Roto Riteup: September 21, 2018

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September 21, 2018

And we’re the two best friends that anybody could have.

On the Agenda:
1. Mookie Helps Red Sox Clinch
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

Mookie Helps Red Sox Clinch
Mookie Betts went 4-for-5 with three extra-base hits, including a three-run home run to help clinch an AL East title for the Boston Red Sox.


The Yankees were ahead in this game until the seventh inning, but the Red Sox offense was just too much to overcome in the later innings. Congratulations to them and their pursuit of a title. Nothing really to add from a fantasy perspective here. The Yankees saw Luke Voit hit his third home run in two days and Giancarlo Stanton swat his 35th bomb of the year, but other than that it’s status quo across the board.

Various News and Notes
The Rays called up Austin Meadows from Triple-A Durham. While he didn’t receive the start against the Blue Jays yesterday, the uber-talented outfielder who was acquired in the Chris Archer deal performed well in his stint with the Bulls (.344/.396/.771, 10 HR, 22 RBI, 1 SB, 96 PA), and with the Rays basically out of the playoff hunt, he should receive a good amount of playing time down the stretch. His ability to contribute in all five categories makes him a very intriguing player heading into 2019 drafts. He just went in the 12th round of my #2EarlyMock and it could end up being higher once draft time rolls around next season.

After undergoing a series of tests, Wilmer Flores was diagnosed with arthritis in both his knees and is done for the season. He’s supposed to be fully recovered heading into the 2019 season. The Mets infield situation is mostly consistent at the moment, so no real changes will be coming in playing time for anyone.

Chritin Stewart went 2-for-4 with two home runs, a walk, and six RBI hitting out of the second spot in the lineup against the Royals on Thursday.


The home runs were his first as a major leaguer. He’s started in nine-of-11 games since being recalled from Triple-A Toledo – notching 10 hits in 46 PA (.256 BA) with 6 BB and 8 K. He posted some nice power numbers in the minor leagues and has some pedigree as a prospect. He could be an interesting name to watch heading into next year.

Pedro Strop is supposedly pain-free, and plans to return before the end of the season.


This would obviously be welcomed news to the Cubs as they officially lost Brandon Morrow for the rest of the year. Fantasy owners shouldn’t get their hopes up as it’s very unlikely that even if he returns prior to the end of the year that he goes back to the closer role immediately. Essentially, don’t let this news tease you into picking him up with the hopes of notching a few saves. The Cubs will continue to go with a large committee in the ninth inning.

According to Athletics reporter Jane Lee, manager Bob Melvin told reporters on Thursday that Sean Manaea can pitch sometime in 2019.


I think we’re all rooting for this to happen, but the fact of the matter is that there was more to his surgery than just a torn labrum. The optimism surrounding the surgery itself according to various reports from Jane Lee and the club are great. Unfortunately, Manaea had a myriad of issues in that shoulder, and the acromioplasty procedure is extremely problematic. Probability is not necessarily on his side here, but we wish him the best nonetheless. He’s not a viable redraft candidate heading into 2019, but the best-case scenario may give a timetable at the beginning of the second half. Dynasty owners should try and sell low if they can, this is very serious and I’m not completely bought in on all the optimism.

Streaming Pitchers:
A Pitcher for Today: Wei-Yin Chen vs CIN
Always love Chen at home – he has a 1.77 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 8.4 K/9 at Marlins Park. The Reds offense is a lot worse on the road and has sat about mid-pack in September.

Hail-Mary Option: John Gant vs SF (If available)
He went on a pretty nice run over seven starts before facing the buzzsaw that is the Dodgers offense. Gant often has lapses in command that shorten his outings, but this Giants offense is awful.

 

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Lance Lynn vs BAL (If available)
Lynn has kept his walks down over his last few starts and has allowed 3 ER or less in three of-his-last four. The BAL offense is second-worst in wRC+ this month and he faired well against them his last time out.

Hail-Mary Option: Anthony DeSclafani @ MIA
DeSclafani’s home run issues may be kept at bay in Marlins Park. Facing the Marlins offense can’t hurt either.





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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manormachine
5 years ago

Early clinching teams often rest their regulars the following game. There’s your fantasy relevance. But otherwise you are right. I couldn’t tell you the record or games behind of any team right now even though I consume a lot of baseball because I care more about individual player performance. Fantasy has really changed how I pay attention to the game.

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