Roto Riteup: June 9, 2018

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June 9, 2018

Eventually, we all find a way to adapt.

On the Agenda:
1. Multi-HR Games
2. Pitching Injuries
3. Streaming Pitchers

Multi-HR Games
Per usual, a couple times a month I like to highlight some multi-homer games.

Ryan Braun: 2-for-4, 2 R, 5 RBI


The two bombs give him eight for the season. Braun has certainly seen better days in the past, but he’s six-for-eight on stolen base attempts and should see an increase in BA as the season goes on. His .211 ISO is almost identical to last season, meaning he could quietly go 20/15. Health will always play a role with him, but this Brewers offense is arguably the best one he’s been a part of in his career. There may be a buying opportunity here.

Khris Davis: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI


Not a lot of analysis to give here. Davis’s 17 HR rank ninth in the MLB, with his .292 ISO sitting in the top-5 among all qualified hitters. He’ll never be a BA asset – and he’s been walking less this season – but his power remains unquestioned.

Paul Goldschmidt: 3-for-5, 3 R, 2B, 3 RBI


Granted, he did hit two home runs in Coors, but Goldy has been starting to heat up as of late (as most knew he would). Over his last 10 games he’s posted a .425/.489/.850 line with 4 HR, 5 2B, 9 R, 9 RBI, 9% BB, and 15% K. He’s seen an uptick in his O-Swing% (27.2%, career-high) which has at least something to do with his 29% K (worst since rookie year). Paired with a .317 BABIP (.352 career) I’d think it’s fair to say that his BA will start to improve organically. A major issue with him going forward is the stolen base attempts. His 12% BB shows that he’s continuing to get on base – and the Diamondbacks as a team rank in the top-10 in stolen base attempts per game – but he only has three attempts all year, with two being successful. Goldschmidt has tallied 15 SB or more in five-of-the-last-six seasons, so a downtick in that category would certainly be a disappointing result based on what fantasy owners were expecting.

Yasmani Grandal: 2-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI


The two-home runs give Grandal 11 for the year – good for second among catchers behind Gary Sanchez. He’s also sitting second behind Francisco Cervelli on the ESPN Player Rater at the position. Grandal saw his BA crater in the second half last year after he posted a 32% K, but he’s cut down on the “swing-and-miss” thus far, and is walking 30% more than last year. He won’t finish second at catcher more than likely, but we could see a scenario where he’s top-5. He could potentially flirt with the 27 HR he posted back in 2016. In other Dodger news, Cody Bellinger also homered – his fourth in as many games – while also nabbing two more stolen bases.

Jose Martinez: 2-for-4, 2 R, 4 RBI


Martinez has now hit three home runs in his last 7 PA – giving him eight for the year. This is a player who’s currently making over 86% contact and ranks third among all first baseman in wRC+ (142). His .315/.381/.500 line may not last all year (.337 BABIP, fifth-best among 1B), and he doesn’t have an enormous amount of power (.185 ISO), but his overall profile is outstanding in any format – especially in points leagues. Expect more of the same moving forward.

 

Various News and Notes
We had a slew of injury happenings among starting pitchers. I’ll list them all off with a little bit of analysis, but this is a long list for one day.

Stephen Strasburg: Left after two innings pitched with a shoulder injury. He was rolling his arm during warm-up tosses and was visibly uncomfortable. He’s scheduled to undergo an MRI which will lead to more clarity on the situation. For what it’s worth, Strasburg did not seem too optimistic when speaking about it after the game – mentioning that it’s something he’s dealt with for a while. Top prospect Erick Fedde could be a nice stash right now.

Shohei Ohtani: Borderline the worst possible news came yesterday when the Angels announced that Ohtani is heading to the disabled list due to a Grade 2 sprain of his UCL.


It was no secret that Ohtani was dealing with a UCL sprain coming into the season (Grade 1), but the Angels and fantasy owners alike were not too concerned at the time. The sprain has obviously gotten worse. He’ll receive a PRP injection and be re-evaluated in three weeks. Tommy John surgery could be in the cards here, but it’s too early to tell if that’s where we’re headed. This is a crushing blow to not only the Angels, but fantasy owners as well. Ohtani currently stands as the sixth ranked starter on the ESPN Player Rater. On the bright side, intriguing starter Jaime Barria should get a crack at a full-time rotation spot, making him worthy of a pick-up in most formats.

Noah Syndergaard: Thor was scheduled to duel against Luis Severino and the Yankees on Sunday, but was scratched due to swelling on his right index finger.


He threw a bullpen session earlier this week, but we’ll have to wait a little longer before seeing him return to the bump. Thor hasn’t pitched since May 25th, but at least he’s seemingly close despite the setback. Seth Lugo will likely continue to fill in.

Jeurys Familia: Keeping things on the Mets side, Familia was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a right shoulder issue.


The Mets skipper Mickey Callaway mentioned that the MRI was “pretty clean” and that he should only be out close to the minimum amount of time. The Bullpen Report will likely cover this in more detail, but due to A.J. Ramos being sidelined currently, Robert Gsellman and Anthony Swarzak are the leading candidates to close out games in Familia’s absence – with Gsellman seemingly the favorite at the moment. The Mets didn’t have a save opportunity on Friday so we’ll have to see what happens with the pecking order today.

Walker Buehler: Buehler was lifted in the sixth inning of yesterday’s game against the Braves due to rib soreness.


This currently seems like a day-to-day issue. The Dodgers mentioned that they took him out as a precautionary measure and can ill-afford to lose another piece of their rotation, so expect them to try and do everything they can to get him back to full strength as quickly as possible. Buehler was struck by a liner against the Rockies a couple weeks ago. On the bright side, Rich Hill will throw a four-inning simulated game today with the hopes of returning to the rotation come next weekend against the Giants. The Dodgers could also see Kenta Maeda make his return next week as well after he made it through an “aggressive” bullpen session on Friday with no issue.

Masahiro Tanaka: Had to be lifted after 5 IP due to tightness in both hamstrings.


He did have to run the bases yesterday. The Yankees should update us within the next day-or-two on the severity of the ailment(s).

Zach Britton: In line to be activated on Monday after throwing in back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday.


Britton did indeed allow his first run of his rehab assignment on Friday, but he’s yielded a total of four hits in 5.1 IP to go along with six strikeouts and zero walks. He’s in line to take over his closer role and possibly get traded if things work out on the health front.

Johnny Cueto:


Yesterday was his first time throwing off a mound since April 28th. If all goes well we could see him in the next month, but that’s a big IF.

Carlos Rodon: The southpaw will make his 2018 MLB debut today against the Red Sox. He’s been out all year with a shoulder ailment, but has performed well during his rehab assignment (1.53 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, 42% K, 7.5% BB, 1.06 FIP, 4 GS). He’s worth a pick-up in mixed leagues based on his upside alone. Keeper/dynasty owners could use this as an opportunity to sell him based on his impending return and extensive injury history.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: 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 for Today: Dan Straily vs SD

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Clayton Richard @ MIA
Great pitcher’s park, the Marlins rank 22nd in wRC+ against LHP (91) and 27th in wRC+ at home (85).
High-Risk Option for Tomorrow: Joe Musgrove @ CHC





 

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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Jimmember
5 years ago

Great job. Very comprehensive.

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