Roto Riteup: June 8, 2026

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June 8, 2026

What a way to end the game!

 

On the Agenda: 

  1. Closer Chaos
  2. Quick Hits
  3. Various News and Notes
  4. Streaming Pitchers

Closer Chaos

Lucas Erceg threw two thirds of an innings, allowing no runs on two hits to register the save. 

Erceg has struggled mightily recently and appeared to lose the job to Alex Lange, but Lange was unavailable in this one after pitching in three of the last four games for the Royals. However, in spite of his struggles, it does appear that Erceg is going to get chances to close and could regain the role, if he figures out his struggles.

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Quick Hits
Max Kepler signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday. Kepler is still suspended for performance enhancing drugs but he will begin ramping up in the minors until he is eligible to return.

Jack Kochanowicz was placed on the 15-Day IL with elbow inflammation. There is no timetable for his return. Sam Aldegheri was recalled to take his spot on the roster.

Nick Allen left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.

He is expected to undergo further testing on Monday. Consider him day-to-day for now but this seems likely to land him on the IL.

Bobby Witt Jr. left Sunday’s game with knee soreness.

This appears to be mostly precautionary, so consider him day-to-day for now.

Samuel Basallo left Sunday’s game after a collision at the plate.

He initially stayed in the game. The Orioles did not make it sound like it was serious. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Jameson Taillon left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.

Reports are that he will hit the IL with the injury. He is droppable in most formats.

Various News and Notes
Colton Cowser went 2-for-4 with a home run in the loss to the Blue Jays on Sunday.

Cowser has been fantastic over the last two weeks, hitting five home runs with a .359 average in 39 at bats. He is platooning but that is probably for the best considering his struggles versus lefties. The underlying contact numbers during this stretch are good too so while he will likely regress, the hot streak could stick around for a while.

Matt McLain went 2-for-4 with two home runs in the loss to the Cardinals on Sunday.

McLain has struggled this season, hitting .206/.303/.368 with eight home runs and seven stolen bases. The main issue has been his lack of hard contact along with a rise in his launch angle which is making him get under the ball too often. Until he starts hitting the ball harder, things likely won’t change for him.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in Yahoo)

Pitcher for Today: None

Short slate with not a ton of options. 

Other Options: Walker Buehler vs CIN, Patrick Corbin vs PHI. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Troy Melton vs MIN

Melton has pitched well since his call up and has a good matchup. 

Other Options: Trevor Rogers vs SEA, Stephen Kolek vs TEX, Taj Bradley at DET, Walbert Urena vs HOU, Andrew Alvarez at SF, Eric Lauer 라우어 at PIT, Lucas Giolito vs CIN. 

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.”





 

Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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