Roto Riteup: March 25, 2019

Footage of me running to my computer after the first week of FAAB ran last night:

On the Agenda:
1. Closer Chaos
2. New Braves World
3. Various News and Notes

Closer Chaos
Greg Holland was named as the closer by manager Torey Lovullo. Holland lands the role in the desert in spite of the fact he has been atrocious. In four outings, Holland has throw 3.2 innings and has an ERA over 12. While Archie Bradley had been the player many expected to seize the closer’s role, the Diamondbacks appear to prefer that he handle multiple innings or a high leverage role. Waiting in the wings for the eventual Holland implosion are Yoshihisa Hirano and Yoan Lopez. Hirano would seem like the logical next man up if the Diamondbacks are unwilling to give Bradley the ninth inning as he is cost controlled and coming off of a successful 2018 and a nice spring. Lopez is a top relief prospect, but the Diamondbacks may elect to go with the more cost controlled option for saves considering they are in a rebuild mode.

New Braves World
According to Mark Bowman, Max Fried, Kyle Wright, and Bryse Wilson have made the Braves starting rotation to start the season. The Braves demoted Touki Toussaint as well as dealing with injuries to Mike Foltynewicz and Kevin Gausman, so they will rely on their young pitching depth to start the season. Fried may have the most leash, but he has the least amount of upside. Wright and Wilson have both been very good in spring and have a ton of upside if they can start off the season well. Both Wilson and Wright get the Phillies to start off the season, so this will be a big test for them.

Manager Brian Snitker stated on Saturday that Ronald Acuna will bat in the cleanup spot this season. This is an interesting move considering Acuna gets a lot of fantasy value from his legs. However, Snitker did say that he will have a green light on the base paths, so don’t expect his stolen bases to dry up because of this placement in the order.

Various News and Notes
Jose Ramirez left Sunday’s game with a leg injury. Ramirez was in obvious pain and needed to be helped off the field by a cart. However, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported late Sunday night that all x-rays of Ramirez’s leg came back negative. It sounds like he may just have a contusion and should be considered day-to-day for now.

The Baltimore Orioles optioned Chance Sisco to AAA. Sisco was having a pretty nice spring, so this was a surprising move for the Orioles. The Orioles will start the season with Jesus Sucre and newly acquired Pedro Severino behind the plate.

Wilson Ramos left Sunday’s game with a hand injury after being hit on the hand with a pitch. X-rays following the game were negative, so it appears he avoided serious injury.

Ian Happ was optioned to AAA by the Cubs. Happ is coming off of a disappointing season in 2018 and was struggling in spring training. He was likely slated for platoon duty with the big league club, so it is not surprising that the Cubs would want to give him everyday at bats in the minors so he can work on things.