Roto Riteup: May 17, 2022

When you hear the ice cream truck music and you don’t want to miss out:

This was a home run but @Brett_Phillips8 wasn't taking any chances. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/k3GqDghqD9

— MLB (@MLB) May 17, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. COVID Issues
3. Closer Chaos
4. Quick Hits
5. Various News and Notes
6. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

COVID Issues

Robbie Ray and Drew Steckenrider were placed on the restricted list as the Mariners head to Toronto. They will miss the entirety of the series due to his vaccination status. 

Nelson Cruz was scratched from the lineup on Monday due to an illness. Cruz wasn’t feeling well during BP and the Nationals decided to send him back to the hotel. He could end up on the COVID IL if symptoms persist or he tests positive. 

Nick Ahmed was placed on the COVID IL. No word yet on whether he tested positive or was just exhibiting symptoms. 

 

Closer Chaos

Jordan Romano was unavailable to pitch on Monday due to a non-COVID illness. This was a bit scary as initial reports were that he had a medical issue, but it sounds like he may just miss a day or two. Adam Cimber got the save on Monday night, but Yimi Garcia would likely be the next man up.  

 

Quick Hits

Brandon Lowe was placed on the IL with a lower back issue. This came out of nowhere and there is no information yet on the severity or timetable for the injury. 

Antonio Senzatela left Monday’s game with a back issue. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Jake Odorizzi left Monday’s game on a cart after this play.

Jake Odorizzi had to be carted off after this play which looked eerily similar to Mike Soroka's original injury. pic.twitter.com/SbXR8hxCUm

— Baseball GIFs (@gifs_baseball) May 17, 2022

This is a bummer as Odorizzi was pitching very well this season. This injury looks extremely serious, so it is likely once we get confirmation of its severity, that he will be droppable in all formats.

Various News and Notes
Wade Miley threw seven scoreless innings versus the Pirates, allowing just one hit and now walks in the victory.

Wade Miley, Nasty Sliders. 😨 pic.twitter.com/ApTpTFJWmR

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2022

Miley was surprisingly good in his first start of the season and was able to go really deep into the contest. I had been kind of fading him because he was making his debut, but apparently he is in midseason form with a nice start to wrap up the week against the Diamondbacks coming up this weekend.

Johnny Cueto threw six scoreless innings versus the Royals, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out seven.

Johnny Cueto, Messing with Timing. 😀 pic.twitter.com/4VxxhUKnkK

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2022

Cueto did a great job keeping a bad Royals lineup off balanced. It is hard to think that he will be able to replicate this kind of succes at this point in his career, but he could stick in the rotation for a bit and would have some AL only value.

Curt Casali went 3-for-4 with two home runs in the Giants victory over the Rockies on Monday.

Johnny Cueto, Messing with Timing. 😀 pic.twitter.com/4VxxhUKnkK

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 17, 2022

Casali had a monster night and while it likely won’t happen again, it would not be surprising to see him play more moving forward with the struggles of Joey Bart.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

Some high risk options but no one I trust

High Risk Options: Adrian Houser vs ATL, James Kaprielian vs MIN, Taylor Hearn vs LAA, JT Brubaker at CHI, Connor Overton at CLE, Bea Brieske at TB. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

Some intriguing options, but they have risks. 

High Risk Options: Nick Pivetta vs HOU, Jordan Hicks at NYM, Dane Dunning vs LAA, Daulton Jeffries vs MIN, Drew Smyly vs PIT. Zach Davies at LAD. 

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”