Roto Riteup: June 24, 2022

Ninja-like skills.

Yan Gomes protects his manager. pic.twitter.com/hKCLg74jbZ

— MLB (@MLB) June 23, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
   
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

Quick Hits

Luis Gonzalez was placed on the IL with a back strain. This doesn’t appear super serious, but he is droppable in most formats. 

Lorenzo Cain has been released by the Brewers. Cain was designated for assignment and went unclaimed. He is eligible to be signed by any team and likely shouldn’t have long to wait before someone takes a shot on the veteran outfielder. 

Willie Calhoun was traded from the Rangers to the Giants for Steven Duggar. Calhoun was designated for assignment after requesting a trade from the Rangers, so it looks like he got his wish. Calhoun is a former top prospect that has struggled in limited MLB time. He has no real defensive home, but he has hit at every level in the minors. He could be a sneaky add in deeper leagues if he can get playing time in San Francisco. Duggar might be able to get some regular playing as well in Texas with Eli White out.

Adam Engel was placed on the IL with a hamstring injury. He is expected to miss over the minimum 10 days. Gavin Sheets was recalled to take his spot on the roster.

Danny Mendick was placed on the IL with a torn ACL. This is disappointing news as Mendick was playing well and regularly. Josh Harrison will likely be in line for a larger role moving forward, but he left with a minor triceps contusion after being hit with a pitch, Leury Garcia is probably the short term beneficiary.

Ty France left Thursday’s game after this collision:

SEA 1B Ty France had to exit today’s game in Oakland after attempting to make an incredible play at first base. Really hope that this isn’t serious. He’s one of my favorite players to watch in all of baseball. #SeaUsRise #DrumTogether #Mariners #Athletics #MLB pic.twitter.com/yzQYDYkQlU

— Baseball Today (@dailymlbtweets) June 23, 2022

X-rays were negative and he stated after the game he stated that his elbow was stiff, but that he hopes to avoid the IL. Consider him day to day for now.

 

Various News and Notes
Austin Slater went 2-for-4 with a home run in the loss to the Braves.

Austin Slater – San Francisco Giants (5) pic.twitter.com/26hO5F02LG

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) June 23, 2022

Slater rarely plays against right handed pitchers as he has been a short side platoon guy, but with the Giants being down Luis Gonzalez and Lamonte Wade, the Giants didn’t have a ton of options. When he has played, Slater has shown good power and speed, but unless he starts getting regular at bats, he won’t be more than a DFS play.

Zach Plesac threw six innings in the loss to the Twins, allowing just one run on three hits and two walks while striking out six.

Zach Plesac, Nasty 86mph Slider. 😨 pic.twitter.com/zIwF6lHEOj

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 23, 2022

Plesac pitched very well on the strength of his slider. Plesac has pitched much better as of late, throwing five straight quality starts with a 2.40 ERA and a .97 WHIP while striking out 22 in 30 innings. Plesac is a perfect cheap quality starts play, but he still can struggle with home runs, but the walks have been down which is good as well. I don’t think he will ever be the guy many thought he was going to be after the shortened 2020 season, but he has value in deeper leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Cole Irvin at KC
Good matchup in a good park.

High Risk Options: German Marquez at MIN, Chris Fleen at LAA, Zack Greinke vs OAK, Dane Dunning vs WAS, Mitch Keller at TB, Andre Pallante vs CHC.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: JT Brubaker at TB
Brubaker has been better of late and has a decent matchup in a good park.

High Risk Options: Brad Keller vs OAK, Alex Faedo at ARI, Josh Winckowski at CLE, Antonio Senzatela at MIN.

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.”