Roto Riteup: May 10, 2016

While Stephen Strasburg is stacking paper to the ceiling, the rest of us are left to feel like this.

On the agenda:
1. Simmons tears ligament
2. Oakland banged up
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitcher Options

Simmons tears ligament
The Angels’ cursed season continues, as shortstop Andrelton Simmons needs surgery after tearing a ligament in his left thumb. A DL stint is in order and he could be looking at six-to-eight weeks on the shelf. Simmons is only owned in four percent of leagues and was drafted outside of the top-25 at the position, and while the loss would have stood to hurt he Angels’ pitching staff, they’ve produced by far the lowest ground-ball rate in the league, so the impact is dulled. Plus, Simmons was only fifth in defensive value so far this year. Simmons can pretty safely be dropped, although Cliff Pennington and Rey Navarro offer next to no replacement value.

Oakland banged up
The A’s might be a streaming option over the next few days (or in perpetuity) as they’re once again hobbled up and down the roster. Jed Lowrie had X-rays come back negative on his right foot but it sounds like he’ll at best be day-to-day, while Danny Valencia (hamstring) had to be pulled, and John Axford got hit by a line drive (he stayed in the game). Already down Chris Bassitt, Sam Fuld, and Felix Doubront for the season and with several others in sub-pristine condition, the A’s are in an uncomfortable position. Like the back of a Volkswaggen.

Various News and Notes
Todd Frazier had six RBI, including four from a Grand Slam. That’s a career high, and it pushes the 30-year-old’s early total to 27. He has 10 home runs, too, making him a top-30 fantasy asset so far. Sadly, he’s sinking your batting average (.215) with that production, but he certainly seems a safe bet to crack 30 home runs again. Jackie Bradley hit a grand slam and had six RBI, too. He’s off to a really nice start.

Aroldis Chapman made his Yankees debut, appearing in a non-save situation. Andrew Miller has six saves without allowing a run and Dellin Betances is striking out everyone (shocking), but Chapman’s probably going to take over the ninth in short order.

Throwing 6 innings should count as a complete game for Yankee starters as of today.

— Brett Anderson (@BrettAnderson35) May 9, 2016

Logan Forsythe was hit by a pitch in the left shoulder and left the game for the Rays. Chris Young got lit up for five home runs, including two from Carlos Beltran. Jose Fernandez was just a little better, striking out 11 over seven shutout innings. Eduardo Rodriguez needs at least one more rehab start before rejoining the Sox. A pair of games (BAL-MIN, SD-CHC) were postponed, so check your DFS choices very carefully.

Hitting a home run but winding up with a single, an out, and an RBI is a tough way to make a living, but J.T. Realmuto is doing it. His J.T. Realmotor was too much on his two-run blast, as he was called out for running past Marcell Ozuna on the trot.

Streaming Pitcher Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Kevin Gausman at MIN (Jose Berrios)
A little unclear how he’s still available in more than half of leagues. He’s been really solid through three outings, the pedigree is there, and the Twins own a wRC+ off 88 and strike out in 23.4 percent of their plate appearances.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Jerad Eickhoff @ ATL (Jhoulys Chacin)
You could just as easily flip in and Run the Jhoulys but Jerad Eickhoff’s on the better side of the ledger, drawing a Braves outfit that’s been barely half an offense. Eickhoff’s also just better, with a healthy 4.9:1 strikeout to walk ratio. He’s out there in 58 percent of leagues.