Roto Riteup: May 24, 2019

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May 24, 2019

The way I felt after the conclusion of Game of Thrones….

On the Agenda:
1. Call Ups!
2. Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Call Ups!
Shi Davidi of Sportsnet reported that the Blue Jays will be calling up Cavan Biggio – as well as Lourdes Gurriel – for today’s game against the Padres. Billy McKinney and Richard Urena will be sent down in a corresponding move.

 

Biggio was the 12th ranked prospect on the Fangraphs Blue Jays list before the Vladimir Guerrero Jr promotion. He’s also in the top-10 of at least two other well-renowned prospect platforms as well. He has some legit pop (26 HR in ’18, .247 ISO), and has made strides in pulling fly balls with authority. He posted an 18% BB in 2018, and is sitting at 19% this season. His current BA would suggest that he’ll be able to hit for average, but a long swing plus an aggressive approach brings risk in that department. He could chip in some stolen bases as well, but the Blue Jays currently rank dead last in stolen base attempts per game, so don’t expect a ton. Most scouts point to him being a possible utility guy long-term, but you’d expect the Blue Jays to give him some decent run in the immediate future. He’s worth picking up in 15-team leagues.

The Diamondbacks plan on calling up first base prospect Kevin Cron today.

Cron isn’t necessarily someone you’ll find at the top of any Diamondbacks list, but he does have legit raw power – which happens to be a very useful category in fantasy.

C.J. Cron’s brother hit 22 HR with a .309/.368/.554 line (.245 ISO) in 438 Triple-A at-bats in 2018, and has been even more successful this year at the same level (.339/.437/.800, 21 HR, .461 ISO, 199 PA). While I actually like his profile a lot, and think he’s definitely an add, there could definitely be some playing time issues early on.

 

One of my favorite prospects will be getting the call for the Padres today.

Naylor made it to Triple-A this season, and is currently posting a .299/.378/.538 line with 10 HR and a 121 wRC+ in 209 PA. He hasn’t been able to fully tap into his 70-grade raw power in games, but he has strong plate skills and can make consistent contact. Unfortunately, this could just be a short stay. The Padres play two-straight series in AL stadiums, so they could be using him as a DH – which is what he’s most suited for.

Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
The Twins hit a whopping eight home runs and scored 16 times against the Angels on Thursday. Included in the home run extravaganza was Miguel Sano (two home runs, 4 HR/8 RBI in first 25 AB), Max Kepler, Jorge Polanco, Eddie Rosario (Polanco and Rosario top-25 hitters on ESPN Player Rater), Jonathan Schoop (two home runs, four home runs last four games), and C.J. Cron (four home runs last six games). The Twins were projected to have a great week on the hitting side, but they’ve been a bright spot for fantasy and could get even better honestly. In other breaking news, Willians Astudillo struck out.

Lucas Giolito hurled another gem – this one being the best yet – shutting out the Astros, allowing four hits with nine strikeouts and one walk in a complete game shutout. He’s really found success by ditching his sinker, and throwing his fastball and change-up more. That strategy remained against the Astros, as he mainly threw his fastball, change-up, and slider. He should be owned in all formats and dare I say, a must-start every time out right now?

Quick Hits: Charlie Blackmon exited yesterday’s game with a calf issue. He’s potentially headed to the IL. Kevin Kiermaier hit his second three-run home run in as many days, with yesterday’s being of the “inside the park” variety. Anthony Rizzo had a stellar game against the Phillies, and has a home run in three of his last five. Josh Bell hit his 10th home run this month and his 16th of the year against the Rockies. Pete Alonso went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts and is now hitting .186/.256/.486 in the month of May. With that said, he still has seven home runs in May as well. Brian Dozier has hits in four of his last six games, with four extra-base hits. You know it’s bad when I’m highlighting a six-game stretch for a veteran player who’s been struggling. Steven Matz was serviceable in his return. Garrett Cooper hit a game winning grandslam and the Marlins have won six-straight! Shane Greene blew his first save of the season in the same game. Yandy Diaz landed on the injured list with a hand injury. Eloy Jimenez hit this third home run in two days. Jimmy Nelson allowed four runs in 4.2 innings in his rehab start with Triple-A San Antonio – his next start could be with the Brewers. Oscar Mercado exited with a hip injury. Austin Riley played hero and is scorching hot. Alex Reyes had a strong rehab outing. Tommy La Stella now has 12 home runs after hitting a grandslam against the Twins. Vincent Velasquez or Nick Pivetta will start Tuesday for the Phillies. Corey Kluber had his cast removed. Matt Boyd is still a stud, Aaron Nola continues to not impress. Yoenis Cespedes is out for the season. Jeff McNeil landed on the 10-day IL with a hamstring strain. Robinson Cano joined him, as he’s suffering from a quad strain – Adeiny Hechavarria will likely get some run in the short term.

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Pablo Lopez at WAS
Chances of a win are slim – and he’s highly inconsistent – but Lopez has good stuff and the Nationals offense is in the bottom-third in RPG at home.

High Risk Option: Griffin Canning vs TEX
Canning has fared well thus far, and boasts tremendous strikeout upside. The matchup isn’t great, but the Rangers offense has a tendency to strikeout against RHP.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Kyle Gibson vs CWS
Gibson had mixed results against the White Sox last season, and is posting the best skills of his career. The CWS lineup is in the bottom-five in wRC+ over the last week.

High-Risk Option: Mike Fiers vs SEA
Fiers hasn’t had the best two-start stretch against the Mariners thus far, but this will be the first matchup at his home stadium. The Mariners have also been struggling recently.





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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Jimmember
4 years ago

Cooper’s grand slam came in the top of the 9th.

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Mike Werner
4 years ago
Reply to  Jim

Typo on my end.

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