Roto Riteup: May 4, 2018
It’s so hard, to say goodbye, to yesterday……..
The five stages of post-Ichiro grief.
Denial. pic.twitter.com/vL6deO3NHv
— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 3, 2018
On the Agenda:
1. Ichiro Transitioning to Front Office Role
2. Cabrera Injury
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers
Ichiro Transitioning to Front Office Role
Future Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki has decided to transition from an on-field role to the front office.
#Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki is transitioning to the role of Special Assistant to the Chairman, effective today.
Read: https://t.co/HlZyrGdcVz pic.twitter.com/Gn4O2UB1Ee
— MarinersPR (@MarinersPR) May 3, 2018
Jerry Dipoto – the Mariners GM – announced on Thursday that Ichiro will assume the role of “Special Assistant to the Chairman” effective immediately. The role will remove him from being eligible to play on the MLB club for the remainder of the 2018 season – however – that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s hanging up the cleats forever, “ While this agreement only covers the 2018 season, it is our goal that Ichiro be a member of the Seattle organization long-term” – Dipoto. This doesn’t present any fantasy relevance, but Ichiro has been in our lives since 2002. The Mariners called up Erik Goeddel (RHP) in a corresponding move. Ben Gamel will continue to get the lions share of playing time in leftfield against RHP, with Guillermo Heredia likely spelling him against LHP.
Cabrera Injury
Miguel Cabrera departed Thursday’s contest against the Royals with a right hamstring injury after singling in the sixth inning.
Right hamstring strain for Miguel Cabrera, according to Tigers. Not the arm.
— Jason Beck (@beckjason) May 3, 2018
He had missed the three previous games with a biceps issue, but the Tigers seem pretty convinced that this problem will require a stint on the disabled list. Catcher Grayson Greiner was scratched from his start at Triple-A Toledo on Thursday and then later called up. When Cabrera does indeed head to the disabled list, the Tigers will likely give John Hicks more playing time, with some Nick Goodrum also mixed in. Both of them are not fantasy viable.
Various News and Notes
Josh Donaldson went 4-for-11 with 2 HR, 2 2B, 4 R, 4 RBI, and 4 K in Thursday’s double header against the Indians.
Josh Donaldson hits balls to the moon like he’s going for a walk in the park pic.twitter.com/BW4Nwg8i9I
— Starting 9 (@Starting9) May 4, 2018
Donaldson was activated from the disabled list after being out since April 10th with shoulder inflammation. He was making solid throws and seems to be over the ailment at this moment in time. With that said, shoulder issues are fickle in nature, so fantasy owners should continue to keep a close eye on him over the next couple weeks.
Stephen Vogt went 1-for-2 with a home run in his first rehab game with Double-A Biloxi on Wednesday. He’ll still need a fair amount of time to get back up to speed from his shoulder injury, but fantasy owners can expect him back sometime in the next couple of weeks. Vogt should start a fair amount against RHP when he returns (at least 12 HR vs. RHP in each of the last three seasons).
An MRI performed on Jacob deGrom’s right elbow came back clean according to Wallace Matthews of the New York Times. deGrom exited Wednesday’s start against the Braves in the fourth inning after feeling a slight “twinge” in his elbow after swinging-and-missing in the third. Per Mets manager Mickey Calloway and deGrom himself – he should be available to make his next scheduled start on Monday.
Here’s Jacob deGrom on his elbow issue, and what comes next: pic.twitter.com/6g8HRuGQ2n
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) May 3, 2018
There was a report earlier in the day on Thursday that he’d have to miss four starts because of the injury. As of now, things look more optimistic. Fantasy owners should hold steady and pray things continue to trend positively.
Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies have now both homered on the same day twice since Acuna’s debut on April 25th.
Ronald Acuña Jr. just continues to light up #statcast!
