Roto Riteup: September 12, 2015

Today’s Roto Riteup quietly wishes the postseason was upon us.

On today’s agenda:
1. Various news and notes
2. Streaming Pitcher Options

Various news and notes
Colby Lewis nearly threw a perfect game against the A’s last night, but had to settle for a Maddux instead. With 15 wins under his belt and a WHIP of 1.21, Lewis has actually been a decent contributor to roto teams willing to take a hit in ERA. Lewis barely sits at 88 with his fastball anymore, but he gets away with it by focusing on his slider, which he now throws about once every three pitches. I’m interested to see what Lewis could do in a pitcher’s park when hitting free agency after the season, but outside of 2011, he’s actually been better in Texas than on the road. Weird!

Did you know that Didi Gregorius is now hitting .270 this year with nine homers? Betcha didn’t. Against right-handed pitchers, Gregorius’ average rises to .279. Since the All-Star break, Gregorius is hitting .318 — sure there’s a .347 BABIP involved, but don’t poop on my point. Gregorius won’t even turn 26 until next year, so there’s hope yet that he could be a decent hitter, and more than a halfway valuable contributor in AL-only leagues.

Alex Guerrero is going to be out a few days after injuring his left calf last night against the Diamondbacks. After an early season explosion, Guerrero’s line sits at .231/.259/.446.

Cole Hamels is having his scheduled Sunday start pushed back a day. Chi Chi Gonzalez will be recalled to start against the A’s instead. Gonzalez struck out 26 batters and walked 25 in his previous 55 big league innings, so there’s no need to stream him.

Alec Asher’s first three big league starts have not gone well. Asher has allowed five homers and balked twice, and now carries a somewhat impressive 2.02 WHIP. Asher had the potential to be a fringe back-end starter, but after this performance, he’ll likely be destined for the bullpen in the near future. Expect the Phillies to give him another shot in Spring Training, but good luck with that. Luckily for whomever takes over in the front office, Asher was the least of all the prospects received in the Cole Hamels trade.

---

Streaming Pitcher Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Zach Davies at PIT (Jeff Locke)
I’m a big fan of Davies and his changeup, as you may be able to tell if you noticed I also recommended him last week.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Brad Hand vs WAS (Max Scherzer)
Hand will be available for cheap and can easily turn in a quality start at home. Build your lineup knowing your second SP will allow you some flexibility.