Roto Riteup: March 25, 2026

Today is the day!!!

On the Agenda: 

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

Closer Chaos

Kirby Yates was placed on the IL with knee inflammation. This is disappointing news considering it appeared he would be first in line for saves. Jordan Romano or Drew Pomeranz seems to be the potential closers in Anaheim though Mark Trumbo of Halo Territory (yes, that Mark Trumbo) said to keep an eye on Sam Bachman as a sleeper candidate. 

Quick Hits

Ryan Pepiot will begin this year on the IL with a hip issue. While this seemed to happen out of the blue, Pepiot had also been dealing with reduced velocity so it appears he wasn’t right for much of spring. The Rays will be inserting Joe Boyle into the rotation until Pepiot is ready to return. 

Nick Lodolo will start the season on the IL with a blister. This feels like the Reds are just being cautious since they have some depth in the rotation. Expect Lodolo to return in mid-April. 

Various News and Notes
Kevin McGonigle has officially made the Tigers Opening Day roster.

McGonigle hit .250/.411/.477 with two home runs and two stolen bases in 56 plate appearances this spring and is a top five prospect in baseball. He is a top contender for rookie of the year and may lead off in Detroit. He is likely not available in most leagues, but if he is still on the wire in shallower formats, he should be picked up.

Jack Leiter threw four scoreless innings versus the Royals, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out six in the victory on Tuesday.

Leiter has been great, only allowing three walks in 16 innings. Command and control has been an issue for Leiter in the Majors and throughout his time in the minors, so if he is able to reign that in, a big season could be ahead.

Mick Abel threw four innings against the Red Sox, allowing one earned run on one walk and three hits while striking out four.

Abel has been amazing in spring, allowing just four walks in 22 innings while striking out 27. He beat out Zebby Matthews for the rotation and has a ton of upside. He should be picked up in most formats.

Justin Wrobleski threw four perfect innings against the Angels, striking out five in the no-decision on Tuesday. Wrobleski has great stuff but isn’t going to be a starter at least to start the season. However, he could be a sneaky source of wins in LA as the guy who comes in after Shohei Ohtain, Emmet Sheehan, or Roki Sasaki if they aren’t going to go five in their starts early.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

Logan Webb and Max Fried are both above 50% rostered. 

Other Options: 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Matthew Liberatore vs TB

Liberatore looked great in spring and I am not very afraid of the Rays lineup. 

Other Options: Jose Soriano at HOU, Cade Cavalli at CHC.

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.”