Roto Riteup: May 23, 2013

Today’s Roto Riteup covers two injuries, one demotion, and one singular superstar.

On today’s agenda:
1. Mike Trout’s Sophomore Season
2. Jaime Garcia and Shoulder Surgery
3. Vance Worley gets demoted
4. Adam Eaton sees a setback

Mike Trout’s Sophomore Season
At the start of the year, many took delight in Trout’s slow start at the plate, but now it’s hard to argue Trout’s rookie year was a mirage. Through Tuesday’s action, Trout was hitting .293 with nine homers and nine steals, making him be close to pace for a 30/30 season once again. Trout’s striking out less, walking more, and displaying a higher ISO than he did last season. If there was any doubt in your mind Trout was superhuman, let it be lost forever.

Jaime Garcia and Shoulder Surgery
Garcia was discussed in this very column just a matter of days ago, but now it’s official he’ll need to head to the hospital and undergo shoulder surgery. Jaime first injured his shoulder last season, but he opted to stay away from the doctors and simply rest and rehabilitate. Jaime’s strategy turned out to work for a little while, but he’ll now he’ll likely miss the rest of the 2013 season, and possibly part of the 2014 year. For now, Tyler Lyons and John Gast are filling in for Jaime and Jake Westbrook, but we could see Michael Wacha up in the big leagues pretty soon to help provide some firepower.

Vance Worley gets demoted
A former finalist for Rookie of the Year, Worley is going to the minors after getting smacked around by the Braves yesterday morning. Jeff had a nice big piece on Worley yesterday afternoon, so I’m penning this section due to excitement from the possibility of Kyle Gibson getting the call. The Twins have yet to say who will be taking Worley’s rotation slot, but Gibson is likely the top candidate.

Adam Eaton sees a setback
The Diamondbacks’ outfielder has been out for the entirety of the 2013 season with an UCL sprain, and he was supposed to have returned by now, but now he’ll need to visit a specialist to see if his setback is anything serious. A serious setback would result in Tommy John surgery, while a really serious setback would result in amputation of his limb. Eaton was supposed to be a roto sparkplug this season, but it looks like the D’Backs’ faith in their outfield depth was faulty.