Roto Riteup: May 9, 2018

by
May 9, 2018

The Big Maple for the win!!!!

On the Agenda:
1. Paxton Throws No-Hitter
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Paxton Throws No Hitter
James Paxton became the first Canadian-born pitcher to throw a no-hitter on Canadian soil in the Mariners win over the Blue Jays on Tuesday.


Paxton threw 99 pitches in the outing – 64 of them for strikes – with 3 BB and 7 K. It’s the first complete game of his career and the sixth time in eight starts in which he’s allowed 2 ER or less (3.40 ERA) this season. Health has been the main concern for Paxton over the years, but he did log 170 IP between Triple-A and the majors in 2015. With his strikeout upside, he could catapult into the upper-echelon of fantasy starters if he hits even 150 IP.

 

Various News and Notes
Speaking of highly impactful pitching performances, Dylan Bundy failed to record a single out against the Royals on Tuesday – becoming the first pitcher in history to give up four home runs without tallying an out as well.


Bundy has now allowed 5 ER or more in each of his last three outings (19 ER), with nine of the runs allowed being round-trippers. His velocity has been a tick down during those three starts as well, which could mean things aren’t completely right with him physically. Either way, if Bundy is getting blown up against the Royals, he needs to be placed on the bench until further notice.

Adrian Beltre went 3-for-4 with 2 RBI out of the fourth spot in the lineup in his return from the disabled list against the Tigers on Tuesday. He missed about two weeks with a hamstring strain but he seems good-to-go.

Greg Bird went 1-for-3 with two walks in an extended spring training game in Clearwater on Tuesday. He should be sent on a minor league rehab assignment sometime within the coming days.


Remember when there were reports that Bird had a “coin size” calcium deposit in his ankle? Yeah, I bet that was fun. Be it as it may, he seems to be doing well at the moment, and has a chance to be with the Yankees at the end of the month if things play out right. Once he returns, he’s a viable fantasy play in all leagues besides possibly 10-team mixed.

Roberto Osuna was arrested and charged with assault on a woman Tuesday morning. He was later placed on administrative leave by the MLB. Suffice it to say, this is extremely disappointing and troubling news. Osuna is likely to face a lengthy suspension and is due in court for the matter on June 18th. Not that figuring out a replacement matters in the grand scheme of things, but Seung-Hwan Oh, John Axford. and Ryan Tepera are the likely candidates for the role while Osuna is not available – I like Oh the most.

The Mets traded Matt Harvey to the Reds in exchange for Devin Mesoraco on Tuesday.


The Mets and Reds played each other last night, but Mesoraco didn’t get a chance to start the game. He did however, see a pinch-hit appearance. With Travis d’Arnaud on the shelf, the Mets figure to roll with at least two catchers, but possibly even three (Jose Lobaton, Mesoraco, and Tomas Nido). Mesoraco hasn’t been a viable fantasy player since 2014, so there’s really nothing to see here until he shows us something. Harvey figures to supplant Brandon Finnegan in fairly short order, but they might end up with same results. For fantasy purposes this deal as a whole has very little implications to most leagues.

Todd Frazier was placed on the 10-day disabled list due to a hamstring injury. Jose Reyes and Wilmer Flores will be the main beneficiaries in terms of playing time.

Todd Frazier wasn’t the only player in baseball who was placed on the disabled list due to a hamstring problem on Tuesday. Leonys Martin – who was reported to be getting an MRI on his knee earlier in the day – was placed on the disabled list, with Mikie Mahtook getting recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. JaCoby Jones hit lead-off and started in center field for the Tigers in Martin’s place, but neither he or Mahtook are fantasy viable. The injury comes at a bad time for Martin, as he was seeing massive improvements across the board in term of batted-ball profile, power, and BA due to a swing change. He wasn’t even stealing yet! If you have room to stash him in deeper mixed leagues I’d advise doing so.

Justin Turner is aiming to return from the disabled list next week against either Miami or Washington.


Turner has been sidelined with a fractured left wrist, but he’s making strides. Fantasy owners will have to monitor his power output at first, as wrist injuries tend to sap power for a while until it’s “fully” healed. Regardless, the Dodgers and fantasy owners alike will certainly welcome his return.

Jonathan Schoop went 1-for-5 with a run scored and two RBI in his first game back from an oblique strain. He’s a solid top-10 option at second base despite the Orioles struggles.

Corey Knebel is done with his minor league rehab assignment and will be activated from the disabled list today. He’s been out since April 5th with a hamstring injury but should return to his role as closer immediately. The emergence of Josh Hader may see him lose some opportunities, but at large he’s one of the best closing options in fantasy.

Luiz Gohara was added to the Braves roster on Tuesday. He’s struggled with command and staying in shape in the minors this year but he showed well in spring and was the #3 prospect in the Braves system heading into the season according to Eric Longenhagen’s ranks. Deep league owners should grab him now in case he makes his way into a starting role sooner rather than later.

Keynan Middleton is expected to be activated from the disabled list later this week.


He walked the first two batters he faced in his latest rehab game but got out of the inning unscathed – striking out two hitters in the process. He’ll assume closer duties for the Angels when he returns.

Danny Salazar will be shut down from throwing for the next 7-to-10 days after receiving an injection due to shoulder impingement tendinitis.


He made a visit to see Dr. Keith Meister – the same person who performed Cody Anderson’s TJ surgery – and he confirmed the diagnosis. Fantasy owners can’t expect Salazar to return anytime soon, and this has the feeling of a situation that’s going to get worse before it gets better.

 

Streaming Pitchers
Pitcher for Today: Nick Pivetta vs SF
High-Risk Pitcher for Today: Francisco Liriano @ TEX

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None
High-Risk Pitcher for Tomorrow: Vincent Velasquez vs. SF
Velasquez has been terrible at home his last two starts, but the SF offense is last in RPG at home and have a 25% K as a team over the last week.





 

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.

3 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
CC AFCmember
5 years ago

Leonys Martin to the DL, you say? #FreeChristinStewart

2