Roto Riteup: June 30, 2018

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June 30, 2018

The Roto Riteup wants you to never give up, never surrender.

On the Agenda:
1. Soto Goes Deep Twice
2. News, News, and More News
3. Streaming Pitchers

Soto Goes Deep Twice
Juan Soto went 4-for-6 with 2 HR, 3 R, and 5 RBI in the Nationals 17-7 drubbing of the Phillies on Friday.


He was one of six Nationals players to homer on the night and became one of only four players ever to have a multi-HR game before they’re 20 years old. The list: Ken Griffey Jr, Bryce Harper, Mel Ott, and now Juan Soto. Suffice it to say, Soto is having a magical start to his career (.336/.446/.621 with 8 HR, 23 RBI and a 26/23 K:BB ratio). The most impressive aspect of all of this is his plate skills and approach for his age. There’s a chance he becomes a top-30 pick in fantasy next year if he keeps raking like this.

 

News, News, and More News
There was a ton of news yesterday, let’s try and get through this without it taking an hour.

Shohei Ohtani took batting practice on the field at Angels Stadium for the second day in-a-row on Friday. The next step would be a simulated game situation. He’ll be reevaluated in three weeks to determine if he can pitch again this season, but the Angels plan on bringing him back to hit no matter what.

Aaron Sanchez –who was expected to be activated and start on Monday – has yet to resume throwing due to ongoing soreness in his right index finger. Sanchez has only made 23 starts since last season due to a myriad of finger/blister issues.

Jacob deGrom was scratched from his scheduled outing on Friday to deal with some family issues.


Hopefully everything is all fine and well. Corey Oswalt started against the Marlins in his place and allowed 6 ER in 2.2 IP.

Speaking of the Marlins/Mets game, Sandy Alcantara made his first start for the Marlins on Friday – going 5 IP and allowing 1 ER on 3 H with 5 BB and 2 K. Alcantara ranked eighth in Eric Longenhagen’s pre-season list for the Marlins, and posted a 3.71 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP at Triple-A this year.

Stephen Strasburg threw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Thursday.


Strasburg still doesn’t have a firm timetable for when he will return, but the fact he’s feeling good enough to throw is a good sign.

One of my recommendations in the Riteup yesterday – Marco Gonzales – went the distance against the Royals on Friday, hurling a complete game. His final line was 9 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K. He and Joe Musgrove did their job, unfortunately my Nick Pivetta call wasn’t awesome (they can’t all be winners).

Yu Darvish was diagnosed with a right elbow impingement on Friday.


There’s no clear timetable as of now. Darvish owners have no choice but to wait at the moment.

Paul deJong began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Memphis on Friday.


deJong has been sidelined since May 17th due to a fracture in his left hand. He should be activated sometime next week.

Matt Chapman has started some hitting work in his return from a hand contusion.


He’s been out since June 14th. He’s worth holding on to in deeper formats for the second half.

Walker Buehler was sent to Class-A Rancho Cucamonga in order to stretch out. He’ll likely need a couple of starts in the minors before returning to the Dodgers rotation.

A.J. Pollock began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Reno on Friday and could be back in the Diamondbacks lineup in less than a week.

According to NBC Sports Philadelphia, the Phillies and Royals have discussed a possible Mike Moustakas trade.


According to Ken Rosenthal, the Cardinals also have renewed interest in Moustakas as well. It’s seeming more-and-more likely the third baseman will be dealt.

Brandon Drury was re-called from Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre on Friday, but did not get in the game. Playing time will obviously be an issue here, as Miguel Andujar (hit his 12th HR on Friday) and Gleyber Torres have cemented roles in the Yankees lineup now. He’s best left on waiver wires in most formats.

According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, Masahiro Tanaka participated in a bullpen session and everything went well.


Tanaka has been sidelined since June 8th against the Mets after straining both of his hamstrings running the bases. The Yankees are hoping to get him back before the Allstar break.

Staying on the Yankees, Greg Bird swatted two home runs in their win against the Red Sox on Friday.


Bird must have sensed Drury coming up to possibly take some of his playing time at first with Neil Walker. The two bombs give him 5 in 29 games (12 XBH). Bird is worth holding on to in mixed leagues based on being a part of the Yankees lineup alone. Remember this is a player who has dealt with a myriad of injuries, but can hit home runs in bunches.

Ryan Braun made an early exit from Friday’s game against the Reds due to lower-back tightness.


Braun went 1-for-3 with a run scored before exiting. For the year he’s hitting .245/.297/443 with nine home runs and 33 RBI over 212 AB. Hernan Perez replaced him in the game. With Christian Yelich being held out again and Braun having injury issues, Keon Broxton (hit two home runs last night) might be a worthwhile short-term gamble just in case he gets some playing time.

Tyler Flowers is day-to-day with a right hamstring injury.

Wilmer Font held the Astros scoreless over 5 IP on Friday, but made an early-exit due to a right lat strain. After the game, Rays manager Kevin Cash said that he expects Font to miss, “significant time.”

In Mets news, Jason Vargas is expected back next week and Seth Lugo has been moved to the bullpen.
Randall Grichuk continued his hot-hitting on Friday, going 2-forr-4 with an RBI. He’s hitting .319 with 6 HR and 15 RBI over his last 20 games and has a four-game hitting streak. His ownership% is also extremely low, making him a viable waiver add in 15-team mixed leagues.

Chad Kuhl was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a right forearm strain.

Cardinals Injury Updates:

According to Blue Jays GM Ross Atkins, Roberto Osuna is set to reclaim his closer role on August 5th when he’s eligible to be reinstated.

Matt Adams is set to take batting practice on Friday.

Darren O’Day was placed on the 60-day disabled list by the Orioles on Friday. He’s having a second opinion on his hamstring injury and is contemplating surgery.

Caleb Smith is out for the season, as he’ll be going under the knife for his left lat on July 9th. He should be fine heading into next season.

Yoenis Cespedes continues to make no progress.

According to James Wagner of the New York Times, the Mets have “drawn some inquiries” on RHP Zack Wheeler.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Chris Archer will begin a rehab assignment next week.

According to Jon Morosi, the Mariners and Rangers, “have had dialogue” In regards to a Cole Hamels trade.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Vincent Velasquez vs WAS (feeling less confident now)
Hail Mary Option: Felix Hernandez vs KC (if available)

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Steven Matz at MIA
Hail Mary Option: Freddy Peralta at CIN
17/1 K:BB ratio the last two starts. The Reds offense at home and throughout June was stellar though. The upside is there, but this is certainly RISKY.





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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HappyFunBallMember since 2019
6 years ago

Not the biggest fan of BvP, but Pivetta has been wrecked by WAS in 4 of 5 meetings since he came up last year. My pet theory (with no evidence) is that as a former Nats farmhand, the WAS organization recognizes something in his delivery that PHI doesn’t know about yet.

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