Roto Riteup: September 13, 2022
It is unfair how talented he is:
No matter where you put him, Mookie will flash the leather. pic.twitter.com/9XU7FKu9fv
— MLB (@MLB) September 13, 2022
On the Agenda:
- Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
- COVID Issues
- Quick Hits
- Various News and Notes
- Streaming Pitchers
Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. Will add a link once available.
COVID Issues
Justin Dunn was placed on the IL without a designation. This is typically a COVID issue and something to watch in Cincinnati.
Quick Hits
Tommy La Stella was placed on the IL with neck spasms. This will likely end his season. Willie Calhoun was recalled to take his spot on the roster.
Various News and Notes
Trevor Rogers threw 6.1 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out nine in the no-decision versus the Rangers.
Trevor Rogers, 3Ks in the 2nd. pic.twitter.com/emUK8xZACK
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 12, 2022
Rogers was actually scoreless through six innings before giving up the runs in the seventh inning. Rogers was fantastic, but most importantly, his changeup was working really well. He got eight whiffs on the change and his fastball velocity was very good as well and he even threw the fastest pitch of his career in the outing. Rogers has pitched well since returning and will be likely undervalued especially early in draft season.
Aristides Aquino went 2-for-3 with a home run in the loss to the Pirates on Monday.
Aristides Aquino gives the Reds the lead pic.twitter.com/PFoyRyy9iU
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) September 12, 2022
Aquino has been dreadful in limited playing time this year, but he is on fire right now, hitting .333 with four home runs in the month of September. The Reds have two double headers remaining this week which should mean he will play quite a bit here, so if he is available, he is a really nice pick up in leagues that allow mid-week pickups.
Jon Gray threw 3.2 innings allowing an unearned run on two hits and no walks while striking out five in a no-decision versus the Marlins.
Jon Gray was back on the mound!@Rangers | #StraightUpTX | 📺: BSSW pic.twitter.com/OxF3Gn3Vsg
— Bally Sports Southwest (@BallySportsSW) September 13, 2022
This was Gray’s first start back from the IL, so it is not surprising that he only threw 45 pitches in this one. 39 of his 45 pitches were thrown for strikes. His velocity was right in line with where it was prior to the injury and his slider was filthy, getting a 53% CSW. He may be limited in his next start as well, but he is a potential difference maker down the stretch.
Ryne Nelson threw six scoreless innings versus the Dodgers, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out six in the no-decision on Monday.
Ryne Nelson can pitch man.
Baby Backs are tough pic.twitter.com/8MtgGkfSts
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) September 13, 2022
Nelson was impressive again, getting a 31% CSW on his fastball while throwing it 69% of the time (nice.) The curve was pretty impressive as well, but he only threw it 14 times out of the 81 pitches he threw. Nelson has had a nice start to his MLB career, but there are red flags. He is mostly a one pitch guy at this point and needs to begin throwing his secondary pitches more frequently or eventually he will get hit around. He also can struggle with command which is even more troublesome when you add that to his lack of a full repertoire. I think he can be trusted right now, but I want to see more growth from him before I start getting excited for next season.
Javier Assad threw six innings versus the Mets, allowing one run on five hits and three walks while striking out six in the victory on Monday.
Ryne Nelson can pitch man.
Baby Backs are tough pic.twitter.com/8MtgGkfSts
— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) September 13, 2022
Assad stymied a pretty good Mets lineup, working mostly with his cutter and four seamer, getting a 30+% CSW on both pitches. He isn’t particularly overpowering, but when the control and command are there, he can make it all work. He has a pretty nice schedule with the Marlins in Miami and the Pirates in Pittsburgh for his next two starts, so he makes for a nice team streamer.
Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Bailey Falter at MIA
Falter has pitched well lately and faces a Marlins team that struggles versus lefties.
High Risk Options: Dean Kremer at WAS, Jose Suarez at CLe, Ken Waldichuk at TEX, Cody Morris vs LAA, Luis Cessa vs PIT, Cole Ragans vs OAK, Adrian Sampson 샘슨 at NYM.
Pitcher for Tomorrow: Roansy Contreras at CIN
Don’t love when guys are pitching at Great American Ballpark, but Roansy has been so good recently.
High Risk Options: David Peterson vs CHC, Zack Greinke at MIN, Drew Smyly vs CHC, Brayan Bello vs NYY, Dane Dunning vs OAK, Austin Voth at WAS.
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.
Rogers run scored after an extremely generous call on a ball that bounced off the CF’s glove