Roto Riteup: June 3, 2022

This is really cool:

Love this story from the Reds Broadcast on Derek Johnson's Mound Visit last night…and why Luis Castillo was laughing. 😂 pic.twitter.com/W85fD5hR5Q

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 2, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. COVID Issues
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

COVID Issues

Omar Narvaez was placed on the COVID IL on Thursday. There is no confirmation on whether he tested positive or was just exhibiting symptoms. 

 

Quick Hits

Sonny Gray was placed on the IL with a pectoral strain. The Twins had held off on putting him on the IL as there was hope he would be able to take his turn in the rotation on Friday, but he is not ready. The move is retroactive to May 30th and likely will only need a minimum stay as long as there are no setbacks. 

Hyun Jin Ryu was placed on the IL with forearm inflammation. This is the second time this year Ryu has hit the IL with this injury which is very concerning. Don’t expect him to be back any time soon which makes him droppable in formats where you don’t have the ability to stash him. 

Grayson Rodriguez is dealing with a lat strain in AAA. Rodriguez left his start on Wednesday with what was originally called a heat cramp, but it is clearly more serious than that. According to GM Mike Elias, Rodriguez will miss a “decent amount of time at a minimum” which means he is likely droppable in redraft leagues where you may have been stashing him as he was on the cusp of making his Major League debut. 

 

Various News and Notes

Jameson Taillon threw eight innings in the victory over the Angels, allowing one earned run on two hits and no walks while striking out five. 

Jameson Taillon, Pretty 83mph Curveball. 🌈 pic.twitter.com/rgyOJLUkmk

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) June 3, 2022

Taillon was perfect through seven innings before allowing a couple of hits in the eighth. Taillion’s command was absolutely on point in this one and his pitch mix was great. Skills have never been an issue for Taillon, health is the only thing that has stood in his way of becoming a great pitcher. Right now he is healthy and you have to ride the hot streak.

Graham Ashcraft threw seven innings in the victory over the Nationals, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out five.

🗣️ All aboard the Graham Ashcraft hype train.@Doug4212 pic.twitter.com/23aWskApfH

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 3, 2022

Ashcraft worked cutter, sinker, and slider while getting a 35% CSW on his pitches. His cutter was averaging 98 while topping out at 100 mph and the slider was extremely impressive, getting six whiffs. There will be some growing pains, but he lines up for a decent two start week next week with Arizona at home and The Cardinals in St. Louis, so he is worth a streaming spot in deeper formats and some shallower ones.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: J.T. Brubaker vs ARI. 

Brubaker has been good of late and has a nice matchup at home. 

High Risk Options:  Brady Singer vs HOU, Dane Dunning vs SEA, Chase Silseth at PHI, Mike Minor vs WAS. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Tyler Wells vs CLE

Wells is coming off of a really nice start and gets a mediocre Cleveland team at home. 

High Risk Options: Roansy Contreras vs ARI, Dylan Bundy at TOR, Erick Fedde at CIN, Glen Otto vs SEA, Zach Davies at PIT. 

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”