup. There is power and speed and he is a good defender, so while other prospects are getting the publicity, Harris may end up being more valuable than most.

Nathaniel Lowe went 3-for-4 with a home run in the loss to the Rangers.

Nathaniel Lowe – Texas Rangers (8) pic.twitter.com/SxEdkd77gw

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) June 15, 2022

Lowe has been fine, but unspectacular this season hitting .281/.326/.443 with eight home runs and a stolen base. That being said, since the beginning of June, he is hitting .346 with five home runs. More importantly, he has raised his launch angle to 12.9 degrees which is almost double where it was coming into the month. It has come at the cost of contact, but he has made it work. It may come crashing down to earth, but if he can figure out a way to retain the contact skills and keep the improved launch angle, a huge breakout could occur.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Alex Faedo vs CHW

Faedo has pitched well and has a decent start at home. 

High Risk Options: Andre Pallante vs PIT, Jon Heasley at SF, Roansy Contreras at STL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Rich Hill vs OAK

This feels a bit risky, but Oakland has been awful against lefties this season with a .288 wOBA and a 23.4% strikeout rate. 

High Risk Options: Tyler Wells at TOR, Chad Kuhl vs CLE. 

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”