Roto Riteup: May 4, 2022

That look when you realize it is only Wednesday.

Wonder how much he saved on that ticket? pic.twitter.com/M7RkWiMPxq

— Cut4 (@Cut4) May 3, 2022

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

Edmundo Sosa was placed on the COVID IL on Tuesday. It sounds like he tested positive which would mean he would be out for at least 10 days. Yadier Molina was also scratched from the lineup with symptoms though he reportedly tested negative. This could be the start of a larger issue in St. Louis because on top of Sosa, there were at least four members of the staff for the Cardinals that tested positive according to President of Operations John Mozeliak. 

 

Closer Chaos

Josh Hader is dealing with a back spasm issue according to manager Craig Counsell. He is considered day-to-day at this time. Devin Williams is likely the next man up until Hader is ready to return which should be soon as Hader threw a successful bullpen on Tuesday.

 

Quick Hits

Max Kepler left Tuesday’s game due to non-COVID sickness. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Nelson Cruz left Tuesday’s game with a stiff back. This does not appear to be serious, so consider him day-to-day for now. 

 

Various News and Notes

Jo Adell was optioned to AAA by the Angels. Adell struggled again in this go around in the Majors. There was some optimism after that he would be a different player after a promising end to last season and a hot spring, but that was not to be with a 36% strikeout rate and a 1.5% walk rate. Adell has a ton of natural talent, but until he can fix the swing and miss, he will struggle to stick in the Majors. 

Juan Yepez was called up to the Majors by the Cardinals on Tuesday. Yepez was hitting .280/.326/.634 with eight home runs in 89 plate appearances in AAA a season after hitting .286/.383/.586 with 27 home runs between AA and AAA. Yepez will have an opportunity, but it may be short lived depending on how long Edmundo Sosa is out for. 

Kevin Smith went 1-for-4 with a grand slam in the victory over the Rays on Tuesday. 

KEVIN SMITH GRAND SLAM!!!!!! #DrumTogether pic.twitter.com/Ui4w9XkG4t

— Oakland A's (@Athletics) May 4, 2022

Smith has struggled in his time in Oakland since being part of the Chapman trade to Toronto. However, he has played regularly and there is enough pop with plenty of speed in the profile. He has a near league average zone contact percentage with a 10% barrel rate. I think there is enough here to keep an eye on for deeper leagues.

Michael Wacha threw 5.2 scoreless innings in the victory over the Angels, allowing just three hits and two walks while striking out two.

Michael Wacha puts together another great start for the #RedSox:

5.2 IP – 60 Pitches/42 Strikes
3 Hits Allowed
0 ER/R
2 K
2 BB

He now has a 1.38 ERA on the season.#DirtyWater| #MLB pic.twitter.com/I9eHJyhvfM

— Tyler Milliken ⚾️ (@tylermilliken_) May 4, 2022

Wacha did a good job of keeping a dangerous lineup off balance but it didn’t result in many strikeouts. While he has been great on the surface this season, I am worried that the regression is coming soon and it won’t be pretty.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: None

Some interesting high risk options, but none that I truly trust. 

High Risk Options: Elieser Hernandez vs ARI, Kyle Bradish vs MIN, Kris Bubic vs STL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  Adrian Houser vs CIN

Houser has been very good so far and Cincy has been atrocious. 

High Risk Options: Taijuan Walker at PHI, Reid Detmer at BOS, Nick Martinez vs MIA, Rich Hill vs LAA. 

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”