Roto Riteup: October 2, 2015
We’re heading into the final weekend of regular season action! This will be my last Roto Riteup of the year, and I’d just like to thank the readers for your time and for your comments. You guys rock.
On today’s agenda:
1. Jerad Eickhoff cruises
2. Welcome back, Maikel Franco
3. Chris Carter is socking dingers
4. Streaming Pitching Options
Jerad Eickhoff cruises
In his final start of the 2015 season, Eickhoff posted his best big league outing on Thursday. The 25-year-old tossed seven scoreless frames against the Mets, sitting down 10 of them on strikes and allowing just four hits and one walk on the day. It was the second consecutive start where Eickhoff fanned 10 batters, and he’s headed to the off-season after posting a 2.65 ERA/3.26 FIP/3.61 xFIP across 51 innings in the show. I’ve been pleasantly surprised after picking up the right-hander as, according to Brooks Baseball, his slider and curve have generated plenty of whiffs. He’s probably still in the realm of sleeper status — and I’m not convinced Eickhoff will repeat his .257 BABIP next year — yet I’m willing to take a late round chance on him.
Welcome back, Maikel Franco
Sticking with Philadelphia for a moment longer, the team welcomed back their third baseman today. Franco was activated prior to Thursday game however he didn’t appear in it. Out since mid-August dealing with a broken left wrist, I was skeptical we’d see Franco back in any capacity this season. The team hopes to get the 23-year-old into the lineup sometime this weekend and given the probable pitchers, I like Franco in DFS today and on Sunday when he’ll hold the platoon advantage. Franco hasn’t fared too well against southpaws in his short major league career, yet he hit them for a 30 point higher OPS than right-handers in the minors.
Chris Carter is socking dingers
Speaking of DFS options, Carter has been on fire lately. I don’t buy into any predictive qualities one can glean from just a handful of games, but Carter has shown power streaks before. In the two weeks since September 17, the slugger has smacked six home runs and posted a .409/.480/1.273 line in 26 plate appearances. Despite holding the platoon advantage just once in the final three games, I don’t see Carter sitting at all given the Astros had their off day on Thursday. Of course, if they fall out of the playoff race, all bets are off for who rests on the final day.
Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.
A pitcher for today: Henry Owens at CLE (Josh Tomlin)
Despite the Tribe hitting lefties around a league average mark, I like Owens’ 12.1 percent swinging strike rate to help power him to a quality start and a win today. Look to stream him in over 60 percent of CBS formats as well as 80 percent of ESPN and Yahoo! leagues.
A pitcher for tomorrow: Kyle Hendricks at MIL (Tyler Wagner)
I’m rolling with Hendricks yet again as I’ve enjoyed streaming him quite a bit this season. The Brewers offense isn’t great against right-handers and they’re tied with the Twins for the eighth highest strikeout rate. Jump on the Hendricks train with me in 38 percent of CBS leagues and 80 percent of Yahoo! or ESPN settings.
You can catch David spouting off about baseball, soccer, esports and other things by following him on twitter, @davidwiers.
thanks for all the riteups. its been a good summer, i look forward to reading next season
My sentiments exactly as the above post, David. I’m not sure at this point that I’ll be playing fantasy again next year, but if I do I promise to drop a deluge of questions on you again, lol.
One last question for the season: do you think the Nats will really start Scherzer tomorrow, as scheduled, in a meaningless game? The 200 million dollar arm?
I ask because I have four more starts permitted between now and Sunday. I could go with Rubby DLR vs. the Astros tonight along with Arrieta and Keuchel.
I’m assuming that Kluber will start tomorrow, but just in case he doesn’t I have Severino in reserve.
I can’t see why the Nats would start Scherzer. What are your thoughts?
And thanks again both for the baseball advice and the occasional soccer (football) comments.
Looking at the weather report for NYC, I may not have to worry about that. Gio’s start tonight will cancelled almost certainly.
Then he gets pushed up to Saturday probably. Which means that if Max starts it will be on Sunday. I’m even more doubtful he starts then, but it means I can use Rubby or Severino vs. Baltimore. Which one do you like more?
If Scherzer gets bumped, I’d take Rubby over Severino.
The Yanks would be fools to make their second best pitcher toss more than 70 or so pitches. I know saving the bullpen for the wild card game is important, and Tanaka has been up and down over the past month, but still. The Yanks can use a long man (or two) to cover innings in a meaningless game against the O’s.
Trying to predict what the Nats will do feels like trying to predict the Rockies. Just throwing stuff at the wall, really.
If I had to bet, yeah, I’d say they start Scherzer.
And I’m always up for some great baseball or football talk!
thanx yo!
Thanks for all your help this year.