Roto Riteup: June 27, 2017

Today’s Roto Riteup will start with something to make you sad and another thing to make you happy:

1.Tim Tebow has received a promotion after leading his team in strikeouts.

2.Javy Baez is sick:

An extended cut of @javy23baez’s sick grab?

Don’t want it … NEED IT. pic.twitter.com/ReVa5SQh72

— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2017

 

On the Agenda:

1. Trading Season Opens

2. Willson!!!

3. Various News and Notes

4. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

 

Trading Season Opens

The first “big” trade of the season took place on Monday when the Miami Marlins traded Adieny Hechavarria to the Tampa Bay Rays for minor leaguers Braxton Lee and Ethan Clark. Hechavarria isn’t a very sexy name for fantasy and while Clark has pitched well in A-ball, neither prospects are noteworthy at this time. Ultimately, this deal tells us two things:

1.The Rays may not sell at the deadline.

2.The Rays have serious doubts that Matt Duffy will return this season.

 

 

Willson!!!

Willson Contreras led off for the Cubs on Monday and became the first Cubs catcher to hit a leadoff home run in the history of the National League if you believe twitter:

Willson Contreras: first leadoff HR by a catcher in #Cubs National League history (1876-present)

— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) June 26, 2017

Though according to twitter, I “should stick to baseball” which I assume most of you would disagree with.

This appears to be Joe Maddon playing around a bit with his lineup, but if Contreras were to stick in the leadoff spot for the Cubs, it would definitely increase his value going forward. Most likely it would only be against left-handed pitching which he has hit .269/.355/.448 against this season.

 

 

Various News and Notes

Michael Brantley was activated from the DL on Monday, but did not play in the Indians blowout of the Texas Rangers. Brantley only spent a minimum stay on the DL with an ankle injury. Brantley started off the season fast and hot hitting five home runs and stealing three bases with a .308/.365/.551 triple slash in the month of April, but has not hit a long ball since. Brantley has been a productive player when healthy, but has struggled to do so the last couple of years.

Brandon Finnegan was removed from Monday’s start against the Cardinals with a tricep injury. Finnegan has had trouble staying healthy and has only gone more than four innings once this season because of health. He will likely head back to the DL.

Carlos Rodon will make his Major League debut on Wednesday. He draws the Yankees at home. In three AAA starts he has posted a 9.22 ERA with 7.24 k/9 and a 4.61 BB/9. Rodon can show elite stuff when healthy, but it might be better for fantasy owners to keep him reserved in his first start or two back in the Majors.

Starlin Castro will undergo an MRI on his injured hamstring to determine whether he will land on the DL. Castro injured the hamstring in Monday’s game and was forced to leave the contest. The Yankees reportedly will call up former 4th round pick Tyler Wade for infield depth.

According to Scott Merkin of MLB.com, Tim Anderson wore corrective glasses for the first time in Monday night’s game. Anderson hit a three-run shot in the ninth inning. It is quite possible that corrective eyewear could help Anderson reclaim some of the past pedigree that he has had. It is not easy to hit the ball, if you can’t see it. #Analysis

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Jhoulys Chacin vs ATL

Chacin’s ERA at home this season is 1.72 and over the month of June his ERA is 3.12 with almost 8 k/9. The wheels will fall off at some point soon, but he could be worth the gamble one last time.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Blake Snell @ PIT

Snell is getting recalled for the Rays and has been dominant in AAA since getting demoted. In Durham this season, he has 12.48k/9 with a 2.66 ERA in 44 innings. He draws the Pirates in Pittsburgh, which shouldn’t be too tough of an assignment.