Roto Riteup: May 3, 2019

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May 3, 2019

Here at the Roto Riteup, we like to “bro” out.

On the Agenda:
1. Twins NL East Towers
2. Top April Performers
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

Twin NL East Towers
Noah Syndergaard hurled a complete game shutout against the Reds on Thursday, allowing four hits and one walk, striking out 10.

This was a much needed showing for Thor, as his first 6 GS have resulted in a 6.35 ERA and 1.47 WHIP. This was bound to happen though as Syndergaard’s skills have been better than last season in multiple ways. The time to buy low just passed. Oh, and here’s a look at his home run, THE ONLY RUN OF THE GAME!

 

 

Fellow NL East RHP Stephen Strasburg dropped his ERA to 3.45 after allowing one earned run on six hits over 6.2 innings (9/2 K:BB) against the Cardinals in a 2-1 victory. Oh, and there’s this as well:

I know I’m in the minority, but I truly think we could see a 2014-level season from Strasburg in 2019, we just need a decent run of good health!!!! Let’s be honest, I’m being overly optimistic, but his skills have always been ace-worthy, I’m just hoping that this year he can finish in the top-10 despite being taken lower than seemingly ever before in drafts (50th overall NFBC Main Event ADP, 17th pitcher).

 

Top April Performers
I’m a metric guy, looking at overall results after one month is nice, but it’s more of a fun thing than anything else this time of year. With that said, I’m going to throw out the top-3 players in SIERA and wRC+ after one month. I could deep dive into a million metrics and tell you who is bound to rebound – and fast – but I don’t have that kind of time, and these are two of my favorite metrics to look at. I like all six of these players so this can be quick and fun.

SIERA
Max Scherzer (2.74)
Hyun-Jin Ryu (2.80)
James Paxton (2.82)

wRC+
Cody Bellinger (249)
Christian Yelich (214)
Hunter Dozier (189)
The 189 wRC+ for Dozier was probably posted before yesterday’s game had a chance to update. He swatted another two extra-base hits (doubles) and has raised his line to .344/.443/.677 with seven home runs, 17 RBI, 14 runs scored, one steal, and an astounding 21/17 K:BB ratio (15% BB, 18% K). His wOBA (.458) and xwOBA (.432) are eerily close, and he’s done many things to boost his power output (launch angle increase, higher hard-hit%, top-tier exit velo, Barrel%, and xSLG). He’s currently a top-40 hitter on the ESPN Player Rater, but is still unowned in 38% of leagues. He has to be owned!

 

Various News and Notes
The fantasy community will be waiting anxiously today, as we’re expected to hear some more news on Corey Kluber and his arm fracture.

As we all know, Kluber was plunked in the arm on Wednesday, and has thus far been a disappointment to fantasy owners.

We all know that his BABIP/LOB% luck was going to improve, and a lot of his skills remain intact. Unfortunately, we might not get the chance to deploy him much in the near future, as the injury seems really serious. Here’s to hoping for a speedy recovery (for himself and fantasy owners).

Speaking of AL Central pitcher injuries, we got word that Carlos Rodon hit the 10-day IL with left elbow inflammation. Unfortunately, it’s potentially a lot more ominous than it sounds.

Ugh, Rodon has posted a couple of clunkers his last two times out against the Orioles and more notably the Tigers, but at large he’s been very good this season. This would be an astoundingly horrible blow for Rodon and the White Sox, as the former top pick has never really been able to stay healthy for long stretches and show what he can do. We will be hoping for the best.

According to Bill Shaikin of the LA Times, Brad Ausmus expects the Angels to activate Shohei Ohtani before the team returns to Anaheim on May 17th.

Juan Soto missed his second-straight game due to back spasms. Nothing to worry about yet, but certainly something to monitor. Michael Taylor has started in his place each of the last two games and has gone a combined 0-for-7.

Possible Dallas Keuchel update:

I think Craig Kimbrel’s camp is probably in the same position, waiting until after the draft. Both players have been waiting on many fantasy rosters, and would have immediate value almost anywhere. Those who drafted these players have to continue to hold at this point.

Quick Hits: The Padres and Rockies crushed it yesterday, as well as Jason Castro. Kole Calhoun hit his fourth home run in-his-last eight games. Danny Duffy returned and posted a QS against the Rays. Ian Kinsler posted three extra-base hits. Michael Chavis stole his second base. Tyler Mahle faired well.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
A Pitcher for Today: Sonny Gray vs SF
The Giants are second-worst in wRC+ against RHP and in RPG on the road. Gray has seen an uptick in K% as well.

High-Risk Option: Jerad Eickhoff vs WAS
The Nationals fair worse against RHP and have been slumping over the last week. Eickhoff has looked fantastic since being slotted into the PHI rotation. The risk falls with his past history with home run issues – Citizens Bank Park is an extreme hitters park.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Mike Soroka at MIA
Only 35% owned in ESPN leagues. This is an obvious streaming candidate.

High-Risk Option: Homer Bailey at DET
Tigers offense has struggled against RHP and at home. Bailey has shown some improved skills and has some strikeout upside.





 

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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