Roto Riteup: June 4, 2025

The best friends are there for you when you need them:

On the Agenda: 

1. Trade (Rumors)
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

 

Trade (Rumors)

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Orioles are beginning to look at retooling for next season and could entertain trading Zach Eflin or Tomoyuki Sugano. The Orioles are currently 14.5 games back in the division so it would make sense to move guys like Eflin and Sugano who are pending free agents. They could also look to move players like Cedric Mullins and Ryan O’Hearn who are not part of their long term future. 

 

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Red Sox could move Wilyer Abreu at the trade deadline. The Red Sox have fallen to 10 games back in the division and there has already been talk of the Padres inquiring about Jarren Duran’s availability. Moving an outfielder would make sense for Boston with top prospect Roman Anthony toiling away in AAA. 

 

Quick Hits

Jonathan Cannon was placed on the IL with a back strain. There is no timetable for his return at this time. 

Max Meyer was placed on the IL with a hip injury. There is no timetable for his return at this time. 

Mark Vientos was placed on the IL with a hamstring strain. There is no timetable for his return. The Mets called up Ronny Mauricio to take Vientos’ spot on the roster. Mauricio is a former prospect of note that has a ton of power and some speed, but can struggle with consistent contact. He is returning from a bad knee injury that cost him all of 2024. There is a lot of upside in the bat, but there is a lot of risk as well. 

Jordan Hicks was placed on the IL with a toe injury. There is no timetable for his return. 

Hunter Greene left Tuesday’s start with a groin injury. 


He stated after the game that he is not really concerned about the issue. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

George Kirby left Tuesday’s start after being hit with a comebacker.

He was luckily able to deflect it a bit with his glove, but it still connected with his jaw. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Pablo Lopez left Tuesday’s start with shoulder tightness.

Lopez is expected to undergo an MRI on Wednesday, but the Twins are expected to put him on the IL as well which is not a good sign.

 

Various News and Notes
Lance McCullers threw six scoreless innings versus the Pirates, allowing two hits and a walk while striking out seven in the victory on Tuesday.

McCullers was fantastic, throwing his slider for a 32% CSW and his change for a 67% whiff rate. McCullers struggled in his first two starts of the year, but has been great in his last three throwing 16.1 innings with 27 strikeouts and only allowing five earned runs in that time. We don’t know how long he will be healthy for, but right now he should be rostered in all formats.

Addison Barger went 2-for-4 with a home run in the loss to the Phillies on Tuesday.

Barger has quietly been pretty good this season, hitting .274/.338/.508 with six home runs and a stolen base. He has absolutely been crushing the ball with a 95.1 average exit velocity and a 55.9% hard hit percentage. He made a swing adjustment in the offseason and it has allowed him to make more consistent hard contact. His underlying numbers are so good and there is a breakout here.

Colton Cowser went 1-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Mariners on Tuesday.

Cowser returned on Monday from a broken thumb so it is good to see the power has not been affected by that injury. He is a premium defender with pop and some speed, so there is a lot of upside in the profile for fantasy. He should be picked up in any format he might be available in.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Mick Abel at TOR

Abel was great in the minors and his first start in the Majors. 

Other Options: Lucas Giolito vs LAA, Zebby Matthews at ATH, Luis Ortiz at NYY, Miles Mikolas vs KC, Kyle Harrison vs SD, Ryan Gusto at PIT, Emerson Hancock vs BAL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

Short slate with very few options.

Other Options: Colin Rea at WAS, Sean Burke vs DET, Landon Knack vs NYM

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 my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “Other Options.”