This 112-mph, 451-foot blast has the 3rd-highest exit velocity of any @Braves HR since the system came online in 2015. It ties for the club’s 2nd-longest HR in that span. pic.twitter.com/zhDBlrOvNp
— #Statcast (@statcast) May 3, 2018
Ozzie Albies clobbers a three-run home run in the top of the 7th inning, his 10th long ball of the season #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/nzkDdqwRJj
— TheRenderMLB (@TheRenderMLB2) May 3, 2018
There’s no real analysis here – both players are premier fantasy options at this moment in time. It’s a very exciting moment for the first place Braves and fantasy owners alike. With that said, if owners were to “sell high” on one of these guys, Albies would be the option. It’s not to say he won’t be stellar the rest of the way, but let’s be honest with ourselves, he’s on pace for 54 HR, 124 RBI, and 167 R. I think he’ll fall a bit short. I’d ask for a top 3-to-5 round player if I could for Albies, and I think most people can get it.
Speaking of regression, Didi Gregorius has now gone six-straight starts without a home run. I know, I’m a bit worried as well, but there’s no need to fear! He’s still on pace for a very “Albies-like” 52 HR, 157 RBI, and 141 R.
Hyun-Jin Ryu was placed on the disabled list with a groin injury that was so severe, that the muscle tore off the bone according to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. He’ll be out until after the All-Star break. Sometimes though, there are certain things that happen that create a very exciting scenario for fantasy owners, and this is it.
Hyun-Jin Ryu is out until after the All-Star break. Walker Buehler goes into the rotation.
— J.P. Hoornstra (@jphoornstra) May 3, 2018
That’s right, Eric Longenhagen’s #27 prospect (pre-season) Walker Buehler will now be installed in the rotation in place of Ryu – meaning we’ll see more of this!
Walker Buehler freezes Lewis Brinson with a tight 89mph frontdoor slider pic.twitter.com/xnZ8SP0knw
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) April 24, 2018
He’s an automatic add in all formats. In 2 GS he’s averaged 96 mph with his fastball, allowing 2 ER to go along with a 11/4 K:BB ratio. He’s compiled a 67% GB in 19 IP dating back to his reliever days in 2017 as well. Dave Roberts described Buehler as a “fixture” in the rotation. He’s going to have a workload limit, but that isn’t a concern for fantasy owners right now. Suffice it to say, he’s ready to be a major asset in fantasy.
Steven Souza started in right field and hit 5th in his return to the Diamondbacks lineup on Thursday – going 0-for-4 with 2 K. Souza is coming off a career year in 2017 but had a setback to begin 2018 due to a pectoral injury. He’s worth scooping up in shallow mixed formats if he was dropped for some reason. His blend of power/speed makes him intriguing, just don’t expect a ton in BA.
Yonny Chirinos has a mild flexor strain in his right arm and will miss about a month according to Marc Topkin. On a positive note, Nathan Eovaldi has looked great in his rehab from arthroscopic elbow surgery and will make his first rehab start on Friday with High-A Charlotte. He’s hoping to make his return to the rotation sometime in late-May.
RHP Nathan Eovaldi continues to impress in his rehab from latest issue, March 30 arthroscopic elbow surgery, clocked at 96-99 in live BP session this week. Aiming for a late-May return to #Rays rotation.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) May 2, 2018
According to Indians manager Terry Francona, Andrew Miller has a chance to be activated from the disabled list on Sunday – the first day he’s eligible. He’s rehabbing from a hamstring injury and will travel with the club to New York this weekend to throw a bullpen session to test it out. If he recovers well from the side session, then he should be activated. Regardless, fantasy owners should be able to deploy Miller into their lineups sometime over the next week.
Yoan Moncada was held out of the White Sox lineup in their tilt against the Twins on Thursday. He tweaked his left hamstring on Wednesday and is currently day-to-day.
Adrian Beltre took batting practice and grounders with Rougned Odor on Thursday.
Adrian Beltre taking batting practice on the field…Odor is with him…they also both took ground balls pic.twitter.com/Xy4S81cEL4
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) May 3, 2018
There’s currently no hard timetable on Beltre’s return from a hamstring injury, but a rehab assignment will likely be on the horizon soon.
Dansby Swanson will be held out once again today with a sore left wrist. He’s day-to-day.
#Braves reliever Shane Carle will likely be available tomorrow after two days rest following finger/forearm “stinger.” Dansby Swanson will likely rest again tomorrow (sore wrist).
— David O’Brien (@DOBrienAJC) May 3, 2018
Zach Davies was placed on the disabled list with rotator cuff inflammation. He’s expected to only miss one turn and will be swapped for Jhoulys Chacin on Saturday.
