Roto Riteup: June 26, 2016

Today’s Roto Riteup believes sleep is important, even if it makes you a couple minutes late for something.

On the agenda:
1. Mets’ Young Outfield Swap
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Mets’ Young Outfield Swap
Michael Conforto is headed to the minors, and the Mets will bring up prospect Brandon Nimmo to replace him. After a strong debut last year and an impressive first month of 2016, Conforto has struggled to make contact since, and the contact he has made was unimpressive. Conforto has been dealing with a wrist issue, so unfortunately this could be somewhat of a lost campaign for the young left fielder. Hopefully the Mets allow him to rest a bit while regaining his confidence in the minors.

Nimmo has been tearing through Triple-A in his first extended stint at the level, getting on base 41% of the time while posting the highest ISO of his minor league career. The former first-rounder has the frame to develop power, but at this point it shouldn’t be expected of him in the majors. Owners should expect a somewhat empty OBP while Nimmo is in the majors this year. It’s unclear how long Nimmo could be up; if Conforto doesn’t mash in the minors he could have some rope as an everyday OF against righties, but the club will likely be looking to Conforto to reclaim his job at some point. However, with Lucas Duda on the shelf, Conforto could be recalled to man first base if Nimmo is holding his own.

Various News and Notes
Stephen Strasburg won’t be taking the mound today as previously scheduled. Strasburg has been dealing with back and rib troubles, and he’ll likely receive a retroactive DL designation soon, as he has not pitched since June 15. Tanner Roark will start in his stead today.

After losing Kyle Schwarber earlier this year, the Cubs are using fellow catching prospect Willson Contreras in the same manner now. Contreras will start in left field today, and he’s started at first base and catcher previously. Contreras is more athletic than Schwarber and can likely do better if pressed into OF duty, but he also has a better future behind the plate. When Schwarber is healthy next year, it’ll be fun to see how the Cubs utilize their two young backstops along with Miguel Montero, who is under contract for 2017.

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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: Bartolo Colon at ATL (Bud Norris)
Bartolo may not bring the Ks, but he brings the good times.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Daniel Mengden at SFG (Jeff Samardzija)
Mengden has been impressive in his few MLB starts, so enjoy him in an NL ballpark.