Roto Riteup: May 15, 2015

Today represents the 12th year mark since The Matrix Reloaded was released in the United States. While not as ground breaking as the first Matrix, Reloaded had its moments. In my estimation it was certainly better than The Matrix Revolutions.

On today’s agenda:
1. Consider Peter Bourjos
2. Brett Anderson’s finds some strikeouts
3. Quick thoughts on Emilio Bonifacio
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Consider Peter Bourjos
The St. Louis Cardinals opened up more playing time for Bourjos as the club placed Jon Jay on the 15-day disabled list with tendinitis in his left wrist. Given that it is the same wrist he had off-season surgery on, the Cardinals are rightfully being cautious. Bourjos immediately becomes an interesting option in deep 5×5 leagues as the outfielder figures to get the majority of the playing time in Jay’s absence. Yesterday Bourjos hit leadoff, though he’s shifted from hitting there or eighth in his limited playing time. After seeing Bourjos’ steal totals dip to the single digits for four consecutive seasons, he already has four bags to his name, however he’s been caught three times. Despite the poor ratio, at least Bourjos appears to have the green light on the bases. If he settles into regular playing time a .270 batting average is something within grasp. For those in points or on-base percentage leagues, Bourjos is best left to the waiver wire as his poor walk rate hurts his OBP. He’s available in just about 98 percent of CBS, ESPN or Yahoo! leagues.

Brett Anderson finds some strikeouts
Perhaps I’m getting soft in my old age, but I enjoy seeing former Oakland A’s perform well. Heading into yesterday’s game Anderson owned a 12.7 percent strikeout rate (4.7 K/9) in 30 2/3 innings, but we’re still early enough in the season where one big performance can change someone’s stats. Anderson fanned eight Colorado Rockies while coaxing 18 (!) swinging strikes from them before the game was hit with a rain delay. Given his strong ground ball tendencies, solid control — career 2.37 BB/9 — and excellent supporting lineup as well as the potential the return of his K’s, Anderson deserves to be back on fantasy radars. Injuries will always be a huge concern for the southpaw, but with a 3.25 ERA and 3.32 xFIP, Anderson should be at least streamed. If you feel so inclined, he can be picked up in more than 70 percent of CBS leagues and over 90 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN formats.

Quick thoughts on Emilio Bonifacio
Yesterday the Chicago White Sox sent down starting second baseman Micah Johnson to Triple-A , likely due to a shaky defensive start. With a .270/.333/.297 line, Johnson wasn’t crushing the ball but his OBP was fourth best on the Southsiders, minimum 70 plate appearances. Stepping in at the keystone yesterday was Carlos Sanchez, however I expect Emilio Bonifacio to get more playing time going forward as he’s started five games there this season against zero for Gordon Beckham. Neither Bonfiacio or Beckham offer a ton at the plate, though Bonifacio’s legs have potential as has stolen over 25 bases in four consecutive seasons. He is yet to nab his first base this year, but if given more playing time, the steals should come. Like the previously mentioned Bourjos, Bonifacio can be picked up in 98 percent of leagues for the three major fantasy sites.

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

A pitcher for today: Kyle Hendricks vs PIT (Jeff Locke)
Hendricks and his ground ball ways take on a Pirates squad that has scuffled against right-handers thus far. Their collective 82 wRC+ rates 26th in baseball. One can find Hendricks available to be streamed in 55 percent of CBS formats as well as more than 85 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN leagues.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Alex Colome at MIN (Trevor May)
Yeah he got roughed up in his previous start, but now Colome heads to a pitcher friendly park to face a 24th ranked Twins offense against right-handers. Colome is owned in just 12 percent of Yahoo! or ESPN leagues and 45 percent of CBS formats.