Steve Pearce made it five innings on Thursday before leaving with an oblique injury that subsequently led to him being placed on the disabled list. There’s no timetable for his return and oblique ailments tend to linger.
Welington Castillo is day-to-day after being scratched from Thursday’s lineup with lower-abdominal pain.
Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Miles Mikolas vs. Cubs
He’s allowed 2 ER or fewer in three-straight outings, with a 17/2 K:BB ratio. The Cubs don’t present the best matchup, but Mikolas gets ahead in counts (66% F-Strike), gets swing-and-misses (10% SwStr), and keeps the ball on the ground (50% GB).
A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Tyler Mahle vs. MIA
Marlins offense is worst in MLB agaist RHP in wOBA (.267), second-worst in RPG on the road (3.25), and fifth-worst in K% (25%). Mahle has a 23/4 K:BB ratio in 3 GS at home, with two outings resulting in 6 IP and 3 ER or less allowed
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.
Albies isn’t a top 3 to 5 round player already?
I don’t think anyone thinks he’s going to hit 50 bombs but, I don’t understand wanting to trade him for a 36-60 ranked player. Seems like a lateral move, it’s not like he’s a fluky out of nowhere player.
I think he is comparable to Jose Ramirez moving forward
Yes, exactly this… illustrates the flaw of “selling high”. Maybe he is referring to redraft leagues, but man… if I’m selling high, it is for a first round talent. You would be nuts to target someone lower.
Also, I know this is fantasy, and we treat the players as just stat generators, but can we get a least one sentence acknowledging Ryu before moving on to Buehler? The man’s groin muscle SEPARATED FROM THE BONE. At least a moment of silence or something.
This is not a flawed method. Sure, Albies will be great the rest of the way, but I’m saying I’d rather bet on a Josh Donaldson type the rest of the way than Albies. This is a “Redraft” strategy, and one that if you see above, I said wasn’t necessary, just a suggestion if you are wanting to squeeze value. If you wanna say Albies is a top-15 player after a month then I’m the type that would give him to you for Kris Bryan and cross my fingers. As far as Ryu, I apologize for not being more sympathetic. It wasn’t intentional.
Appreciate the replies Mike,
First, I guess I see it as more than just a month of stats. He was great in the minors, even with being younger than everyone. He then showed some ‘unexpected’ power for 57 games last year in Atlanta and if you look, his ISO was sort up creeping up the whole time. And he was always kinda pegged for a great hit tool. So it’s more like 87 games with a .230 ISO
A lot of ingredients here for a great player.
I mean last couple of weeks he has been swinging like a madman, hard to blame him since everything he makes contact with seems to turn to gold. But even with some regression he seems like a top 2b option now, and for years to come.
JORam comp may have been aggressive because Albies has a lot to prove, sure, but I almost said Betts or Lindor
I agree! I love Albies, loved him prior to the season starting — have multiple shares — love honestly everything about him. We actually don’t truly know his ceiling yet. I’m more just suggesting a strategy in “One-Year” formats to capitalize on a start that some might think is 65-70% permanent for 2018. I think he’s a top-3 round player heading into next year when we see his bottom line at the end of this season, I just think from a team management perspective that there’s an opportunity to sell him for a top-tier player. I’m not arguing his skills, or that his breakout is crazy (I expected him to be great), I’m simply saying it’s worth a shot floating his name to see what one can get (In non-keeper formats).
Agreed. I was thinking about offering Goldschmidt for Albies. And I think it would be rejected.
Also, what is going on with Goldschmidt??? 32% K rate
I would take the Goldy side no questions asked
I’d if he’s 50 doubles 25 home runs, with 25steals with the average and positional versatiety yet….we all love albies but I don’t think he’s Jose ramirez yet…
Hes played a month of games, once he regresses this will be a different topic. I’d gladly trade him for anyone in that top-3 round area in REDRAFT. I think people are misunderstanding what I’m saying. If I could squeeze some value out of this I’d use Albies to do so, again, in a redraft league, but I’m in no way saying that it’s the glaring strategy. It’s just really easy to get caught up in early season numbers. If there’s guys that I think will be better from this point forward, why would I not want to take that? Could he be Jose Ramirez? Absolutely! But is he yet? Not after a month he’s not. Again, this comes from a place of love for Albies.