Roto Riteup: May 1, 2017

The Roto Riteup is thankful that you have decided to start your week with us:

Thinking about Monday morning like … pic.twitter.com/I0PaNf0fCy

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 16, 2017

On the Agenda:

1. Fun with Small Samples! (Hitter Edition)

2. DL Epidemic

3. Various News and Notes

4. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

Fun with Small Samples!

We are a month into the season and it is time to look at some small sample leaderboards!

It is no surprise that Eric Thames is leading the Major Leagues in home runs, but it may surprise a few that Ryan Zimmerman is tied with him at 11. Zimmerman is also leading the Majors in OPS. However, it is Nick Castellanos leading the Majors in hard hit percentage with 54.7%.

Once again, it wouldn’t surprise you if I told you that Billy Hamilton is the leader in stolen bases, but it might if I told you he is tied with AJ Pollock at 10.

So far Mitch Moreland leads the league in doubles (12) and Zack Cozart leads in triples (4). Cozart also leads the Majors is BABIP (.462) followed by Avisail Garcia (.450) and Ryan Zimmerman (.442).

Finally, below is the exit velocity leaders through April:

Homers for everyone!@YasielPuig: https://t.co/lyEJewR4HE@cody_bellinger: https://t.co/RNqRgk9Doq@redturn2: https://t.co/eOP25uu92Z pic.twitter.com/0fszjnQVE1

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) April 30, 2017

 

DL Epidemic

According to Sportrac.com, in 2016 475 players hit the Disabled List. So far in 2017, 200 have hit the DL. Obviously the new 10-day DL has affected the way teams do business in terms of putting guys on the DL and fantasy leagues will need to adjust in kind. Leagues and commissioners should look into expanding benches and DL slots for future seasons.

 

Various News and Notes

Aaron Nola felt continued tightness in his back after a bullpen session. This is disappointing news for fantasy owners who were hoping to potentially have him back early this week. Nola will continue to be reevaluated but will need to be reserved until his activation.

Ian Desmond was activated from the DL and went 1-for-5 in his season debut with the Rockies. Desmond had been recovering from a broken hand suffered in Spring Training. The 31-year-old signed a 5-year/$70 million deal this offseason to man first base for the Rockies, but will probably play mostly in the outfield while David Dahl recovers from a rib injury. Those looking for adding positional flexibility may have to wait for a bit longer.

According to reports, Rich Hill will stay in the rotation for the time being. He is currently about to start a minor league rehab assignment after pitching a simulated game on Saturday where he threw 48 pitches. While there has been talk of possibly moving him to the bullpen in an attempt to prevent a blister recurrence, it is obvious the Dodgers want to get their money’s worth after signing him to a 3-year deal worth $48 million this offseason.

Joc Pederson and Logan Forsythe are scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment later this week. This is especially important for Cody Bellinger owners as it has been reported that the Dodgers will send him back to the minors once Pederson returns. Bellinger is hitting .286/.375/.571 with two home runs in 24 plate appearances. If he continues to hit, it could force the Dodgers to keep him up at the expense of Andrew Toles who has hit .239/.289/.465. Toles does have five home runs this season and could get a longer look if the Dodgers decide that the difference isn’t worth losing a year of control on Bellinger.

Aaron Sanchez’s return from the DL was short-lived as he was removed from his start on Sunday after one inning when he split the nail on his middle finger again. Sanchez will most likely return to the DL which will aggravate fantasy owners that activated him already and missed a potential faab opportunity to replace him.

Noah Syndergaard was removed from his start on Sunday with a case of stubbornness and will head back to New York for an MRI, even if the Mets have to duct tape him inside of the machine. Syndergaard, who had been dealing with biceps tendinitis and refused an MRI last week, left with what is being described as a lat strain. This is extremely concerning for fantasy owners as he has had a number of scary injury related moment over the last two years, but none of them have resulted in anything serious.

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Wei-Yin Chen vs TB

The Rays lead the Majors in strikeout percentage against lefties (27.1%) and travel to Miami where they lose the DH.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Alex Wood vs SF

In his last start, which was against the Giants, Wood fired 6 scoreless innings with five strikeouts and only one walk. The Giants have only gotten worse since.