Roto Riteup: May 9, 2023

My man does it all:

Cedric Mullins lays OUT to earn Play of the Week presented by @Chevrolet! pic.twitter.com/YTJ4OkUiOM

— MLB (@MLB) May 8, 2023

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested.

 

Quick Hits

Mason Miller is dealing with an elbow issue. He is heading back to Oakland for further evaluation, but this is really concerning for a guy that has missed a ton of time due to injury since getting drafted. Consider him day-to-day, but I would expect him to hit the IL. 

Jose Suarez was placed on the IL with shoulder injury. Suarez has pitched awfully this season so it is not surprising that something was physically wrong with him. There is no timetable for his return. Chase Silseth is expected to take his spot in the rotation. 

Victor Robles was placed on the IL with a back issue. This doesn’t sound super serious, so hopefully it will be a minimum stay. 

Ramon Laureano left Monday’s game with a neck injury after this play:

Hell of a play by Ramon Laureano, but he's down getting checked by trainers now pic.twitter.com/j3xVW1T0tl

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 8, 2023

He is in concussion protocol and may hit the 7-Day IL. Consider him day to day for now.

Ramon Urias left Monday’s game with a hamstring injury. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Nico Hoerner left Monday’s game with a hamstring injury. Consider him day-to-day for now.

 

Various News and Notes
Christopher Morel was called up on Monday. Morel has been fantastic in AAA, hitting .330/.425/.730 with 11 home runs and four stolen bases. However, he is still striking out at a 30% rate which was the reason why he was unable to make the Opening Day roster. The power and speed combo is tantalizing, but if he cannot make consistent contact, he will be back in the minor leagues.

Joey Wiemer went 2-for-3 with a home run in the victory over the Dodgers on Monday.

Joey Wiemer – Milwaukee Brewers (3)
pic.twitter.com/3h68fbLaYx

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) May 9, 2023

Wiemer has shown power and speed as expected, but he has struggled with making consistent contact which is also as advertised. With Tyrone Taylor now back on the roster, he will need to hit to keep playing time in the Brewers outfield. The upside is immense, but I worry that the lack of a hit tool can be a real issue.

Jon Gray threw seven innings versus the Mariners allowing one run on four hits and no walks while striking out eight in the victory on Monday.

Jon Gray, Wicked 88mph Slider. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/Ua6576AOvp

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 9, 2023

Well, this was unexpected. I was really worried that Gray was hurt because he has not looked right all season, but he was stellar in this one, working with improved velocity and getting a 50% CSW on the slider and 36% overall. I am not completely ready to say he is back to what we thought Gray could be, but this is really encouraging.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Clarke Schmidt vs OAK

Schmidt has pitched better of late and gets to face the worst team in baseball. 

High Risk Options: Jameson Taillon vs STL, Louie Varland vs SD, Luis Ortiz vs COL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow:  Jhony Brito vs OAK

Brito has been up and down this season, but nothing gets you right like the A’s coming to town. 

High Risk Options:  Sean Manaea vs WAS, Rich Hill vs COL, Peyton Battenfield vs DET Kyle Muller at NYY. 

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 my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”