Roto Riteup: May 18, 2015
It is important for this Roto Riteup author to clarify that sitting around in your sweats spitting sunflower seed shells into a cup isn’t at all depressing or a cause for concern.
On today’s agenda:
1. Mike Wright’s debut
2. Corey Dickerson may need the DL
2. Various news and notes
3. Streaming Pitcher Options
Mike Wright’s debut
Orioles starter Mike Wright had a great MLB debut yesterday, striking out six over seven-and-third without allowing a run. A former third-round pick in 2011, Wright was finally shining through as a 25-year-old in Triple-A before getting a call to the bigs.
Wright’s fastball averaged 94-95, scattering in a few breaking balls here and there. Wright didn’t generate a ton of swings-and-misses (nine in 90 pitches), and before this year, he hadn’t posted good strikeout rates since he was a 23-year-old in his second go around in Double-A, so I’m not expecting a repeat performance. Wright may have what it takes to be a big league starter, but the Orioles have a crowded back of the rotation, and he doesn’t seem to be anything special for fantasy owners.
Corey Dickerson may need the DL
The Rockies’ outfielder has been dealing with a plantar fasciitis issue as of late, and while he’s been playing through it, Dickerson may not be able to hold out for much longer. Colorado manager Walt Weiss has opined that Dickerson may need to go to the disabled list, but nothing is certain at this point. Dickerson’s offensive performance seemingly hasn’t suffered while he’s played through his injury, but an outfielder who can’t move is a liability in the field to his real life team. If you own Dickerson, start looking for an injury fill-in should the Rocky (Rockie?) be placed on the shelf.
Various news and notes
Jaime Garcia will be returning to the Cardinals rotation after making a pair of minor league rehab starts. Jaime got smacked around in his Triple-A start, and he may never be the frontline type starter again, but he’s still probably a major league rotation piece when he’s healthy, which isn’t often.
The Twins are sending Kennys Vargas to the minors, likely taking away one of the bold predictions I made before the year. Vargas hasn’t performed as (I) expected this year, so while the Twins may not have a plethora of options, they couldn’t continue to carry a bat-only player who wasn’t hitting.
Streaming Pitcher Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.
A pitcher for today: Lance McCullers, Jr. vs OAK (Drew Pomeranz)
In only a half slate of games, McCullers is the most enticing option available. This may be a day to sit out.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Carlos Frias at SFG (Tim Hudson)
Frias is a fun starter with a limited repertoire, and playing in San Francisco can help eliminate any mistakes he may make.
Zach is the creator and co-author of RotoGraphs' Roto Riteup series, and RotoGraphs' second-longest tenured writer. You can follow him on twitter.
Zach, who do you see as the better streaming option for Tuesday, Frias or Nate Karns going against Atlanta?
Karns not pitching tomorrow, its Ramirez.
Are they not skipping Ramirez this turn? Last week, I thought the Rays announced because of days off they would skip Ramirez and his scheduled start and instead roll with Karns. Furthermore, Karns is listed as the starter for Tuesday’s game on Yahoo for what it’s worth.
If Karns is indeed starting, I have irrational love for him.
Thanks for the reply. I did some more digging and it seems over the weekend, Cash said they are indeed going with Ramirez tomorrow and are skipping Karns to help limit his innings. Damn shame cause I loved this matchup for him even if the Braves lineup has been surprisingly productive.