Roto Riteup: September 1, 2020

True Story:

On the Agenda:
1. COVID Issues
2. Closer Chaos
3. Trades!!!
4. Quick Hits
5. Various News and Notes
6. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues
The Athletics and Mariners series was postponed through Wednesday according to the A’s. Bob Nightengale also tweeted that there are no new positives within the organization, so hopefully the weekend series will be on versus the Padres.

Isan Diaz has opted back in for the season. Diaz opted out before the start of the season, but as we saw with Nick Markakis, that is not permanent if the player wants back in. He is likely only NL Only relevant rest of the way.

 

Closer Chaos
Diego Castillo got the save on Monday for the Rays over the Yankees. This is Castillo’s second save in the last three games for Castillo, so he may be emerging as the favorite in the Rays bullpen for the ninth inning.

Greg Holland got the save on Monday for the Royals versus the Indians. With Trevor Rosenthal gone, it appears that Holland is likely the next man up, but it is hard to trust Mike Matheny right now especially since Scott Barlow got a save last week and was brought in to keep the game close in the eighth. The Royals aren’t likely going to win a ton of games moving forward anyhow, so it may not be worth the speculation outside of AL Only.

 

Trades!!!
Mike Clevinger and Greg Allen were traded to the San Diego Padres for Austin Hedges, Josh Naylor, Cal Quantrill, Gabriel Arias, Joey Cantillo, and Owen Miller. This was not the deal that most thought the Indians would get for Clevinger, but it bolsters their depth and adds a high upside prospect in Arias and a couple of young players that have a bit of Major League experience in Naylor and Quantrill. The Padres also acquired Taylor Williams for a player to be named later, but he likely isn’t in line for saves right now.

Mike Minor was traded to the A’s for two players to be named later. Minor has struggled this season, but it would be surprising if the A’s can use him more effectively as a multi-inning reliever or a starter that doesn’t go deep into games.

The Blue Jays acquired Robbie Ray from the Diamondbacks for Travis Bergen, Jonathan Villar from the Marlins for Griffin Conine, and Ross Stripling from the Dodgers for two players to be named later. This is not a great landing spot for Ray or Stripling as Buffalo is not a great place to pitch, but both have upside and maybe the Blue Jays saw something in them that they can tweak. Villar should fill in around the diamond for the Jays and maintain the same value he has had for the Marlins.

Archie Bradley was traded to the Reds for Josh Van Meter and Stuart Fairchild. The Reds also acquired Brian Goodwin from the Angels for Packy Naughton. Bradley should get high leverage work, but it is unclear whether he will be closing for the Reds or whether incumbent Rasiel Iglesias will keep the role.

The Phillies traded for David Phelps from the Brewers for Brandon Ramey, Israel Puello, and Juan Geraldo. Phelps has been great this year, but he is still only NL Only relevant.

The Cubs acquired Josh Osich from the Red Sox for a player to be named later, Cameron Maybin from the Tigers for Zack Short, and Andrew Chafin from the Diamondbacks.

The Marlins acquired Starling Marte for Caleb Smith, Humberto Mejia and a player to be named later. This was a weird trade for the Diamondbacks. Apparently they had made the decision that they were not going to pick up Marte’s 2021 option which made him expendable. Smith has been on the IL due to COVID, but has shown promise in the past in short spurts and could benefit from the humidor in Arizona.

The Rockies acquired Kevin Pillar from the Red Sox for a player to be named later. This spells bad news for Garrett Hampson who was getting more playing time in center with David Dahl on the IL. Pillar doesn’t do much offensively, but should play regularly because of his defense.

The Mets added Miguel Castro from the Orioles for Kevin Smith and Robinson Chirinos and Todd Frazier from the Rangers for two players to be named later. These are all depth moves and none likely do much for their fantasy values.

 

Quick Hits
Ian Kennedy was placed on the IL with a calf strain. Kennedy might have been a darkhorse for saves with Trevor Rosenthal being dealt, but it now seems even more unlikely.

Jesse Winker was suspended for one game due to a benches clearing incident that occured over the weekend. He will play while he appeals.

Scott Kingery was placed on the 10-Day IL with a back injury. The Phillies activated Jay Bruce from the IL to take his spot on the roster.

Rougned Odor was placed on the IL with an eye issue. There is no timetable for his return, but the Rangers did wait a while before putting him on the IL, so they may have hoped it would clear up quickly.

Yandy Diaz was removed from the game on Monday with a hamstring issue. Consider him day-to-day for now.

Brendan Rodgers was placed on the IL with a shoulder injury. This is the same shoulder that he had surgery on last season, so it is concerning. Rodgers is still worth stashing in dynasty, but he may never reach his potential.

Ji-Man Choi left Monday’s game with a stomach issue. Sounds like the flu, so he is probably just day to day for now.

Brandon Woodruff was placed on the paternity leave list. He should be back for his next turn in the rotation.

 

Various News and Notes
Ke’Bryan Hayes is expected to make his Major League debut on Tuesday versus the Cubs. Hayes figures to play everyday for the Pirates at third base. He should be able to contribute in all categories, but he doesn’t have a carrying tool that makes him special in fantasy.

The Angels called up prospect Jahmai Jones for his Major League debut on Monday. Jones was once a prospect of note, but has struggled with his average. According to our own Eric Logenhagen, he suffered with an abnormally BABIP and underlying the numbers are promising. He is eligible at 2B and OF on a number of sites and has a ton of speed. The Angels have no reason not give him some playing time to see what he can deliver, which makes him an interesting pick up in deeper formats.

Oscar Mercado was recalled from the Indians alternative training site on Monday. Mercado struggled mightily before being sent down, but the Indians outfield has been a mess and it was a matter of time before he got another shot. Mercado has upside especially in the speed department, he is worth a stash to see if he has figured something out.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today:None

High Risk Options: Chad Kuhl vs CHC

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Michael Wacha at BAL
The results haven’t been there for Wacha, but the skills are there. I like this matchup as well.

High Risk Options: Jakob Junis vs CLE, John Means vs NYM





Justin is the co-host on The Sleeper and The Bust Podcast and writes for Rotographs covering the Roto Riteup as well as other periodic articles. In addition to his work at Rotographs, Justin is the lead fantasy writer/analyst and co-owner for FriendswithFantasyBenefits.com, and the owner of The Great Fantasy Baseball Invitational. He is also a certified addiction treatment counselor. Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinMasonFWFB.

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Jackie T.
3 years ago

I don’t understand the tweet.