Roto Riteup: June 26, 2012

Did you notice the new FanGraphs Q&A? There’s a fantasy section and everything, so you should go ask questions there after you read today’s Roto Riteup.

• Jeanmar Gomez has been sent to the minors by the Cleveland Indians after struggling through 73 innings this year. Gomez was actually pretty solid last year, earning a 4.12 FIP and 0.7 WAR in just ten starts, but even with a sweet and sexy BABIP this year, Gomez was walking too many batters and giving up too many homers to be a relevant major league starter. Gomez was never more than a two-start option to fantasy owners, but now you all are going to have to look to Zach McAllister to fill the void. McAllister has been pitching well in Triple-A, and his numbers through eight big league starts spread over two seasons have been solid. McAllister has more upside than Gomez, so don’t be afraid to snag him in AL-only or deep leagues.

• It sounds as if the Padres are open to the idea of trading Chase Headley if the price is right, but considering he’s a damn fine third baseman with two more years of team control, that price will be hefty. Fantasy owners would absolutely love to get Headley out of Petco, but his current production still makes him one of the better fantasy options at the hot corner. If Headley is moved, look for San Diego to bring Jedd Gyorko into the mix sooner rather than later. Gyorko has been mashing the ball in the Pacific Coast League, but he was also showing off some power in Double-A earlier this year. He’s an interesting speculative grab in dynasty leagues.

• Can you remember who one of the better fantasy catchers from early in the year who’s still stuck on the DL is? That’s right, it’s Jonathan Lucroy! Lucroy was hitting .345 before his wife viciously dropped a suitcase on his hand towards the end of May. While that batting average is mostly unsustainable, it’ll still be good to get a young, productive catcher back in the fold. Lucroy hasn’t even started to hit or throw, and it sounds like that is still a few weeks away from commencing. If you have Lucroy stashed on your DL (or were considering it), be wary of the long wait ahead and the possibility of a lack of production upon his return.

For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here are a couple matchups you may be able to exploit.

A Pitcher for Today: Gavin Floyd at MIN
Before the season, I never thought I’d be able to recommend Floyd for streaming. But, he’s been bad enough this year that owners are dropping him left and right. Minnesota should give a chance for Floyd to get back on track.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Jonathon Niese at CHC
Wrigley isn’t pretty for righties, and the Cubs best hitters should be neutralized by Niese.

A Hitter for Today: Lucas Duda at CHC (Randy Wells)
Duda has been abiding a lot lately, and Wells isn’t exactly a stud out there.