Roto Riteup: September 13, 2024
Me anytime I write an article without making a grammatical error:
Even Dylan Crews was shocked that he tracked this one down 😯 pic.twitter.com/EH3pQCJErk
— MLB (@MLB) September 13, 2024
On the Agenda:
- Quick Hits
- Various News and Notes
- Streaming Pitchers
Quick Hits
Chas McCormick was placed on the IL with a fractured wrist. This will end his season. Grae Kessinger was recalled to take his spot on the roster.
Alex Cobb was placed on the IL with a blister. He is expected to miss the minimum, but that likely means he only makes one more start this season.
Will Benson left Thursday’s game after being hit on the hand with a pitch while trying to bunt.
Will Benson left the game after being hit on the hand when squaring around to bunt in the top of the sixth inning against the Cardinals. pic.twitter.com/crSIcrUKqv
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) September 12, 2024
X-rays were negative. Consider him day-to-day for now.
Tyler Fitzgerald left Thursday’s game with back stiffness. Consider him day-to-day for now.
Various News and Notes
Hayden Birdsong threw five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and a walk while striking out four in the no-decision versus the Brewers on Thursday.
Hayden Birdsong, Dirty 88mph Changeup. 👌 pic.twitter.com/m2eIjRV0rz
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 13, 2024
Birdsong was fantastic, getting a 100% whiff rate on his slider. That’s right, I said a 100% whiff rate. Birdsong has really good stuff, but struggles with command and control. If he can learn to reign it in, then he could be a pitcher to target next season.
Brendan Donovan went 1-for-1 with a home run in the victory over Reds on Thursday.
Brendan Donovan – St. Louis Cardinals (12) pic.twitter.com/6NSqJTFGKY
— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) September 12, 2024
Donovan came into the game as a pinch hitter and came up huge. Donovan has quietly had a really nice season, hitting .272/.337/.405 with 12 home runs and four stolen bases in 584 plate appearances this year. He doesn’t register in shallow formats, but he is a nice accumulator in deeper leagues.
Kumar Rocker made his Major League debut on Thursday, throwing four innings and allowing one run on three hits and two walks while striking out seven in the no-decision versus the Mariners.
Kumar Rocker, White Castle Special. 🤮🍔🍔🍔
In case you were wondering how filthy Rocker's Slider is…here's Exhibit A. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ah4LvOtG3D
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 13, 2024
Rocker was as advertised, getting a 62% whiff rate on his slider. The stuff is fantastic, but he did have moments where he struggled with command and control, but the Mariners were unable to take advantage. The sky’s the limit on Rocker, but there is some risk if he can’t learn to command the stuff.
Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: DJ Herz vs MIA
Herz has been great recently and faces a punchless Miami team.
High Risk Options: Zack Littell at CLE, Jose Quintana at PHI, Luis Ortiz vs KC, Edward Cabrera at WAS, Landon Knack at ATL, Alec Marsh at PIT.
Pitcher for Tomorrow: Nick Martinez at MIN
Martinez has been fantastic on the road this season and faces a Twins offense that has been lackluster over the last month.
High Risk Options: Joey Cantillo vs TB, Simeon Woods Richardson vs CIN, Patrick Corbin vs MIA.
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.