Roto Riteup: May 19, 2015

It was a short slate of games yesterday, but lucky for you and unlucky for me, I’m short myself.

On today’s agenda:
1. Consider Curtis Granderson
2. Joey Gallo, outfielder?
3. Quick thoughts on Rubby de la Rosa
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Consider Curtis Granderson
The leadoff hitting right fielder is up to a .252/.358/.415 line in the wake of yesterday’s 2-for-4 performance. He’s drawing walks at a 14.5 percent clip, a figure that would represent a career best for Granderson if it holds. Prior to yesterday’s game he owned a 5.2 percent swinging strike rate — well below his career 9.2 percent tally — and continues a three-year dip in the metric. That we’ve seen his strikeout rate drop for three consecutive years shouldn’t surprise. While the batting average may never dazzle, Granderson’s improved walks and K’s make him viable in on-base percentage formats or DFS. He’s already owned in 75 percent of CBS leagues, though is readily available in 50 percent of ESPN leagues and 65 percent of Yahoo! formats.

Joey Gallo, outfielder?
A divisive prospect in the batters box, Gallo has been limited to time at either infield corner or designated hitter. The Texas Rangers apparently see fit to test him roaming the outfield corners as Gallo made his first start in left field yesterday, as reported by Alex Vispoli. Gallo is a three true outcomes player in the minors and before his game yesterday had tallied a home run, walk or strikeout in 52 of 91 plate appearances. With undeniable power — Gallo has hit at least 40 home runs in 2013 and 2014 — but also undeniable flaws, seeing the Rangers attempt to add to his value by testing him in the outfield is probably a good call.

Quick thoughts on Rubby de la Rosa
I’ve been burned by Rubby numerous times in the past, however perhaps this year he is beginning to put it all together. The 26-year-old right-hander just posted a nine inning, two run game yesterday with five strikeouts. Despite the modest strikeout total yesterday, de la Rosa coaxed 10 swinging strikes out of the 94 pitches. That number is in line with his 10.7 percent SwStr% entering the game, and Rubby has seen an uptick in his strikeout rate compared to previous seasons. He’s benefited from a .265 BABIP thus far, well below his .312 career tally and something likely to regress. I am concerned that without a significant change in pitch repertoire in the past three seasons he may not continue to miss bats as frequently going forward. With a modest 4.08 ERA even after his most recent outing, but a 3.43 xFIP, Rubby best profiles as a stream option in standard leagues, though be careful with his starts. If he’s facing a lineup loaded with left-handed hitters, it’d be best to avoid Rubby as they have tee’d off on him to the tune of a .361 wOBA for his career. He’s available in 34 percent of CBS leagues and more than 75 percent of Yahoo! and ESPN formats for those searching for pitching help in deeper leagues.

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

A pitcher for today: Nathan Eovaldi vs WAS (Gio Gonzalez)
I’m hoping Eovaldi can break clear of his .346 BABIP, though the Nats have been about league average against right-handers. Eovaldi can be streamed in 38 percent of CBS formats and 75 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! leagues.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Chase Anderson at MIA (David Phelps)
I feel much more comfortable about Anderson than Eovaldi. Given Miami’s struggles against righties — their collect 84 wRC+ ranks 24th in baseball — Anderson figures to toss a quality start. He can be picked up in more than 65 percent of the three major fantasy sites.