Roto Riteup: June 18, 2013

Today is National Splurge Day! Go out and treat yo self.

On today’s agenda:
1. Josh Johnson’s 10 strikeout game
2. Jurickson Profar, outfielder
3. The return of Roy Oswalt
4. Tony Cingrani to the bullpen

Josh Johnson’s 10 strikeout game
Yesterday Josh Johnson threw his best game yet in a Toronto Blue Jays uniform. In addition to the 10 strikeouts, Johnson lasted 7.1 innings and didn’t yield a run. He allowed just seven base runners on the day, including just two walks. This was his fourth quality start (out of seven total starts) and his longest outing yet. Injuries will always be a huge concern for Johnson, though he is a better option than an average stream candidate. He is available in one third of Yahoo! leagues, 60% of ESPN leagues, but just 15% of CBS formats. As with any borderline pitcher in 12-team mixed leagues, one must closely monitor Johnson’s opposition and ball park. With some insight and planning, Johnson still makes for a useful mixed league pitcher.

Jurickson Profar, outfielder
Apparently the Texas Rangers like this Jurickson Profar guy. The club plans to move him to left field, at least on a trial basis. What this means for David Murphy remains to be seen, however it is no secret that Murphy has scuffled this season. A .214 BABIP isn’t helping Murphy, but Profar offers much more upside than the 31-year-old left fielder. Profar already has 2B/MI eligibility — and I’ve never heard a fantasy owner complain about lineup flexibility — and he has even gotten starts at third base and shortstop. Despite Murphy’s struggles, Profar isn’t exactly crushing the ball himself. Regardless, the Rangers seem intent on keeping him up with the big league and with Ian Kinsler back from the disabled list, the club is shuffling things to make that happen. Profar is available in about 50% of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues, though he is already owned in 70% of CBS leagues. Regardless of his eligibility, the most efficient use of him is as a second baseman or MI. Plug him there and watch his bat develop.

The return of Roy Oswalt
Tune in Thursday for what should be Roy Oswalt’s return to the major league. The keyword there is “should” as the Colorado Rockies will have an announcement regarding Oswalt some time today. Everyone may remember Oswalt’s disastrous stint in Texas last year, but a .378 BABIP will make anyone’s ERA and and FIP look bad. In fact, his 3.27 xFIP and 22.4% strikeout rate last season were among the best of his career. How well he’ll fare in Colorado remains to be seen, but his Double-A numbers are encouraging. Oswalt sports a 2.16 ERA — though a 4.28 FIP — in five starts spanning 33.1 innings and a 3.57 strikeout to walk ratio. In deep mixed leagues or NL-only leagers, Oswalt is worth a stash. Starting him right away might be a bit rash, so seeing how his peripherals shake out will be very interesting. One can own Oswalt in over 80% of CBS leagues and 97%+ of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues.

Tony Cingrani to the bullpen
The Cincinnati Reds have moved Tony Cingrani into the bullpen after the return of Johnny Cueto. Yesterday marked his first relief appearance and he recorded two outs, both via strikeout. With Jonathan Broxton and Sean Marshall both on the disabled list, the Reds bullpen was in danger of being over taxed. Cingrani certainly has the stuff to succeed in a relief role, however temporary it may be. For fellow holds league players, Cingrani is an easy and resound “yes!” He is owned in 25% of Yahoo! leagues, 40% of ESPN leagues, and 70% of CBS formats.