Roto Riteup: September 29, 2021

I wish I had a workout partner like this:

In case you need a pick-me-up 😂 pic.twitter.com/BnqlRVtvtr

— MLB (@MLB) September 28, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

Adam Conley has tested positive for COVID-19 and will miss ten days. While this isn’t fantasy relevant, it is worth monitoring to see if Tampa Bay has any more cases over the next few days. 

 

Albert Pujols was placed on the COVID-19 IL. This is reportedly a reaction to the vaccine and not a positive test. He should return in a couple of days. 

 

Quick Hits

Jacob drGrom has officially been shut down for the rest of the season. There was some hope he would pitch in the last week, but the Mets will play it safe. 

 

Jason Heyward will not return this season. Heyward is still struggling with concussion symptoms which is a bit concerning for his long term health. 

Anthony Santander was placed on the IL with a knee sprain. This will end his season. 

 

Jesse Winker has been shut down for the rest of the season. With the Reds eliminated from the playoffs, there is no reason to rush him back. 

 

Bailey Ober was placed on the IL with a hip strain. This will end his season. 

 

Yandy Diaz left Tuesday’s game with a rib injury. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

 

Jameson Taillon left his start on Tuesday with an ankle injury. This is concerning as he just came off of the IL with the same injury. One would figure this likely ends his season. 

 

Brady Singer left his start with an arm issue. He stated he was fine after the game, but his season is likely over as well. 

 

Andrew Benintendi left Tuesday’s game with a leg injury after fouling a pitch off of his leg. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

 

Various News and Notes

Noah Syndergaard threw a perfect inning against the Marlins, striking out two in the frame. 

First game back for Thor in nearly two years.

1-2-3 inning. pic.twitter.com/VGDrx4qoJM

— MLB (@MLB) September 28, 2021

This was Thor’s first appearance in the Majors since 2019, so it is a great sign that he is back on the mound. It will be interesting to see where he goes in drafts next season, but I would guess just outside the top 100-125.

Reynaldo Lopez threw six innings in the win over the Reds, allowing just one run on two hits and a walk while striking out four. The only run he gave up was on this solo shot to Eugenio Suarez in the fifth.

3⃣0⃣ homers for Geno! pic.twitter.com/W0tZP9hbPW

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 29, 2021

Lopez has been fantastic since coming back after the All Star Break, throwing 56.1 innings with a 2.98 ERA and 55 strikeouts. Lopez has had increased velocity which has helped, but pretty much gone to being a two-pitch guy that throws his fastball almost 58% of the time. If he could throw a third pitch just 10% of the time, I would be very intrigued by him heading into 2022.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Adrian Houser at STL

Yes, the Cardinals have been great recently, but so has Houser and the Cards likely wll run out their “B” lineup after clinching the playoffs last night. 

High Risk Options: Luis Patino at HOU, Elieser Hernandez at NYM, A.J. Alexy at TEX, Paolo Espino at COL. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Alex Cobb at TEX

Cobb has been great as of late and has a fantastic matchup in Texas. 

High Risk Options: Edward Cabrera at NYM, J.A. Happ vs MIL.

 

For those of you that would like to see how these picks play out, I have a doc I put together to track the stats from the recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”