Roto Riteup: May 25, 2018

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May 25, 2018

The Roto Riteup hopes you stay nimble…..


On the Agenda:
1. Strong Pitching Performances
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Strong Pitching Performances
• Dylan Bundy: 9 IP, 2 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 14 K
• Blake Snell: 6 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K
• Nick Tropeano: 7.1 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K
• Luis Castillo: 6 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
• Danny Duffy: 7.2 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K
• Charlie Morton: 6 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 5 K
• Steven Matz: 6 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Bundy went from allowing 19 ER (9 HR) in 9 IP over 3 GS between April 26th and May 8th to posting a 2.86 ERA, 0.73 WHIP, and a 29/7 K:BB ratio over his last 3 GS. He’s tallied double-digit whiffs in his most recent starts and has seen an uptick in his FB velocity.

Not a lot to add with Snell. He’s getting some BABIP luck and should start to trend down a bit in BB% based on his F-Strike%, but he’s a top-20 starter as of now and should stay in that neighborhood the rest of the way.

Nick Tropeano did a better job of getting ahead last night, which led to him logging his fewest walks of the season (one). Control is the last thing to come back post TJ surgery, but he’s had lapses in that category before. Streamer in mixed formats.

Luis Castillo has allowed a round-tripper in 8-of-11 GS this season. The pro is he’s allowed 2 ER or less in five-straight, while posting over a strikeout per inning. He’ll continue to have blips on the radar, but his upside Is apparent.

Danny Duffy didn’t serve up a home run for the first time in 6 GS on Thursday, but his stuff is trending in the wrong direction. His SIERA of 4.91 says things should get a little better, but he’s certainly not the same guy he once was.

Charlie Morton is performing over his head a bit, but he can be 70% of this the rest of the season. The two earned runs allowed dropped his ERA from 1.94 to 2.04 – his SIERA sits at 2.86. Yes, there’s a checkered injury history and yes, it’s odd that a 34-year old is throwing harder now than ever before. Be that as it may, it’s time to buy, not sell. Now, let’s admire his curveball.

Steven Matz is not a viable fantasy play in mixed leagues. His SwStr% doesn’t promote a strong K%, and he doesn’t make up for that enough in HR/9 or BB% for us to invest. I used to be extremely high on Matz a couple of years ago, but that time has passed – as well as his upside.

 

Various News and Notes
Let’s just say Alex Reyes is ready to make his debut for the Cardinals next week.


He tallied 13 K in 7 IP with only 1 H and 1 BB allowed for Triple-A Memphis. If you’re keeping score at home, that gives him a total line of 19.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, and 38/6 K:BB ratio over his last three rehab outings.


The Cardinals currently have John Gant and Jack Flaherty filling in for Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez. Earlier this week the Cardinals gave word that Martinez was one-to-two weeks away from returning. With Mikolas, Wacha, Reyes, and Martinez cemented in the rotation (as it currently appears), the final spot will come down to Flaherty and Weaver. Regardless, Reyes is worth picking up if he’s available in any format. ESPN leagues had his ownership at 43% and it’s not high enough.

Brandon Nimmo had his second multi-hit game in as many days against the Brewers on Thursday. His line in May over 53 AB is now up to .283/.424/.528 with 7 XBH (2 HR), 2 SB, and a 16/13 K:BB ratio. He’s not flashy, but he does possess some speed with a little pop as well. He should get some decent playing time meaning he’s a nice add in deeper formats. Devin Mesoraco has hits in four of-his-last six starts – with two being of the multi-hit variety. He’s hit three home runs since being traded over to New York and might finally be a worthwhile fantasy commodity with catcher being the way it is. Don’t get attached though.

According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, Nathan Eovaldi will be activated from the disabled list on Monday or Tuesday to face the Athletics. Eovaldi flashed some promising things in Spring Training before having to undergo arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies from his elbow. He had been fairing well in his rehab stint prior to getting blown out by Triple-A Gwinnett (4 IP, 8 ER, 10 H, 6 K, 0 BB). The Rays are struggling for rotation help, so they could be pushing him just a bit. Fantasy owners in AL-Only leagues should take a “wait-and-see” approach.

Dustin Pedroia is set to return to the Red Sox lineup today. He posted a .293/.369/.392 line in 2017, but only had seven homers to go with it. This move will push Eduardo Nunez into a reserve role.

Carlos Rodon was removed from Thursday’s rehab outing after getting hit in the head by a line drive.


The current thoughts are that he’ll be okay for his next rehab start. Between his two outings to date, he’s allowed 1 ER with a 12/0 K:BB ratio over 7.2 IP. The White Sox are hoping he’ll be ready to be activated in early June.

Yoenis Cespedes and Todd Frazier both took batting practice on Thursday. There’s no clear timetable for their returns at the moment.

Mac Williamson will be activated today against the Cubs. He’s been out since late-April with concussion issues and has hit .353/.400/.882 with four XBH and seven RBI during five rehab games. He’s worth an add in NL-Only formats if he was dropped.

Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported on Roberto Osuna’s case on Thursday – expressing that the reliever could be looking at a “significant” ban. Read here:

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today (Justin): Zach Davies vs. NYM

A Pitcher for Today: Ross Stripling vs. SD
The Padres have the second-worst wOBA this month (.279) and the third-highest K% against RHP this season (26.4%).

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

High-Risk Pitcher: Ian Kennedy at TEX
The Rangers own the fourth-highest K% against RHP (26%) and sit 27th in wRC+ in May (81). Kennedy has seen his HR/9 go up as the year has gone on, but it’s come with an uptick in K/9. Nice tournament play in DFS.





 

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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MustBunique
6 years ago

Dude, these are some pretty diesel roto riteups. Keep at it.

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