Roto Riteup: June 6, 2018

by
June 5, 2018

The Roto Riteup would like to remind you that this is Scooter Gennett day!

On the Agenda:
1. Bum Returns to the Bump
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

Bum Returns to the Bump
In his 2018 season debut, Madison Bumgarner went 6 IP, allowing 8 H and 2 ER to go along with 3 K and 0 BB on 82 pitches (58 for strikes) in the Giants loss to the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.


Bumgarner only had two rehab outings prior to yesterday’s debut, going 8.1 IP with 3 H, 1 ER, and 15 K. Admittedly, his stuff didn’t look quite as crisp as it has in years past. His FB velocity sat around 90 mph, but he did a great job of mixing in his cutter, curveball, and change-up. If you don’t recall, his first month back from his dirt biking accident last season he had a 2.84 ERA and 21/5 K:BB ratio over 4 GS, but his velocity was down a tick, he was giving up more fly balls, and he only had a 7.2 K/9 with a 6% SwStr. In the following two months we saw an uptick in velocity, SwStr%, and K%, but there were certainly issues with his consistency and execution of his pitches, as well as overall movement. I’m not saying we’ll see those same results this time around since it was a completely different ailment but hoping for a 2016-esque season with a sub-3.00 ERA and 10.0 K/9 might be asking a little too much. Either way, fantasy owners and the Giants alike will welcome him back with open arms. I in particular know one person who was very pleased to see Bumgarner back on the mound last night……

Various News and Notes
Zach Eflin hurled 7.2 IP of one-run ball against the Cubs on Tuesday to secure his second victory of the season. He was only able to muster two strikeouts, but his ERA now stands at 3.74 to go along with a 4.15 xFIP. He allowed 5 ER in back-to-back outings prior to yesterday, but we’re seeing stark improvements in K%, SwStr%, and FB velocity without any luck in LOB% (except against CHC yesterday) and BABIP. He’s less than 10% owned in ESPN leagues, but should carve out a role in NL-Only formats if he keeps this up.

Andrelton Simmons exited Tuesday’s game against the Royals with a sprained right ankle.


According to multiple sources in the LA area, Simmons slipped on the dugout steps and twisted his ankle before the game began. He’s been a top-7 SS according to the ESPN Player Rater, so fantasy owners will be biting their nails while waiting on a timetable for his return. As of right now consider him day-to-day.

Carlos Martinez made his first start since May 8th against the Marlins yesterday but didn’t fare as well as his NL-counterpart Madison Bumgarner. His final line was 4 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 5 BB, 5 K. He only threw 44 of his 75 pitches for strikes (58%) and was only sitting about 92 mph with his fastball in the fourth inning.


Due to the nature of his injury it may take time before we see Martinez back at full strength. Regardless, he’s a top-15 option when healthy and should be treated as such barring a setback.

Ross Stripling dropped his ERA to 1.84 after holding the Pirates scoreless over 5 IP to secure his fourth win of the season.


He’s now allowed a total of 4 ER in 6 GS since May 6th (34 IP) to go along with a 47/4 K:BB ratio during that time. Obviously, he’s not going to continue to post numbers at this clip, but his curveball is making a bit of a comeback, and his change-up has been a solid offering. His FB isn’t overpowering or very good for that matter, but overall he’s doing a nice job of getting ahead of hitters (76% F-Strike in May), missing bats (11% SwStr in May), and keeping the ball on the ground (56% GB in May). With the Dodgers rotation being in such disarray, Stripling offers a nice high-floor option that can be serviceable for fantasy owners in mixed leagues. Squeeze what you can out of this fruit.

Andrew Heaney had an amazing 27th birthday on Tuesday, tossing a complete-game shutout against the Royals.


He only allowed one hit to go along with four strikeouts and one walk. The fabulous outing drops his ERA to 3.12 for the season and is the fourth time in-his-last five tries that he’s allowed 1 ER or fewer. The innings total at this point is getting a little worrisome when thinking about the big picture come August/September, but the Angels have no other choice in their rotation right now and his production/stuff is legitimate.

Quick Hits:
Steven Wright only allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings against the Tigers. With Drew Pomeranz landing on the 10-day disabled list, Wright will fill his spot.

Speaking of the Red Sox, prospect LHP Jalen Beeks will make his MLB debut in a spot start against the Tigers on Thursday. He’s been crushing it at Triple-A Pawtucket (2.56 ERA, 80/14 K:BB in 56 IP) and is Eric Longenhagen’s 6th ranked prospect in the Red Sox system.

Miguel Andujar swatted his second home run in three games — a grand slam off Sueng-Hwan Oh — en route to his seventh home run of the season. He should be owned in more leagues.


Anthony DeSclafani yielded four runs in five innings against the Rockies in his season debut.

Josh Reddick is set to be activated from the 10-day disabled list today – J.D. Davis will be optioned to Triple-A Fresno in a corresponding move.

Brian McCann is expected to return from the disabled list on Friday.

Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija are both scheduled to throw bullpen sessions on Friday.

Eric Thames is set to begin a rehab assignment today.

Alex Reyes is getting a second opinion on his lat injury today. We should get a better timetable soon.

Jordan Montgomery will miss the rest of the season as he’s set to undergo Tommy John surgery.

Chris Archer was placed on the 10-day disabled list with an abdominal strain.

Lonnie Chisenhall was activated from the 10-day disabled list. Bradley Zimmer was optioned to Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today (Justin): Chris Stratton vs ARI

A Pitcher for Today: Zack Wheeler vs BAL
The Orioles have the fourth-highest K% against RHP and are 28th in wRC+ on the road (74). Wheeler is prone to the blow-up outing, but has upped his K%, SwStr%, and GB% from last year, while dropping his BB%.

Hail Mary Option for Today: None

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Mike Leake @ TAM

Hail Mary Option for Tomorrow: None





 

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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FrodoBeck
5 years ago

How is it possible that this recap was posted in the past?

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