Roto Riteup — Presented by DraftKings: July 31, 2014

Today’s Roto Riteup is excited about this afternoon’s trade deadline.

On today’s agenda:
1. Justin Masterson to the Cardinals
2. An update on Michael Wacha
3. Fun with arbitrary endpoints
4. The Feasible Five

Justin Masterson to the Cardinals
Masterson was dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals yesterday afternoon in exchange for outfield prospect James Ramsey. Masterson has struggled with his command and velocity this year, but his profile is still the same: sinkers, sinkers, sinkers, and sliders. Playing in St. Louis will help Masterson slightly, but his biggest upgrade could be the Cardinals’ infield defense, which UZR rates well above the Indians’. Of course, the lack of a DH in the NL will also help.

Going back to the Indians is Ramsey, who is never likely to be a fantasy relevant player. He could be tempting in AL-OBP leagues in a couple years, but that’s about it.

An update on Michael Wacha
Wacha could start to come back from his shoulder injury sometime next week, but it will start as simple as a throwing program. Wacha’s injury is forcing the Cardinals to bring him along slowly, and they don’t plan on having him back any time in August. The hope is that Wacha can come back sometime in early September, but with the addition of Masterson, perhaps pushing Wacha along will not be as needed, leading to a potential for better long-term health. If you’re in a re-draft league, you might be in a situation where dropping Wacha is necessary to free up a DL spot, and you shouldn’t feel bad when doing so.

Fun with arbitrary endpoints
All stats are through Tuesday unless otherwise noted.

Justin Masterson, 2014 vRH: 203 TBF, 28.6% Ks, 13.3% BBs, 61.8% GB%
Justin Masterson, 2014 vLH: 249 TBF, 14,1% Ks, 11.7% BBs, 56.3% GB%

Felix Doubront, career outside of Fenway: 192.1 IP, 23 HR, 8.3 K/9, 1.86 K/BB, 4.59 ERA

Dustin Ackley, July: 81 PA, .390/.405/.506; .469 BABIP, 13 K, 2 BB

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The Feasible Five

SP: Yordano Ventura | $6,400 | vMIN
SP: Drew Smyly | $7,000 | vCHW
1B: Eric Hosmer | $3,900 | vMIN (Kevin Correia)
3B: Pedro Alvarez | $3,900 | @AZ (Josh Collmenter)
OF: Kole Calhoun | $4,300 | @BAL (Bud Norris)

Some early games today, so make sure to get your lineups set.

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