Roto Riteup: June 8, 2018

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June 8, 2018

We here at the Roto Riteup try to always be clear with our message.

On the Agenda:
1. Trade Talks
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Trade Talks
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Phillies have reached out to the Orioles about a possible deal involving Manny Machado.


For fantasy purposes, our biggest impact from Machado getting traded would be the venue he’d be playing in, as well as the lineup around him. Keeper/dynasty league owners will obviously need to pay close attention to this as well. He’d essentially be a rental to any club for the rest of 2018, but a team like the Phillies or the Braves could be possible candidates to land him in the offseason, especially if things take off for either team upon his acquisition. After finishing behind players like Edurado Nunez, Brett Gardner, Chris Taylor, and Marwin Gonzalez on the ESPN Player Rater last season, Machado has propelled himself back into the top-10 in 2018 (.322/.390/.614, 18 HR, 32 R, 50 RBI, 10.5% BB, 13.9 % K, .292 ISO). His plate skills and power numbers are on the verge of being career-highs, but the possibility of him moving to an NL team, facing pitchers he doesn’t see often, and hitting in venues that aren’t as conducive to power, could yield to a downturn in production. Either way, he’s a stud player.

 

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports also reported that the Nationals checked in on Marlins catcher J.T. Realumto.


As of right now, the Marlins are asking for a “haul” in return for Realmuto. As Heyman notes in his piece, “ it’s the type of haul the Nats aren’t willing to surrender.” Realmuto is under the Marlins umbrella until 2020, making him a fine asset to multiple clubs. You’d have to guess a deal could get done with a number of major league clubs at some point, but as of now it seems to be in the early stages of negotiations. Realmuto didn’t play in his first game this season until April 17th, but despite the late start has been a top-3 catcher. He’s on pace to deliver career-highs in HR, R, and BA.

 

Various News and Notes
Super prospect Vladmir Guerrero Jr. has been placed on the 7-day disabled list due to a left knee injury.


This seems to be a minor ailment, with the Fisher Cats/Blue Jays brass likely being cautious with their most talented prospect. He should be back by next weekend or shorty after. I could jot down his line thus far at Double-A, but just know he’s absolutely destroying the level if you’ve been living under a rock.

According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, J.D. Martinez exited Thursday’s game against the Tigers in the bottom of the seventh inning due to back tightness. He’s considered day-to-day at the moment. Martinez also had some back issues last weekend against the Astros, but he hit a home run as recently as Tuesday – the ailment can’t be too extreme.

Adam Eaton is eligible to be activated from the disabled list today against the Giants.


Eaton hasn’t played in an MLB game since April 8th due to having surgery on his ankle. Prior to going down he posted a stellar .345/.424/.655 line with 2 HR, 10 R, and 5 RBI in only eight games. Rookie Juan Soto and Michael Taylor would be the most likely candidates to lose playing time here, but Soto has a .346 BA with amazing plate skills (9/9 K:BB ratio, 15% BB, 83% Contact) and Taylor has a hit in 9-of-his-last-10 games with 5 SB and 5 XBH (1 HR). Eaton has performed poorly during his rehab assignment thus far (.176/.333/.353) and could be eased back into action. The only thing that’s definitive is Bryce Harper’s playing time. Fantasy owners that broke the bank for Juan Soto (two thumbs pointed at this guy) will have to cross their fingers that he continues to get a full-time role.

Mookie Betts will take BP once again today, but will likely play in a few minor league games before being activated from the disabled list. The Red Sox are in no rush, and don’t have any reason to activate him before he’s ready. Betts has been out since May 26th due to an abdominal strain.

Braves beat writer for MLB.com – Mark Bowman – suspects that Ronald Acuna will be able to make his return from the disabled list between June 14-17th. It’s a bold timeline since Acuna has yet to even begin baseball activities. Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned on Wednesday that he could begin tee work in the next day or two, with a minor league rehab assignment possibly beginning early next week. Acuna has been out since May 27th due to a mild MCL sprain, but the fact that things are starting to head in a positive direction is a good sign.

Jake Bauers was called up from Triple-A Durham and made his MLB debut against the Mariners on Thursday, going 0-for-4 and starting at first base. Brad Miller was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move. Bauers offers a blend of power and speed with solid plate skills and should be with the Rays to stay. He’s a viable add in 15-team mixed leagues.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Caleb Smith vs SD
The Padres own the third-highest K% (25.3) and rank 22nd in wRC+ over the last 30 days (90). Smith allowed 1 ER in 7 IP against them on May 28th
High Risk Option: Vince Velasquez vs MIL

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Trevor Cahill vs KC
The Royals are 27th in wRC+ over the last 30 days (83). Cahill allowed 4 ER in 4.2IP against them in his last start, but he generated 13 swinging-strikes and 6 K while keeping 60% of the balls in play on the ground.
High-Risk Option: Dan Straily vs SD





 

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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