Roto Riteup: May 9, 2019

by
May 9, 2019

“Now walk it out”

 

On the Agenda
1. Chris Sale
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Chris Sale
Chris Sale continued his recent string of success, spinning eight innings of three-hit ball – one earned run – with 14 strikeouts and no walks.

 

The biggest source of optimism for Sale moving forward is his increase in fastball usage. Yesterday he threw fastballs over 50% of the time – resulting in an almost 15% SwStr. His average velocity on his four-seamer was a shade over 93 mph, another good sign. This is now four strong starts overall. Three of the outings have come against inferior competition (DET, CWS, BAL), but regardless, Sale is looking as if he’s figuring things out. The window to “buy low” is probably closed. Side note: Something else pretty incredible happened in the same game.

Various News and Notes
Starting in place of the injured James Paxton, Jonathan Loaisiga allowed 4 ER in 4 IP with 2 BB and 3 K against the Mariners on Wednesday. Loaisiga is a high-upside arm who will certainly have his bumps in the road. With that said, he’s going to receive at least a couple more turns in the Yankees rotation in the short term, and could be a viable option during that time.

Speaking of the Yankees, MLB Pipeline released multiple landing spots for the top-30 International Prospects, and the NYY look like the most likely landing spot for Jasson Dominguez, the top player on the list.

Get to know those names, as a lot of them could be fantasy relevant in a few years.

Kyle Gibson had by far his best start of the year against the lowly Blue Jays offense – logging six innings of two-hit ball – allowing one run, with 11 strikeouts and one walk. The outing puts him at 3-1 for the season, with a 4.10 ERA, 3.48 xFIP, 51% GB, 9.3 K/9, and 2.6 BB/9.

Elvis Andrus went 3-for-5 with a double, run scored, and two stolen bases in the Rangers 9-6 victory over the Pirates on Wednesday. The stolen bases were his seventh and eighth of the year, surpassing his total of five from 2018. His Statcast Sprint Speed is troubling – as he currently sits just inside the top-200 – but his overall speed score is consistent with 2017 levels, a season in which he tallied 25 steals. The Rangers are second in stolen base attempts per game, telling me that we’ll continue to see Andrus receive the green light. His stock is rising.

The Red Sox are attempting to make Michael Chavis even more versatile.

He didn’t start yesterday’s game, and the Red Sox seem like they want Eduardo Nunez to keep getting at-bats. Dustin Pedroia is attempting to come back, Brock Holt will try to return as well, so it couldn’t hurt having Chavis learn another position. The best part of all of this is that it seems like the Red Sox want to keep him up. His offensive upside is worth owning pretty much anywhere (48% owned on ESPN).

I’m a Rays fan, it’s not a secret, and as a Tampa fan I’d like to display my complete and utter exuberance for the news of Austin Meadows being set to be activated from the IL on Friday. He needs to be picked up or activated in every format. Now for the bad news. Nate Lowe – who was hitting .257/.289/.314 in 38 PA since being called up – was sent down. This is very upsetting for me, as I believe he’s more equipped to help the club (and fantasy owners) more than say, Ji-Man Choi. With that said, this could be a quick situation depending on the Rays players health, and even Choi’s production. Those that blew their FAAB on him last weekend should not drop him as of yet. He’s going to be back up and he’s going to be a top-10 option once he is.

Delino DeShields Jr. is being sent down to Triple-A Nashville.

Deep-league owners should keep tabs on Guzman. He could be a viable fantasy option if he comes back and hits. As far as the rest of the Rangers, this moves Joey Gallo to center field, and probably keeps the somehow productive Danny Santana in the lineup. Those that have rode Santana this long should keep doing so until the inevitable downfall occurs.

The Cubs closer situation has become a bit more muddied.

One of our “Bullpen Report” writers – Greg Jewett – currently has Steve Cishek and Brad Brach sharing the role on his current chart. You can find that, and all other closer info either on the “Bullpen Report” column, or on Greg’s personal chart.

Addison Russell returned to the starting lineup on Wednesday, playing second base and hitting eighth. He went 0-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout. He was met with a ton of boos during his first plate appearance (deservedly so), and he’s expected to split time at second base moving forward. He hasn’t been fantasy relevant for a while now, but he’s worth keeping your eye on in deeper leagues.

Austin Riley started in left field in Triple-A yesterday. The Braves are going to start using him in the outfield a couple of times a week since they already have Josh Donaldson and Johan Camargo manning third base. Riley is a nice spec-add in deeper leagues if you have room, as his power is ready to play now, and the Braves could call him up very soon.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
A Pitcher for Today: None

High-Risk Option: Chris Bassitt vs CIN
I mean….the Reds just got no-hit by Mike Fiers.

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Jake Odorizzi vs DET
The Tigers offense is awful on the road, as well as against RHP and over the last week. Odorizzi has allowed three runs over his last four starts combined, to go along with a 23/6 K:BB (24.1 IP).

High-Risk Option: Pablo Lopez at NYM
Strikeout per inning, 50% GB, 3.64 SIERA, the Mets offense is dead last in wRC+ (45) over the last week…..sign me up.





 

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.

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peterpen
4 years ago

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