Roto Riteup: May 30, 2019

by
May 30, 2019

We leave no food behind here at the Roto Riteup

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

Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
James Paxton spun four hitless innings with seven strikeouts and two walks in his return to the Yankees rotation on Wednesday.

 

 

Paxton threw 40-of-66 pitches for strikes, and posted a 33% CSW as well. His average fastball velocity was definitely a little bit lower than we’re used to (94.4 mph, averaged 96.06 in ’18), but he did hit the 96 mph mark a couple of times so I’m not worried. As you can see in the phenomenal “Pitching Ninja” GIFs, Paxton had his cutter and knuckle curve working like a charm, and will continue to get 16-20% SwStr% on the offerings. He has been going fastball/cutter a little bit more with the Yankees thus far, but I’ll have to see more before I say that he’s changing his approach in any way. In short, Paxton is an upper-tier starter when he’s on the field. He posted 160 IP last season, so we’ve seen him stay relatively durable for a season at least. Let’s hope for more of the same the rest of the way in 2019.

Carlos Santana came a single short of a cycle against the Red Sox on Wednesday after going 3-for-4 with four runs scored, five RBI, and two walks.

 

Santana’s stellar plate skills have continued (17% BB, 16% K) and he’s upped his average exit velocity to 93.5 mph – top-10 in all of baseball. In addition, he’s currently sporting the best hard-hit% of his career, and is in the same vicinity in xwOBA, Barrel%, and xSLG. The article from Pitchers List is strongly recommended here, but all-in-all, Santana is one of the few bright spots on the Indians, and is in for a strong season.

Just when we think it’s safe to relax and get a massage, the unthinkable happens.

 

Correa was hitting .295/.360/.547 with 11 HR and 35 RBI prior to this unfortunate event. Alex Bregman played shortstop yesterday, with Yulieski Gurriel manning third, Tyler White at first, and Tony Kemp at second base. A few MI options that are less than 20% owned include:
Derek Dietrich (1B, 2B, OF)
Orlando Arcia (SS)
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2B, SS)
Adeiny Hechavarria (SS)
Howie Kendrick (2B, 3B, 1B)

One of the biggest risks at a ballgame is getting struck by a baseball. Unfortunately, a young child was struck by an Albert Almora foul ball yesterday.

 

Just chilling and heartbreaking to watch. My thoughts and prayers are with the child and the family. Hopefully everything is ok.

Quick Hits:
Brandon Dixon went 2-for-4 with a two-run home run against the Orioles – he has a hit in seven-straight and is hitting .296/.321/.648 with five home runs in the month of May. Eugenio Suarez made an early exit after being hit by a pitch on the left hand – x-rays were negative. Orioles top prospect Yusniel Diaz was activated from the minor league IL and sent to High-A. He’ a potential call-up candidate later this season if he can stay healthy and produce. Jeremy Hellickson has been shut down from throwing due to shoulder soreness – Erick Fedde will likely be his replacement in the Nationals rotation, and is a “watch list” candidate in deeper formats. Nick Pivetta is slated to get another start this Sunday against the Dodgers. Gleyber Torres hit his 14th home run of the season against the Padres. Chris Paddack struggled a bit in the same game. Kris Bryant returned to the Cubs lineup and hit his 13th home run. Brent Honeywell has been cleared to resume throwing while fellow top pitching prospect Forrest Whitley has been placed on the injured list (shoulder fatigue). Khris Davis is on track to return the first week of June after beginning soft toss. Sean Manaea threw a bullpen session and could return around the All-Star break. Mitch Moreland was placed on the 10-day IL due to a back strain – Michael Chavis manned first base with Brock Holt starting at second. J.P. Crawford was sent to the 10-day IL due to a left ankle sprain – Tim Beckham go the start at shortstop and hit his 10th home run of the season. Jordan Lyles is expected to make his next start on Sunday against the Brewers. Genesis Cabrera was demolished in his MLB debut, while the person he replaced – Michael Wacha – continued to yield terrible results in the bullpen (six runs allowed in one inning). Alex Reyes is a must pick-up right now as he’s expected to make a start at Triple-A Memphis on Sunday. Dee Gordon and Ryon Healy will begin baseball activities today. Austin Riley continues to be in beast mode. Pete Alonso notched a two-home run game – Amed Rosario and Dominic Smith joined the fun as well. Dinelson Lamet struck out five and allowed three runs in 2.2 IP in a rehab start with High-A Lake Elsinore. Shed Long swatted a pair of doubles and has a seven-game hitting streak going. Mallex Smith led off and tallied his 13th stolen base of the year – he has seven hits in-his-last 12 at-bats. Bryan Reynolds went 2-for-4 and is hitting .305/.380/.524 with four home runs and 16 RBI in May. Nick Senzel swatted his fourth home run. Josh Bell continues to be a fantasy MVP candidate. George Springer and Aledmys Diaz both did some running yesterday. Griffin Canning continues to post strong results.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Sandy Alcantara vs SF
Alcantara has been hit or miss this season, but getting the Giants at home is worth the gamble.

High Risk Options: Chase Anderson at PIT

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Andrew Heaney at SEA
Heaney was stellar in his first start of 2019 and the Mariners rank 20th in wRC+ over the last week.

High Risk Options: Tyler Mahle vs WAS, Ariel Jurado vs KC
Mahle had a clunker in his last start – and the Nationals have been solid offensively of late – however, they also sit 25th in wRC+ against RHP and one of Mahle’s biggest issues is the home run ball. He’s also shown some nice skills growth. Jurado won’t strike anyone out, but he keeps the ball on the ground and he’s facing a team in KC that’s abysmal against LHP.





 

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.

6 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
luke.shigeo
4 years ago

How is Dietrich’s ownership rate still that low?

1
Mike Werner
4 years ago
Reply to  luke.shigeo

It’s only that low in ESPN leagues. I like to make semi-broad recommendations though since people play in different size leagues. Dietrich is 60-70% on CBS and Yahoo.

0