Roto Riteup: September 10, 2015

I don’t usually get too personal in these digital pages, but yesterday afternoon’s post was my 500th here at RotoGraphs. Yeah, it’s an arbitrary number, and not to toot my own horn (that obviously isn’t my normal self-deprecating style), it’s pretty nifty. For what it’s worth, thank you to the readers and commenters. I wouldn’t be here without you.

On today’s agenda:
1. Jose Fernandez to start Saturday
2. Only two more starts for Matt Harvey?
3. Welcome back, Matt Adams
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Jose Fernandez to start Saturday
After throwing a pain-free bullpen on Wednesday the Marlins announced their plans to activate the talented 23-year-old this weekend. Fernandez will face off against against the Nationals for his first big league innings since August 7. The club didn’t say they’re going to give him any extra rest or keep him on a pitch count, so if Fernandez stays on normal rest he could pitch five more times this season, including the final game of the year. I’m skeptical of him actually making all five possible starts as Marlins aren’t in the thick of a playoff race, but after missing time coming back from Tommy John surgery and now shoulder inflammation, the Fish may want to stretch Fernandez out a bit to help prepare for next season.

Only two more starts for Matt Harvey?
Well, at least only two more in the regular season. Maybe. The Mets intend to use Harvey this weekend in an NYC showdown against the Yankees then for his final non-playoff start during the final series of the year against the Nationals. The plan isn’t set in stone however, and is apparently subject to change. For fellow weekly leaguers in head-to-head formats, this is the type of news that can sink your team’s playoff hopes. If you’re in a similar position, I’d consider dropping Harvey before rosters presumably lock for the playoffs.

Welcome back, Matt Adams
The Cardinals activated Adams prior to Wednesday’s matinee against the Cubs, though he didn’t appear in the game. Adams missed over three and a half months after suffering a torn right quad so I’m counting seeing him get eased back into things. The Cards don’t plan on using Adams in the field for the time being, so he’ll be limited to pinch hitting — then almost certainly lifted for a pinch runner. Until he can resume starts at first base he doesn’t hold much value, and with Brandon Moss hitting decently well, I don’t foresee Adams taking over for at least a week, maybe two, as the club gets him back up to speed for the playoffs. The Cardinals hold a solid 4.5 games over the Pirates, however leads like that have been blown before. Be sure to monitor Adams’ playing time (along with Moss’ hitting) to see if there is an urgent reason to ramp up Adams’ playing time.

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: A.J. Burnett vs MIL (Wily Peralta)
Fernandez isn’t the only pitcher to come back as Burnett has worked through a flexor strain in his right elbow to make today’s start. The Brewers rate about average against right-handers and I worry about starting a guy fresh from an injury, but none of the other stream candidates inspire me. I admit this is a pretty liberal use of the term “stream” as Burnett is free to stream in over 30 percent of CBS leagues, 40 percent of Yahoo! formats and over 50 percent of ESPN settings.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Erik Johnson vs MIN (Ervin Santana)
Johnson posted a strong Triple-A season, sporting a 2.37 ERA — backed by a 2.57 FIP — with 136 strikeouts in 132 2/3 innings. The Twins aren’t a particularly difficult lineup and I think Johnson is poised for a strong outing. Look to stream him in over 90 percent of the major three fantasy sites.