Roto Riteup: June 7, 2019

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June 7, 2019

The Roto Riteup would like to remind you that communication is key.

On the Agenda:
1. Keuchel
2. Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Keuchel
According to multiple sources, the Atlanta Braves have signed Dallas Keuchel to a one-year, $13 million contract.

 

 

I’m sure Dallas Keuchel didn’t have this scenario in mind when he went on the free agent market, but here we are. He’s coming off a 2018 season where he compiled a 3.74 ERA (4.15 SIERA, worst since ‘12), 1.31 WHIP, 10.9% K/BB (worst since ’13), and 54% GB%. Despite some negative regression in multiple aspects, I like that he’s pitching in a new league and his tremendous GB-tilt will continue to get him out of trouble. Keuchel is expected to go in for a physical today before making a start with Triple-A Gwinnett on Saturday. There’s no way to know where he’s at physically, but a safe expectation would be that he needs three-or-four minor league starts to get ready. David O’Brien of the Athletic seems to be of the opinion that Kevin Gausman will get the boot from the Braves rotation once Keuchel is ready, and my current opinion would be the same. With that said, there’s still a little bit of time before we see Keuchel in the majors, and Gausman could easily have a couple strong outings of his own. We’ll continue to monitor this situation, but I think Keuchel will be a top-50 starter the rest of the season. That might not sound great, but Jon Gray, Spencer Turnbull, and Robbie Ray currently rank 48-50 at starting pitcher on the ESPN Player Rater.

 

Various News and Notes
Trevor Bauer allowed five earned runs over eight innings pitched in a loss against the Twins yesterday. However, that wasn’t the highlight. Max Kepler got on base all five times he was up, going 4-for-4 out of the leadoff spot, smashing three home runs (all off Bauer), with three runs scored and four RBI. Here’s all three for your viewing pleasure.

 

 

Kepler’s outburst broke a five-game skid, and puts him at 15 HR with a .266/.337/.542 line for the year. We’re seeing improvements in Barrel%, xwOBA, xSLG, Exit Velo, and Hard-Hit%, and the Twins boast one of the most productive lineups in baseball. This is going to be a career year for the 26-year old. Other highlights of the Twins/Indians game include Oscar Mercado swatting his second home run of the season, Roberto Perez hitting his second home run in as many days – his 10th of the season, Jose Berrios logging another quality start, and Taylor Rogers getting his sixth save. Rogers did allow a run – his fourth in his last five appearances.

There are a myriad of injury updates to cover, so we’ll do it, “quick-hit” style with some occasional analysis if need be. Fernando Tatis Jr was activated from the IL after missing over a month with a hamstring injury. He led off and notched a hit with a couple of walks. Matt Carpenter made an early exit from yesterday’s game against the Reds in the eighth inning and was replaced by Jedd Gyorko. The team hasn’t provided a clear reason as to why as of yet, but expect a more detailed update soon. Robinson Cano was not in the lineup yesterday against the Giants and does not expect to land back on the IL after aggravating his quad injury the day prior – stay tuned on that. Jonathan Villar was held out of the lineup again due to a thumb injury, but he was able to come in and pinch-run – resulting in his 12th steal of the season. Staying with the Orioles, Dwight Smith Jr made left yesterday’s game against the Rangers early with a concussion after smacking the outfield wall – he’s likely headed to the IL.

Keon Broxton replaced him and will likely receive an uptick in playing time. Justin Upton will begin a minor league rehab assignment today and seems to be finally getting over his turf toe issue. Didi Gregorius will be activated from the IL for today’s game against the Indians. Mitch Haniger was replaced by Mac Williamson after suffering a lower body contusion from a foul ball; he’s day-to-day. J.D. Martinez is currently day-to-day after being removed from yesterday’s game against the Royals due to back spasms. Tommy Pham returned to the Rays lineup and went 0-for-5. Willie Calhoun is expected to begin a rehab assignment next week. After leaving Wednesday’s game, Lorenzo Cain started and went 2-for-3 with two runs and one walk Thursday. Andrelton Simmons is progressing in his rehab. Shin-Soo Choo is expected to be fine after X-rays came up negative on his left hand; he was out of the lineup yesterday however.

Quick Hits:
Despite Shawn Kelly snaring another save yesterday, Rangers manager Chris Woodward said that Jose LeClerc is close to regaining the closer job. He’s had a tremendous month of May and has fared well to begin June as well – it’s time to pick him back up if he’s available. Mike Moustakas and Travis d’Arnaud both hit two home runs yesterday. Kolten Wong swiped his 10th bag of the year – the first time he’s nabbed double-digit steals since 2015. Christian Yelich hit his 23rd home run and is on pace for over 50. Freddy Peralta was phenomenal against the Marlins despite mostly throwing one pitch – he’s a reliever in my opinion. Brian Dozier hit his ninth home run and is hitting almost .300 with four home runs since May 15th. Hunter Renfroe blasted his 18th in the same game. Robinson Chirinos and Omar Navarez represented for the catcher position – swatting their tenth and ninth home runs respectively. Peter Lambert allowed one run on four hits with one walk and nine strikeouts in a win against the Cubs. He demonstrated three solid pitches and compiled a 34% CSW. Amed Rosario and Dom Smith both homered yesterday, but were later replaced by JD Davis and Jeff McNeil.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Lance Lynn vs OAK
Not the best matchup but I’m gonna keep banging the drum on him.

High-Risk Option: Tanner Roark at PHI
Upped his K% significantly this season and has allowed 3 ER or less in 10-of-12 starts this season.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Nick Pivetta vs CIN
Pivetta is coming off an amazing start and the Cardinals rank 23rd in wRC+ over the last week.

High-Risk Option: Trevor Richards vs ATL
Richards shut the Braves down in their first meeting, and he’s allowed three runs or less in every start at home except one.





 

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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Sellys
4 years ago

Looks like Mahle’s starting for the Reds tonight. Roark goes tomorrow.

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Mike Werner
4 years ago
Reply to  Sellys

Apologies, should’ve corrected. I like Mahle as well in the same spot.

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