Roto Riteup: March 28, 2025

A live look at me trying to get my MLB App to work on Opening Day:

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

Luke Jackson threw a third of an inning against the Red Sox, allowing three runs on two hits and a walk in the loss.

Jackson seemed to be anointed the closer in the last week of spring, but he was not sharp here. Chris Martin pitched the eighth and looked good and could take the role if Jackson continues to struggle.

Justin Slaten threw a clean inning versus the Rangers, striking out one to get the save. Aroldis Chapman came into the game in the eighth when it was tied to preserve the tie before the Red Sox took the lead in the ninth. Slaten isn’t likely the closer but could factor into some save situations if the Red Sox look to use Chapman in high leverage situations like they did in this one.

Ian Gibaut threw two-thirds of an inning, allowing four runs on three hits and a walk while blowing the save for the Reds against the Giants on Thursday.

With Alexis Diaz hitting the IL, the Reds are in need of a new closer, but it was surprising to see them go with Gibaut over Scott Barlow, Graham Ashcraft and Tony Santillan. This has the feeling of a committee and may be best to just avoid it completely until we have a better read on the situation.

David Bednar gave up one run on two hits and a walk without recording an out in the loss to the Marlins. Bednar entered a tied game in the ninth and struggled from the beginning. Colin Holderman had pitched poorly in the eighth which is why the game was tied to begin with, so it may be Dennis Santana who would be next on deck if Bednar loses the job.

 

Quick Hits

Mickey Moniak was signed to a one- year contract by the Colorado Rockies. Moniak was released by the Angels after struggling in spring. He will likely be a bench outfielder for the Rockies. 

Various News and Notes

Sean Burke threw six scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and not allowing a walk while striking out three in the victory over the Angels.

Burke pitched well, throwing his slider to righties with good effect and getting a 29% whiff rate with the pitch. His command and control were very good which is encouraging. Burke has been a high strikeout guy in the minors but struggled with command and control. Seeing his command and control there in this first start is what we want to see from a young pitcher with good stuff.

Vinny Capra went 1-for-3 with a home run in the loss to the Yankees on Thursday.

Capra was fantastic in spring, hitting .292/.358/.729 with six home runs in 55 plate appearances. He is a journeyman bat, but he will play versus left-handed pitching and could be a sneaky stream in daily pick up leagues especially with three lefties on the schedule next week.

Austin Wells went 1-for-3 with a home run in the victory over the Brewers on Thursday.

Wells led off for the Yankees and started the game off by homering. Wells coming off of a nice spring and his left-handed swing is perfect for Yankee stadium. If he can continue to lead off in front of the stacked Yankees lineup, he could emerge as a top tier catcher in fantasy.

Wilyer Abreu went 3-for-3 with two home runs in the victory over the Rangers.

Abreu missed most of spring training with an illness and there was a concern that he might not be ready for opening day after losing a lot of weight while sick. However, that is clearly behind him and he will be the strong side right fielder moving forward in Boston.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Tylor Megill vs HOU

This one is a bit risky, but Megill looked good in spring and I am willing to take the gamble on him when the other options are limited. 

High Risk Options: Jack Leiter vs BOS, Connor Gillispie vs PIT. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Osvaldo Bido at SEA

Bido has good stuff and the Mariners have an anemic offense you should stream regularly against. 

High Risk Options: Griffin Canning at HOU, Jose Soriano at CHW, Dean Kremer at TOR, Tyler Mahle vs BOS, Jonathan Cannon vs LAA, Bailey Falter at MIA. 

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 “High Risk Options.”