Roto Riteup: May 31, 2019

We always urge everyone to “dig in” here at the Roto Riteup

You can pick your friends. You can pick your nose, but you can't pick your friends' nose. pic.twitter.com/jTv527thgm

— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 30, 2019

On the Agenda:
1. All Injury Updates!
2. Streaming Pitchers

 

Injury Updates!
There was a slew of injury updates on Thursday. I’ll try to touch on the most significant ones in a concise manner.

The Yankees gave us updates on most of their key players currently on the injured list. According to manager Aaron Boone, Didi Gregorius will “probably” return during the team’s upcoming road trip beginning on Tuesday against the Blue Jays. However, Aaron Boone also added that it could be a longer stay in the minors due to inclement weather.

Morning, @Yankees fans!

Start your day with a great @DidiG18 highlight. pic.twitter.com/pbSh6jIsIV

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 30, 2019

Gregorius hit 27 HR last season to go along with 175 combined runs and RBI. He should be picked up during this next FAAB run on Sunday, as he’s capable of adding a significant amount of offense to any fantasy team.

Aaron Judge continues to rehab his strained left oblique and is currently traveling with the team. He’s starting to progress, but there still isn’t a concrete timetable for his return.

Giancarlo Stanton did some running on Wednesday, while also doing some hitting and throwing as well. According to manager Aaron Boone he should resume live at bats soon. Lindsey Adler reported yesterday that Stanton ran and hit in the cage yesterday as well.

Dellin Betances tossed 25 pitches in a bullpen session yesterday. James Wagner of the New York Times reported that Betances could begin facing hitters next week. He’ll be aiming for a June return.

As reported by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Aaron Boone said yesterday that CC Sabathia is slated to start on Sunday against the Red Sox.

Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported that David Peralta has yet to participate in baseball activities. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo isn’t ruling out a return on Sunday – when Peralta is first eligible to come off the IL – but he acknowledges that it’s a “longshot.”

Justin Turner missed yesterday’s game against the Mets due to a hamstring injury. This isn’t significant right now, but with someone like Turner who has an extensive injury track record, it’s best we keep a close eye on things.

Justin Turner felt some hamstring tightness when he scored the tying run last night. He's not in the lineup tonight, but is available off the bench. Doesn't look like an IL situation.

— Blake Harris (@BlakeHarrisTBLA) May 30, 2019

Ryon Healy and Dee Gordon both fielded ground balls and field work on Thursday for the first time since going on the IL. With that said, both are not expected to be ready to return when first eligible today.

Hunter Strickland is expected to throw a bullpen session on Sunday for the first time since suffering a right lat strain on March 29th. He’s targeting a mid-June return, and could be a useful pick-up if you have space.

Travis Shaw is expected to return to the Brewers lineup at the beginning of next week. Milwaukee has an off day on Monday, so Tuesday against the Marlins seems to be the best possibility.

Mitch Garver played in his first rehab game on Wednesday, and was the DH yesterday.

The @Twins star catcher Mitch Garver is batting leadoff tonight to start rehab assignment with @BlueWahoosBBall. He wasted little time driving 3-2 pitch to deep part of ballpark. pic.twitter.com/gsGrGmsLry

— Bill Vilona (@billvilonaPNJ) May 29, 2019

He’ll catch again today and then the Twins will reassess. Things have gone fairly well in his rehab from a left ankle sprain. He could be set to return fairly soon.

According to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli, there continues to be no timetable on a return for Nelson Cruz. He hit in the cage yesterday according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and is expected to hit on the field today.

Nathan Eovaldi is slated to throw a simulated game today at Yankee Stadium. The Red Sox have not decided whether Eovaldi is need of a rehab assignment, but either way he’s getting close to a return.

Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reported that x-rays on Joey Gallo’s sore wrist came back negative.

Hector Velazquez was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a lower back strain.

Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post reported that Charlie Blackmon is set to return from his calf injury on Tuesday against the Cubs.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Yandy Diaz took swings on the field at Tropicana Field yesterday, and while he’s feeling better, he’s continuing to feel discomfort in his injured right hand.

Greg Johns reported that Felix Hernandez is expected to throw a bullpen session on Monday or Tuesday.

Marc Topkin reported that Tommy Pham exited Thursday’s game against the Twins due to a cramp in his right leg. An MRI later confirmed “good results” according to Josh Tolentino of the Athletic, but he could still be held out of the lineup today.

Hunter Dozier made an early exit from Thursday’s game against the Rangers due to, say it with me, right-sided thorax soreness according to Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City Star. Apparently, it was revealed that he’s dealing with tightness in his chest. The Royals are going to run some tests to determine the extent of the injury.

Pedro Strop threw his second clean inning in a row during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa. He was originally slated to make two appearances before returning from the IL (hamstring), so there’s a chance he’s activated at some point today.

Mike Zunino caught seven innings behind the plate yesterday for High-A Charlotte. He felt good after, and could return sometime late next week.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Tyler Skaggs at SEA
Skaggs has posted a 14/4 K:BB his last two starts with 3 ER combined 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.

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Andrew Heaney at SEA
Heaney is stellar when he’s pitching and the Mariners have been scuffling a bit of late.

High Risk Options: Robbie Erlin vs MIA, Lance Lynn vs KC
Erlin may not get the start here, so we’ll have to see, but he has a 9.5 K/BB in the month of May with a 53% GB and 15% SwStr%. He might not throw a ton of pitches either, but a matchup against Miami is almost an automatic start at this point. Lynn is leaning more on his cutter (.171 BAA) and he’s currently posting some of the best skills of his career. The matchup is great, and he’s underrated.