Roto Riteup: May 3rd, 2012

If you described today’s Roto Riteup as “meaty,” that would be fine with me.

• Nolan Reimold’s fast start is going to be halted thanks to a bulging disk in his neck. The Baltimore Orioles’ outfielder is slugging over .600 through 69 plate appearances, mashing five homers and six doubles in that time. Reimold’s raw power and home park have made him a relatively popular fantasy commodity in the past, and now that’s he’s 28-years-old and mashing, that enthusiasm may finally be paying off. Originally it was reported that Reimold’s bulging disk was in his back, and that would worry me more than it does being in his neck. Disks are always tricky, so be prepared for a stint without Reimold, even if he manages to avoid the DL.

• Mat Gamel is going to miss the rest of the 2012 season following ACL surgery. Gamel was always tantalizing as a third base prospect, but as a first baseman, he was a pretty boring fantasy option. Best of luck to Mat recovering from this injury, but I don’t think we’ll see him in the big leagues again (outside of spring training). Cut bait in dynasty leagues.

• If you’re cutting bait on Gamel, why not grab Will Middlebrooks? The Red Sox prospect is heading up to Boston after Kevin Youkilis was placed on the DL. Middlebrooks was smashing Triple-A pitching, and he should show solid power numbers right away in the majors. His batting average won’t be anything to get excited about, and he’ll likely be heading back the minors once Youkilis returns, so there’s no need to add him if you don’t plan on using him in 2013.

For those of you who play daily fantasy games like FanGraphs: The Game, or just like to stream players, here are a couple matchups you may be able to exploit.

A Pitcher for Today: David Phelps (NYY) at KCR
Phelps makes his debut in the Yankees’ rotation away from the tissue box that is Yankee Stadium.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Wade Miley (ARZ) at NYM
Miley’s already had two very good starts against NL East teams, and I like him to make it three.

A Hitter for Today: Ty Wigginton (PHI) at ATL (Randall Delgado)
Delgado hasn’t been looking too good this year, and I think a guy like can take advantage.