Roto Riteup: June 29, 2017

I wish I could get Korean commentary on all my games.

Here is the Korean call of Jae-Gyun Hwang’s 1st MLB home run (MBC Sports+). What a moment! #MLB #Giants pic.twitter.com/huUXpjNGIB

— Sung Min Kim (@sung_minkim) June 28, 2017

Congrats to Jae-Gyun Hwang on his 1st MLB home run!

 

On the Agenda:

1. Trade Rumors

2. Closer Chaos

3. Various News and Notes

4. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Trade Rumors

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, Justin Verlander is expected to be on the trade block very soon. Verlander has struggled this year, but should be a very sought after commodity on the trade market. Verlander has looked much better in his last three outings and appears to be slowly turning things around in June. Depending on his landing spot, he could get a nice little boost in value here in the near future.

Jeff Passan also reported that the Padres expect a major haul in return for reliever Brad Hand. Hand has been linked to the Nationals, who are in desperate need of bullpen help. However, it is unlikely he would return a “Chapman-like return” that is reportedly what the Padres are seeking. While Hand is expected to get moved, he will likely not gain much fantasy value, except in holds leagues, because he would likely not be thrown into a closing role on his new team.

 

Closer Chaos

Mark Melancon has hit the DL in San Francisco with an elbow issue. Initial reports had Sam Dyson the favorite to replace him as the interim closer, however, it was Hunter Strickland that received the first save opportunity and he promptly shut down the Rockies in the ninth inning. Strickland has been the best pitcher in the Giants bullpen this year, but it would not be surprising to see the Giants play matchups and ride whoever is hot going forward.

Trevor Rosenthal received the save opportunity of Seung-hwan Oh on Wednesday night. It appears we may be heading back to some closer controversy in St. Louis as Oh was available and warming up at multiple times through the end of the ballgame. Fantasy owners should add Rosenthal immediately.

 

Various News and Notes

Ketel Marte has been recalled by the Arizona Diamondbacks. Marte will replace Nick Ahmed on the roster after Ahmed fractured his hand. Marte has enjoyed a fantastic season in AAA-Reno, but it is also the PCL, so take the numbers with a grain of salt. Marte has an opportunity to get some playing time, but it could be a short term opportunity considering Yasmany Tomas is working his way back and is now on a minor league rehab assignment. Marte has speed potential and the D-Backs like to run, so he is worth a gamble in deeper mixed league, but don’t expect it to turn into long term playing time.

Koda Glover is now reportedly dealing with a rotator cuff injury. This is depressing news for Glover owners and the Nationals, the latter of which are in desperate need of help in the back end of their bullpen. There is no current timetable for his return.

Miguel Montero has been DFA’d by the Cubs after he made disparaging comments about Jake Arrieta. Montero blamed Arrieta publicly for all the stolen bases given up by him the other day and he had a point, but you can’t throw your own guys under the bus in the media. Montero will likely catch on with another franchise, but will take a hit in value more than likely no matter what. This may not have great fantasy impact, but it gives me the opportunity to share this:

Miguel Montero placed on DL with 1st degree burns https://t.co/xNVpD2SSrU

— Sammy Reid (@SammyReidFI) June 28, 2017

According to manager Joe Girardi, Greg Bird may not return this year. Bird has dealt with a number of injuries and is currently on the DL with an ankle issue. The Yankees could be a player in the first base market at the trade deadline and could be interested in players like Matt Adams, Brandon Belt, and Eric Hosmer who are all expected to be made available. Chris Carter, who had been DFA’d, has accepted a minor league assignment could be back up with the team shortly following this news and Tyler Austin struggling with a nagging hamstring issue.

Aledmys Diaz has been optioned to AAA-Memphis. This is a tad bit shocking considering Diaz hasn’t been that bad so far this year, but he has not replicated the breakout of last season.

Kris Bryant left Wednesday’s game with a mild ankle sprain. He is considered day-to-day at this time, but the injury is not expected to keep him out long. This appear to have been a precautionary move more than anything else.

Yonder Alonso was forced out of Wednesday’s game with a knee injury. This one did look painful:

A painful night in Houston for the @Athletics and their probable all-star Yonder Alonso. https://t.co/H6yA8HQaNX pic.twitter.com/UcZ40dcbTx

— KPIX 5 (@CBSSF) June 29, 2017

He has been diagnosed with a knee contusion and is considered day-to-day at this time.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Dinelson Lamet vs ATL

Over his last two starts, Lamet has struck out seventeen batters in twelve innings and only allowed one walk. If he can keep the ball in the park, he will be fine, but this is a high risk/high reward play.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Mike Montgomery @ CIN

Montgomery has been very good over his last four starts since joining the rotation, posting a 1.71 ERA and 8.14 k/9 in 21 innings pitched.