Roto Riteup: May 17, 2013

For no particular reason, this particular (somewhat older) SNL skit (not exactly NSFW, but use good judgment) popped into the present author’s mind. May the reader find it equally enjoyable.

On today’s agenda:
1. Make a play for Jon Jay
2. Various players to the 15-day disabled list
3. Dellin Betances gets the call
4. Thoughts on Francisco Liriano

Make a play for Jon Jay
Jon Jay is currently sporting a .274/348/.422 batting line, however his .303 BABIP is nearly 40 points below his .344 career average. He has hit all over the line up but figures to contribute a very good average and a solid amount of runs scored. Jay has some speed to offer as well, as he nabbed 19 bags last season. If one happens to be in need of a boost of batting average, Jay makes for a solid pick up. He is currently available in over 50% of CBS leagues, 60% of ESPN leagues, and over 80% of Yahoo! formats.

Various players to the 15-day disabled list
Wilson Ramos was placed on the DL — yet again — with a strained left hamstring. He may only miss the minimum amount of time, however Ramos’ fantasy value just took another big hit. At this point one should grab Kurt Suzuki in NL-only or deep two-catcher leagues as Ramos just cannot stay on the field. Ramos shouldn’t be on anyone’s standard 5×5 radar any more.

The Tampa Bay Rays placed David Price on the DL with a left triceps strain. Rays manager Joe Maddon believes that Price will only miss the minimum amount of time. There has yet to be an official announcement on who will replace Price in the rotation, however prospect Alex Torres was called up yesterday and faced one batter. Price’s rotation spot won’t come up until Monday, so the Rays have plenty of time to decide if they will go with Torres or someone else. Other options include Jake Odorizzi, Alex Colome and Chris Archer. Given that Archer made his usual start yesterday, Odorizzi seems to be the early favorite. All four candidates should be widely available to be picked up in just about every league.

Alexi Ogando was put on the DL yesterday afternoon after suffering from bicep tendinitis in his throwing arm. Ogando is now the third Rangers starter on the disabled, joining Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis. Josh Lindblom will be taking Ogando’s rotation spot on Monday, but it is unclear as to whether Lindblom will stay up for the duration of Ogando’s absence . Ogando last pitched just two days ago, giving the Rangers time to mull over their options.

Dellin Betances gets the call
The New York Yankees called up Dellin Betances to help with their shortage of arms in the bullpen. Betances has made six starts in Triple-A this year, however his last two outings have come in relief. This should be a short call up for Betances as Chamberlain should be returning soon. With questionable control and what figures to be a very brief time up, Betances can go ignored in re-draft leagues for now.

Thoughts on Francisco Liriano
Yet again, Francisco Liriano showed excellent velocity as well as a good strikeout rate. He is now 2-0 in two starts with a 11+ K/9 and a 4+ BB/9. His fastball averaged 94 mph and both his slider and change-up sat at 87. Walks will always hurt him and he has shown a new tendency to give up fly balls (small sample size warning, of course), but as long as he has his fastball, he is an effective starter. He’ll provide a boost to your strikeouts at the cost of him hurting your WHIP with the walks. All in all, he is worth rostering as of right now. Liriano is owned in less than 30% of both ESPN and Yahoo! leagues, however he is available in just 30% of CBS formats. Don’t gulp the Liriano kool-aid, but dip your pinky in and give it a taste, at least for now.

Bonus: Juan Pierre hit a home run yesterday
Odds he hits another one? Set it at 6:5 and let the prop bets begin!