Roto Riteup: May 25, 2021

Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good.

This play was neat-o. pic.twitter.com/67IuIox1WP

— MLB (@MLB) May 25, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. Quick Hits
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

Quick Hits

Ji-Man Choi left Monday’s game with a knee issue. This is the same knee that he had surgery on and caused him to miss the beginning of the season. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Wilson Ramos was placed on the IL with a spine sprain. This came out of the blew and is concerning considering it is the same injury that sidelined him earlier this month. There is no timetable for his return at this time. 

According to General Manager Zach Scott, Michael Conforto, Jeff McNeil and Carlos Carrasco aren’t expected back before the end of June. This is disappointing news for the Mets and fantasy managers. The Mets are an easy team to stream against considering their injury issues. 

Trent Grisham was placed on the IL with a foot contusion. He is not expected to miss a long period of time. 

Yusei Kikuchi left Monday’s start due to a back cramp. It doesn’t sound like this is too serious, so consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Various News and Notes

Keston Hiura was recalled from the minors on Monday and went 1-for-3 with a walk and two strikeouts. Hiura was great in the minors, hitting .438/.526/.906 with three home runs and two stolen bases. Nine games at AAA doesn’t erase the issues with Hiura, especially considering in spite of his hot stretch in the minors, he still struck out 34% of the time. It is encouraging that he was walking in Nashville, but until we see an approach change, it is hard to believe he won’t have huge ups and downs. 

Alek Manoah will make his Major League debut on Wednesday against the Yankees. Manoah has been electric in AAA, throwing 18 innings and allowing just one earned run on seven hits and a walk while striking out 27. He has a plus fastball and slider and an average change up. He has a ton of upside and should be picked up in all formats. 

Andrew Vaughn went 2-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Cardinals. Vaughn is finally getting to play more, but the numbers haven’t been great except against lefties. With the White Sox missing so many pieces, Vaughn should continue to get run and for now if he can rake against lefties and hold his own against righties, then he should be able to continue to hold down a spot. 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Vince Velasquez at MIA

VV has been good, but there is always a risk he turns back into the pumpkin we have seen in the past. 

High Risk Options: Dean Kremer at MIN, Garrett Richards vs ATL, Brad Keller at TB, Matt Peacock vs SF

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Luis Garcia vs LAD

It is a tough matchup, but I have been impressed by Garcia thus far and the Dodgers aren’t at full strength. 

High Risk Options: Dane Dunning at LAA, James Kaprielian vs SEA, Drew Smyly at BOS. 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options” but I may add them at some point.