Roto Riteup: May 1, 2019

When stars align….

No. 27 and No. 27. pic.twitter.com/C6vvRSKfHJ

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) May 1, 2019

On the Agenda:
1. Franmil x2!
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

Franmil x2!
Franmil Reyes went 3-for-4 with two HR (both off of Julio Teheran), two runs scored, and three RBI in the Padres 4-3 victory over the Braves yesterday.

Franimal goes wild. 💥💥💥

(Padres x @budweiserusa) pic.twitter.com/AspBYNoNZW

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 1, 2019

Reyes’ line currently sits at .232/.286/.561 with eight home runs, 14 RBI, nine runs scored, and a 117 wRC+. He’s 10th in Barrel% (12.6), and is in the top-tier of the league in xSLG, xwOBA, Hard-Hit%, and Exit Velocity. He’s going to continue hitting either fourth or second (hit second yesterday), and should be owned in way more than 12% of leagues on ESPN.

 

Various News and Notes
Fernando Tatis Jr. was placed on the 10-day IL due to a left hamstring strain. This is obviously unfortunate news all the way around, but somewhat expected based on the play that occurred a couple of days ago. There’s no concrete time table for his return, but based on the seriousness, it’ll likely be three weeks or more. Greg Garcia got the start at shortstop and led off for the Padres yesterday, and Luis Urias has been scorching hot in Triple-A over the last week. Urias could be worth a flier in deeper formats this week.

Lewis Brinson was sent to Triple-A New Orleans after hitting .197/.247/.263 with four runs scored and four RBI in 82 PA. The once highly-touted prospect has yet to figure it out at all in the majors, but it could just take some time. I wouldn’t rule out a scenario where the Marlins promote Monte Harrison in the coming weeks. He’s currently hitting .290/.395/.536 with four home runs, three stolen bases, and 128 wRC+.

Miguel Andujar and Troy Tulowitzki both began rehab games with High-A Tampa yesterday. Both could be activated by this weekend. Those in weekly formats should make sure things are going swimmingly heading into Monday of next week before activating Andujar.

Cal Quantrill will be called up to make his major league debut against the Braves today.

Cal Quantrill, the Padres’ No. 12 prospect and 2016 first-rounder, will make his big league debut on Wednesday night. Sounds like a temporary 6-man rotation as the Friars look to ease the burden on their young arms. https://t.co/7g07pnWNMU

— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) April 30, 2019

Quantrill is rated as a borderline top-10 prospect in the loaded Padres system. He’s sporting a 4.68 ERA, 1.36 WHIP, 22% K, and 7% BB over his first five starts in the PCL this season. He kind of reminds me of a young Jeremy Hellickson – plus change-up, average fastball/secondary offerings with limited strikeout upside.

Speaking of call-ups and demotions, it’s looking like the Reds could be bringing up their top prospect this Friday.

Reds are contemplating promoting top prospect Nick Senzel to the majors and are expected to do so soon, possibly even when the team returns home Friday. Has adjusted nicely to CF. Big-time hitting talent who was No. 2 overall pick in 2016 draft.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) April 30, 2019

Senzel would be the fourth ranked prospect on Fangraph’s list if you take out players that are now on MLB clubs. He’s had some recent bouts with injuries, but he’s hitting .290/.333/.419 with one home run over 33 PA this season. He’s a must pick-up if available in any format.

Anthony Rendon was finally placed on the IL after getting hit by a pitch on his elbow over a week ago. He’ll be able to return in six days. In the meantime, Howie Kendrick should be manning third base in his absence (Matt Adams at first while Zimmerman is out, good add in most formats).

A.J. Pollock hit the IL with a left elbow infection that’s supposed to sideline him until at least the middle of this month, but could be longer based on the results of the exploratory surgery he’s set to undergo in the coming days. He had some skills issues before going down, and it doesn’t help that Alex Verdugo – who should see a ton of playing time in his absence – has been fairing quite well (.333/.361/.623, four home runs, 16 RBI). Verdugo should be picked up in most formats for the time being.

According to Martin Gallegos, Matt Olson is expected to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday. He’ll spend at least a week down there – likely more. Coming back from a hamate bone injury is never easy for power hitters, so be mindful of that when activating him/picking him up in your leagues.

Mallex Smith was sent down to Triple-A Tacoma on Tuesday, with Braden Bishop being called up in a corresponding move. This comes as quite a shock honesty, Smith had been performing terribly (.165/.255/.247), but he has eight steals and fantasy owners certainly will take that. Bishop started and played in center field yesterday. He’ll likely see a fair amount of playing time due to his extremely good defense. There’s deeper league appeal in Bishop.

Jose LeClerc blew his second save of the season on Tuesday, allowing three earned runs and four hits in one inning against the Pirates.

Woodward said in his post-game presser that they will discuss Leclerc's immediate situation and that Choo is not hurt. Pinch hitting Santana was just manager's decision.

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) May 1, 2019

Well see what this means, but for now LeClerc owners have to stay with him. He’s always been erratic, but has a boat load of upside to go along with that risk. The back-up options for saves would be Chris Martin and Shawn Kelly. Both are fliers in deep leagues at the moment.

 

Streaming Options (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today (Justin): Anthony DeSclafani at NYM
DeSclafani has been been great lately and is in a much more friendly environment than his home park.

High Risk Options (Justin): Merrill Kelly vs NYY
Do the Yankees even have hitters left?

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Aaron Sanchez at LAA
Only one start in which he’s allowed more than two earned runs. The Angels are way better at home and also do well against RHP, but there isn’t many options.

High-Risk Option: Tyler Mahle at NYM
Once again, don’t really love any streaming plays today, but I’ll go with Mahle here. The Mets are worse against RHP than LHP, and haven’t been setting the world on fire of late. Mahle has had some bad luck, but has increased his GB% and BB% from last year.