Roto Riteup: June 26, 2023

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June 26, 2023

Just some light Monday morning trolling for all of our totally rational east coast friends:

On the Agenda:

  1. News and Notes
  2. Bumps and Bruises
  3. Betrayal Across the Pond
  4. Streaming Pitchers

News and Notes

While still technically unconfirmed, it seems top Orioles prospect, Jordan Westburg, will be called up to the big club today. Westburg has slashed .295/.372/.567 over 301 PA at Triple-A, with 18 HR, 57 R, 54 RBI, and 6 SB. With his promotion, we can probably assume that the bell is tolling for Jorge Mateo, and Ramón Urías might not be far behind if the rookie comes up firing.

Sean Murphy (hamstring) missed five games but managed to avoid the IL, returning to the lineup on Sunday and going 2-for-4 with an RBI. With his return, it’s back to the bench for Travis d’Arnaud, who went 7-for-21, with two home runs in his brief five-game return to starting.

Bad news for those rostering Ryan Helsley (forearm); manager Oliver Marmol said he isn’t close to returning and has yet to start throwing since being shut down on June 12. Once and future closer, Jordan Hicks, has stepped up admirably in Helsley’s absence, collecting four Saves in four appearances, striking out six batters in 4 IP.

Carlos Rodón blew through his second rehab start at Double-A (Somerset) yesterday, allowing one hit and walking none over four innings, with four strikeouts. Rodón will need at least one more rehab appearance – one would mean a return to the big leagues shortly after July 4, while two would push him into Week 16.

Julio Urías (hamstring) made his first (and likely only) rehab start on Sunday at Single-A (Cucamonga), allowing one run over four innings and striking out eight batters. Barring a setback, Urías will make his return to the rotation on Friday in Kansas City.

According to manager Pedro Grifol, Liam Hendriks (elbow inflammation) will be out until at least the All-Star break. Since returning (from beating freaking cancer!), Hendriks had a 5.40 ERA but had only allowed one hit since a debut that saw him give up two runs on three hits and a walk. The White Sox bullpen, much like the rest of the team, has remained a mess. Kenyan Middleton picked up a Save on Sunday after blowing one earlier in the week, while Kendall Graveman blew one on Saturday.

Remember when Brendan Donovan was a bust? Well, the days of spotty playing time and batting in the bottom third have been over for a minute and Donovan continues to rake. Starting every game in June but one (and batting leadoff against every RHP), Donovan has slashed .312/.404/.429, with 2 HR, 10 R, and 10 RBI, with a .372 wOBA and 138 wRC+. His value won’t really take off until the Cardinals do but his Roster% (55% on Yahoo, 33% on ESPN) remains far too low.

Bumps and Bruises

Tim Anderson (shoulder) was held out of Sunday’s action after returning to the lineup for two games following a five-game absence. It seems this was just for rest purposes and not an injury reaggravation but keep your ears to the streets. Also of note was Anderson playing the first two games of his career at second base (though he did play the position during the WBC). He’ll likely make the switch back to shortstop soon but the clock has at least started on gaining new eligibility. At least, on most platforms – I’m pretty sure Yahoo plays by Beetlejuice rules, where you gain eligibility just by saying the position out loud three times.

Marcus Stroman was removed in the fourth inning of Chicago’s eventual 7-5 loss to the Cardinals in London with a blister on his index finger. He was reportedly pulled before the blister burst but whether he’ll make his next start against Cleveland at home on Saturday is still unknown. Also remaining unknown is what a crumpet actually is and why we should serve them with tea.

Jose Altuve injured his heel on Saturday and was subsequently held out of Sunday’s game. Consider him day-to-day but manager Dusty Baker believes it should be manageable with the Astros also having a day off today.

Chris Taylor (knee bruise) was placed on the 10-day IL, though, it’s back-dated to June 21. Michael Busch has been manning third base as of late but Max Muncy (hamstring) is also set to return from the IL on Tuesday.

Stop me if you’ve heard this (a million times) before – Byron Buxton (back) was held out of Sunday’s game after being removed in the sixth inning on Saturday with back spasms. Consider him day-to-day – but we know how this goes, right?… Buxton. 15-day IL. Collision course.

Cody Bellinger (wonky tum-tum) missed the London finale on Sunday due to illness. No word on whether crumpets were involved but he should be good to go by Tuesday.

Betrayal Across the Pond

I’ve loved him in every show and movie he’s done, gone to the live performances, and read his books. But damn it, fellow Nick, why must there always be this gulf between us?

Sidebar: I once told our small children that Cubs players/fans smell like dirty, ol’ onions – this belief has hilariously persisted/led to a couple of awkward conservation with strangers.

Streaming Pitchers

Streaming Pitcher for Today: None – Sorry but on a short-slate, six-game Monday, the choices are very limited, very not good, and very on the road. Of the five options available, (Matthew Boyd @TEX, Trevor Williams @SEA, Cole Irvin @CIN, Colin Rea @NYM, Brandon Williamson @BAL), the ERA title belongs to Williams, with a 4.14 ERA, with Colin Rea getting silver with a 4.88 ERA. These are not the streams you’re looking for.

High Risk for Today: See above.

Streaming Pitcher(s) for Tomorrow: Joey Lucchesi, NYM vs MIL, Gavin Williams, CLE @KC

Okay, everyone, congratulations to everyone taking the under as a big dog – it looks like you’re cashing ou-…Damn it, looks like this rube in flyover country just can’t help himself – near, far, wherever you are:





 

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Greg SimonsMember since 2016
1 year ago

All the Cubs fans I know smell like dirty, ol’ onions so I don’t know what the awkward conversations would be about? Are they so acclimated to the smell they don’t know they stink?

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