Roto Riteup: June 26, 2017

I am a die hard Giants fan, but even I can’t deny the greatness of Cody Bellinger. In 57 games he has hit 24 home runs and stolen five bases with a .274/.342/.679 triple slash this year. The Dodgers have 85 games left and if he plays 80 of the games, he would hit 57 home runs for the season… AS A ROOKIE… IN A 137 GAMES!!!

The insanity of @Cody_Bellinger will not end. https://t.co/pHxU5IgMI2 pic.twitter.com/3TNpGJV04N

— MLB (@MLB) June 26, 2017

 

On the Agenda:

1. Closer Chaos

2. Various News and Notes

3. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Closer Chaos

According to Brittany Ghiroli, Zach Britton is on pace for a July 5th activation. Britton was transferred to the 60-Day DL last week, which prolonged the outlook on his return, but so far in his minor league rehab assignment, he has been very good. He will return approximately a week before the All-Star game and could be eased back into the closing role. Britton owners that also have Brad Brach, should continue to roster Brach after Britton’s activation in case of reinjury.

Roberto Osuna returned to game action on Sunday after missing the last few days dealing with an anxiety issue. Osuna pitched the ninth inning of an 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals, striking out three and only allowing one hit in the appearance. Hopefully, Osuna is receiving the help he needs to overcome this issue, but it is worth monitoring for the future.

 

Various News and Notes

Stephen Vogt has been claimed off of waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers. Vogt was DFA’d by the A’s after hitting .217/287/.357 with four home runs. It remains to be seen if can recover some of the magic from the last couple season where he hit double digit home runs with a decent average for a catcher, but the park factor upgrade alone makes him an interesting pick up in deeper formats. Jett Bandy was optioned to AAA.

The Phillies released both Jeanmar Gomez and Michael Saunders. Both veterans have struggled this year, but could be interesting fits other teams. Saunders would most likely have the most fantasy impact and could be a fit for a team like the Giants, who reportedly had interest in him in free agency.

Ben Gamel sat out Sunday’s game with a groin issue. According to Josh Horton of MLB.com, Gamel’s issue is related to a swollen lymph node and it is not expected to keep him out long.

Randal Grichuk was promoted from AAA following the Cardinals placing Dexter Fowler on the 10-day DL. Grichuk responded with a monster home run on Sunday. Grichuk, who was sent all the way down to A ball at first, hit .270/.313/.603 with six home runs once he was brought up to AAA. However, he still struck out about 30% of the time while in minors, which supposedly was the reason the Cardinals sent him down in the first place. He will most likely play most days for St. Louis while Fowler is on the DL, but if he cannot improve the strikeout rate, he could face another demotion.

Aaron Hicks left Sunday’s game with an oblique injury. Hicks will be placed on the DL and will likely miss four weeks due to the injury. Hicks has been fantastic this year, hitting .290/.398/.515 with ten home runs and seven stolen bases in 242 plate appearances. Unfortunately this injury could derail him somewhat as Jacoby Ellsbury should be back in New York soon. Ellsbury started a minor league rehab assignment on the 24th and could be back from the 7-day DL shortly, which would lead to a crowded outfield situation once Hicks returns. Fantasy owners shouldn’t cut Hicks, as Ellsbury and Brett Gardner’s injury past should give him plenty of opportunity to get playing time once he returns.

The Brewers optioned Lewis Brinson to AAA. Brinson struggled in his cup of coffee with the big league club, but this shouldn’t deter fantasy owners in the long term. Brinson has huge power/speed potential and could be a future top 20 player at some point in his career. Brinson should return to the Majors at some point this season, but it may not be until after the trade deadline.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: German Marquez @ SF

Marquez’s start was pushed back to Monday where he draws the struggling Giants in San Francisco. His ERA is marketably better on the road, away from the thin Rocky Mountain air and the Giants are playing like one of the worst teams in the Majors.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Hyun-Jin Ryu @ LAA

I mistaken wrote yesterday that Kenta Maeda was a lefty and pointed out that the Angel struggle against left-handed pitching, so might as well profit off of my mistake. Lots of good options for the lower part of Tuesday’s slate also.