Roto Riteup: June 2, 2016

The best pitch you’ll see from Wednesday:

On the agenda:
1. Mookie Best
2. Three starters shelved
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

Mookie Best
After turning in the 36th-best fantasy season among all players in 2015, there was a sense that Mookie Betts had established himself as a top-tier fantasy asset. The degree to which that’s been true so far, few would have bet on – Betts was the 16th player off the board in drafts this year (and didn’t go higher than fifth), a reasonable jump given his age (23) and it being somewhat unclear just how high his power ceiling was (20 home runs seemed the high-water projection mark). Well, uhh, yeah, Betts is outperforming just about all expectations, ranking behind only Clayton Kershaw and a total of zero other hitters in fantasy value so far. Over the last two games, he reached base 10 times, hit five home runs (the first lead-off hitter to ever do so), drove in seven runs, and, per Jonah Birenbaum of theScore (nearly as big a stud as Betts), Betts hit more home runs in seven at-bats than the Braves did in all of April.

On the year, Betts is hitting .288 with 14 home runs, eight stolen bases, and a 134 wRC+. There is literally no hitter providing more fantasy value. And that smile could light up this whole town.

25-GAME HITTING STREAK FOR XANDER BOGAERTS https://t.co/zIETg1CbGL

— Jared Carrabis (@Jared_Carrabis) June 2, 2016

Three starters shelved
Not to stick on the Red Sox too long – seriously, I’d prefer not to – but Joe Kelly’s lost his job in the starting rotation. He’s off to Triple-A, replaced by the returning Eduardo Rodriguez and perhaps Clay Buchholz, who’s been pitching in relief. With two days off next week and three over the next 12, the Red Sox probably won’t even need that fifth starter for a stretch yet, giving Kelly a chance to figure things out (he won’t).

Also leaving the rotation is Anibal Sanchez, as the Tigers will now bring him out of the bullpen. It’s not set in stone for the long-term, but with a 6.67 ERA and 6.28 FIP over 11 starts and the AL lead in home runs allowed, Sanchez clearly needs a breather to figure things out. Shane Greene is set to come off the DL shortly to take his spot.

And finally, the Mariners will be without Felix Hernandez for a stretch, as the King hit the DL with a calf strain suffered celebrating on Tuesday. It’s only the second DL stint of Hernandez’ career, leaving the 30-22 Mariners without his 2.86 ERA and mildly concerning peripherals (4.10 FIP, a declining swinging-strike rate, an increasing walk rate, and a significant velocity drop). James Paxton is back from Triple-A to take his place.

Various News and Notes
Can we have Bryce Harper back, please? He’s missed two games in a row now with knee soreness after getting plunked Monday. There’s no structural damage, and another day off Thursday will hopefully be enough to get him back in the lineup for the weekend.

Marlon Byrd’s been suspended for 162 games after testing positive for PEDs for a second time. Staying with suspensions, Jose Reyes is starting a rehab assignment after completing his. Even with Trevor Story cooling since his hot start, it’s hard to see Reyes carving out much playing time.

The Phillies have shifted Ryan Howard to a bench role for the better part of a week in response to his .558 OPS through 46 games. Tommy Joseph is going to get his reps while Howard takes his reprieve. The 24-year-old’s shown a bit of pop but there’s not a ton to be excited about here, and Howard’s long given up his fantasy value.

Hunter Pence is off to the DL due to a strained right hamstring, the same hamstring that gave him issues last month. An MRI is set for Thursday, and Jarrett Parker will see a boost in playing time while Pence rests up. This sucks, as not only was Pence hitting well, he’s just the best, in general.

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: Matt Moore @ MIN (Kyle Gibson)
I know, I know. Matt Moore has struggled to a 5.31 ERA with a 4.52 FIP beneath it, he’s giving up home runs and hard contact, and has generally been tough to rely on. Conversely, he’s striking out 22.1 percent of batters he faces and draws a Twins team that has a collective .296 OBP and .332 SLG against lefties, complete with a 24.2-percent strikeout rate. Were there ever a time, this is it.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Chris Rusin @ SD (Drew Pomeranz)
Only nine pitchers throw with an ownership below 55 percent, and three of those draw top-five offenses. That leaves the pickings a little slim, particularly since, you know, you can never really trust Ricky Nolasco, no matter the strikeout rate. Chris Rusin is nobody’s idea of an upside play, but drawing a start at Petco against the league’s No. 28 offense by wRC+ at least provides a reasonable floor.