Roto Riteup: September 21, 2020

Tall pitchers can struggle with repeating their mechanics:

I’ll try to remember y’all when I hit it big on @PitchingNinja’s Top 5 of the Day video 😏😎 pic.twitter.com/BSHRbZQ9ak

— Paul Sporer (@sporer) September 21, 2020

On the Agenda:
1. Remaining Schedule
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

Remaining Schedule

Closer Chaos
Cesar Valdez closed out the victory over the Rays on Sunday for his second save of the season. Valdez is a journeyman reliever, but has been great this season. He should get the rest of the save opportunities the rest of the way, so if you need a save or two, he is worth picking up.

Quick Hits
Kevin Newman was placed on the 10-Day IL with a contusion of his knee. This will end his season and he should be dropped in all leagues.

Tim Anderson left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury. It is being characterized as a cramp, but with the White Sox already in the playoffs, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them let him rest the next few days.

Ronald Guzman left Sunday’s game with a hamstring issue. Guzman has played well enough to get a chance to man first base for the Rangers next season. He is a former top prospect and is still just 25.

Bryce Harper left Sunday’s game with back stiffness. There was no update after the game, so consider him day-to-day for now.

Nolan Arenado did not play in Sunday’s game due to his ailing shoulder issue. With the Rockies being out of the playoff race, they could decide to shut him down for the rest of the season.

Kyle Schwarber left Sunday’s game in the third inning versus the Twins. It was not injury related, but poor defense. Schwarber said after the game he was replaced because of a defensive miscue. Schwarber has worked hard to improve his defense, but it is still below average. This is the first time it has cost him this year, but something to monitor for 2021 as he could wind up becoming a full time DH.

Various News and Notes
Dylan Cease threw three hitless innings in the loss versus the Reds on Sunday. The issue was Cease’s control. He allowed three runs in the contest because he walked seven batters. He did strike out five in the outing. Cease has a live arm, but really struggles finding the zone. He has a tough matchup versus the Cubs to end the season.

Tony Gonsolin threw five innings, allowing two runs and striking out 10 in the loss to the Rockies. Gonsolin has cemented himself in the rotation and has a nice matchup versus the Angels on Friday, but with the Dodgers locked into the playoffs, don’t be surprised if they play it safe with him.

Max Kepler went 3-for-5 with a homer versus the Cubs on Sunday. Kepler has struggled mightily this year, but has started to to turn it around as of late, but unfortunately for him, there is not enough time in the season for him. He should be back under the radar for 2021.

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)
Pitcher for Today: Kyle Gibson at LAA
Gibson had his best start of the season in his last start and he has a nice matchup here.

High Risk Options: Trevor Rogers at ATL, Matt Shoemaker vs NYY

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Keegan Akin at BOS
Akin has pitched well and Boston isn’t a tough matchup anymore.

High Risk Options: Cole Hamels vs MIA, Griffin Canning at SD, Caleb Smith vs TEX, Reynaldo Lopez at CLE, Johan Oviedo at KC, Nick Pivetta vs BAL.