Roto Riteup March 26, 2017

In no surprise here, Stephen Strasburg has been named the Washington Nationals Opening Day starter with Max Scherzer ready, but not 100% ready for the responsibilities. This will be his fourth Opening Day start and is coming off of a 3.60 ERA in 2016.  During the offseason, he decided to pitch from the stretch no matter what the scenario is on base.

“I’m not trying to reinvent myself,” Strasburg said to The Washington Post. “But I’m trying to simplify things as much as I can.”

Doubtful this messes with his value or changes any mentality surrounding his ADP rating.

On the Agenda

1. New York Matz
2. Kipnis almost ready
3. Extensions with Lucroy

New York Matz

Uh oh.

Mike Puma reported Steve Matz will not be making his next scheduled start due to “irritation in his left elbow.”

The team is stressing he doesn’t have any structural damage, but at this point, during the spring training months, the precautionary measures are taken to an extreme. And I totally support that, because the Mets care what I think.

It’s also a bit worrisome considering the 25-year-old had surgery last October to remove a bone spur and is one of many pitchers to undergo Tommy John surgery.

He has a career 8.73 K/9 ratio and tossed a 3.40 ERA with the Mets last season.

He will not undergo an MRI but will play catch Monday to see if any additional steps need to be taken.

The Sleeper and the Bust Episode: 440 – Starting Pitcher Extravaganza

Kipnis almost ready

Can we please just take a moment and talk about the power surges the second baseman had last season both fantasy and otherwise?

Thank you.

One of the guys to add to this surge of power was Indians’ second baseman, Jason Kipnis. He’s been sidelined with right shoulder inflammation and it seemed his return date continued to be pushed back.

He will be out for an additional 4-5 weeks which isn’t exactly the best news, but now there’s a more clear date when we could expect him back, and he continues to make progress in his rehabilitation.

via GIPHY

The team is expecting Michael Martinez to take over the role at the position until Kipnis returns. Martinez is not someone who can replace the two-time All-Star in any fantasy format. He’s not going to get on base, and there isn’t any power there, so don’t be surprised if the team makes additional changes in the infield.

Extensions with Lucroy

The Lone Star State shouldn’t be getting sick of catcher Jonathan Lucroy anytime soon.

Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported the Rangers have “tabled extension talks with Lucroy.”

He slashed .276/.345/.539 last season with Texas and hit 11 balls over the fence in 47 games.

A full season of him hitting at a hitter’s park (and hopefully taking advantage of it) could make the decision to commit to him longer a bit easier.