Roto Riteup: May 17, 2017

When Aaron Judge is done destroying baseballs, he should think about a career in show business:

We put @TheJudge44 in disguise to ask unsuspecting @Yankees fans what they think about Aaron Judge. https://t.co/uU3e5sr1fb #FallonTonight

— jimmy fallon (@jimmyfallon) May 16, 2017

On the Agenda:

1. Pitchers Returning to a Mound Near You

2. Various News and Notes

3. Streaming Pitcher Options

Pitchers Returning to a Mound Near You

A number of pitchers are returning to the mound after recent injuries, DL stints, and demotions.

Amir Garrett is scheduled to be recalled Thursday to start against the Cubs. Garrett was optioned to AAA in an attempt to keep his workload lightened and is rewarded getting a start against the reigning World Series champs.

Aaron Nola is on track to be activated from the DL Sunday in Pittsburgh. Nola was dealing with back soreness, but has been cleared to start after throwing in a rehab assignment on Tuesday.

Ian Kennedy appears to be on track to start on Saturday in Minnesota. While no official announcement has been made, it looks promising that Kennedy could be back this weekend.

Rich Hill returned to the mound yesterday and threw five innings against the Giants. The start was encouraging that he did not have a recurrence of the blister issue and only gave up one run, a Brandon Belt solo shot, and struck out six. The only concern would be if the pitch/inning limit will continue to be an issue throughout the season which would put a damper on his value if he cannot qualify for wins or quality starts. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts did toy with the idea that Hill could pitch out of the pen to avoid future problems, so it wouldn’t be a huge leap to think the Dodgers may attempt to limit his in-game work.

Various News and Notes

My boy Bradley Zimmer was called up by the Indians. Bradley is a power/speed threat could be a game-changing prospect at this point in fantasy. The knock to him is that he strikes out too much, but he also has shown double digits walk rates all throughout the minors. His defense alone will keep him in the lineup day after day. Zimmer could easily go 10/20 rest of the way, but could hurt in the average department. Those in OBP leagues should go all in on my AL ROY dark horse.

Erick Fedde is moving to a bullpen role in the minor leagues in preparation for a call up in the near future. The Nationals bullpen has been a dumpster fire this year and Washington is attempting to win a World Series. Fedde could be up a bit quicker than expected and could have some value out of the pen in deeper formats. While some may salivate over the thought of him getting the closer role, it would be surprising to see Dusty Baker go to the rookie.

Edwin Diaz has been removed from his role as closer. It appears the Mariners will move to a committee that would include Tony Zych, recently activated Steve Cishek, and Nick Vincent. Tony Zych already nailed down a save and Cishek has already blown one, but none of these options should inspire much confidence in shallower formats. In deeper leagues, Zych may have the head start, but I personally wouldn’t blow much FAAB to acquire any of them. Diaz should be able to regain the role once he gets right.

Robinson Cano was placed on the 10-day DL retroactive to May 13th. Cano had been dealing with a quad strain and missed five straight games. The Mariners attempted to prolong putting him on the DL which suggests that he could return once eligible on the 23rd.

Matt Duffy was removed off of his minor league rehab assignment after experiencing soreness in his heel. Duffy will be reevaluated on Friday, but those who stashed the Rays middle infielder will have to wait a bit longer.

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Jesse Hahn @ Sea

I am just going to continue streaming Hahn as long as people don’t buy in. He is nothing flashy, but he is quietly putting up good numbers start after start. Joe Biagini was also considered here and depending on you format, is worth a shot.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Tyler Chatwood @ Min

Not many great options on Thursday, but Chatwood has been better on the road than at home in Colorado so I can roll with him against the Twins.