Roto Riteup: June 24, 2017

Paul is on vacation this weekend and I will be filling in for him. I assume this is where he is right now:

Best way to score?

Create a distraction. https://t.co/U9zIwQIZXu #BigSlickKC pic.twitter.com/WVbXrHH2wu

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) June 24, 2017

 

On the Agenda:
1. Potential Trade Deadline Moves
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Potential Trade Deadline Moves
According to Ken Rosenthal, it is likely that the Pirates trade Andrew McCutchen prior to the trade deadline. McCutchen’s contract runs out this year, but does have a team option for $14.5 million. He struggled over the first two months, but has since been on fire, hitting .397/.481/.785 with six home runs during the month of June. Rumors in the spring had him potentially going to Washington prior to the Nationals acquiring Adam Eaton. Pretty much any trade would be an added boost for McCutchen considering the park factors.

Buster Olney of ESPN reported the Mets are prepared to sell. Olney speculated that Curtis Granderson, Jay Bruce, Asdrubal Cabrera, and Addison Reed are the most likely to get moved. Cabrera reportedly asked for a trade since being moved to second base and potentially could be moved pretty quickly.

 

Breaking News via Instagram?

Looks like Franklin Barreto may be getting the call to the big leagues this weekend with Chad Pinder hitting the DL, if you believe his girlfriend’s Instagram account:

Franklin Barreto’s girlfriend just put a pic of Franklin on her IG story that says “I always believed in you! The time has come”

— Ethan Kassel (@EthanRKassel) June 24, 2017

Barreto is the A’s top prospect and has hit .282/.328/.432 in AAA this year. He has also slugged eight home runs and stolen four bases this year. He could provide fantasy owners a boost and should be scooped up in most formats.

 

Various News and Notes
According to Andy McCullough of the LA Times, Julio Urias will undergo surgery on his pitching shoulder. The surgery will keep him off of the mound for about 12 months.

Neftali Feliz has signed a one-year deal with the Kansas City Royals. Feliz did not work out in Milwaukee and while a move to the more spacious Kauffman Stadium should help some, Feliz was almost as bad on the road as he was at home. AL only owners could take a bit of notice in case he can sneak some saves once Kelvin Herrera gets moved at the deadline.

Colby Rasmus was placed on the DL with a hip injury. Rasmus has hit .281/.318/.579 with 9 home runs in 37 games since returning from injury earlier this year. Rasmus stated he expects to return once eligible.

Cole Hamels is on track to be activated Monday from the DL. Hamels had only pitched 32.2 innings before being placed on the DL with an oblique injury, but had pitched fairly well in spite of his strikeouts being down. Hamels will get a two start week against the Indians and White Sox.

The Yankees designated Chris Carter for assignment. Carter has been very Chris Carter like, hitting .204 with eight home runs in 189 plate appearances. Tyler Austin will be called up to replace him on the roster.

Wilson Ramos will be activated from the DL on Saturday. Ramos signed a two-year deal with the Rays in the off-season. 2016 was a breakout year for Ramos, where he hit .307/.354/.496 with 22 home runs in 131 games before tearing his ACL. He could provide fantasy owners a spark at a very weak catching position.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options
A pitcher for today: None
The lower end part of the slate is bad or has bad match ups. Not worth taking the shot on it.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Mike Montgomery @ MIA
Montgomery has been great this year and is coming off his longest start of the year, so he should be stretched out enough to qualify for a win or quality start.