Roto Riteup: September 30, 2015

If I’m late getting to any comments today, I apologize. I’ll be on the road a bit headed to/from from Chicago.

On today’s agenda:
1. Ryan Zimmerman calls it a season
2. Quick Adam Wainwright update
3. Miami shuts down Giancarlo Stanton
4. Streaming Pitching Options

Ryan Zimmerman calls it a season
A number of injuries have kept Zimmerman out of the lineup this season, and he has appeared in just 95 games. An oblique injury was the last straw and given Zim has been out of the lineup since September 7 — and the Nationals have been out of the race since about then as well — it makes sense for the club to play it safe. It may have been a lack of consistent playing time, but Zimmerman’s rate stats were well below his normal output. He did swat 16 dingers, but he posted a relatively modest .249/.308/.465. Without a significant change in his swing ratios (specifically swinging strike, walk and strikeout rates) I’m fairly confident the 31-year-old will be a still be a solid fantasy option come next season, though without third base eligibility he’s probably a mid-tier first baseman.

Quick Adam Wainwright update
As expected, the Cardinals will activate Wain-o prior to today’s game. What isn’t expected is that the Cards will now be playing a pair of games against the Pirates thanks to a postponed game due to rain on Tuesday. As noted in yesterday’s Roto Riteup, the right-hander will be limited to relief outings as he’s missed the vast majority of the season due to tearing his left achilles. If you’re looking for holds, Wain-o is worth a shot in the final days.

Miami shuts down Giancarlo Stanton
After a bit of a Ross-and-Rachel/will-they-won’t-they situation — I don’t care that Friends ended over 11 years ago, that’s still relevant pop-culture! — they Marlins have closed down any chance of Stanton returning this season. The slugger hasn’t appeared in a game since June 26 after breaking his left hand, and despite some hope he may return and hit some homers again in 2015, he won’t be back in a lineup until spring training. It’s the safe and probably smart move with the team’s franchise player, and despite my concern over sluggers dealing with hand or wrist injuries, I’m still willing to spend big or an early pick on Stanton.

Streaming Pitching Options
If you enjoy streaming pitchers or play DFS, tune into the Roto Riteup for recommendations each and every day.

A pitcher for today: Drew Smyly vs MIA (Jarred Cosart)
I’m buying Smyly stock wherever I can in keeper or dynasty leagues as I’m liking the whiff rate on his curve so far, albeit in only 60 2/3 innings thus far. Miami hits southpaws decently well, but Smyly is at home in a pitcher friendly park. He’s free to stream in 34 percent of CBS leagues, 45 percent of Yahoo! settings and over 60 percent of ESPN formats. 

A pitcher for tomorrow: Taylor Jungmann at SD (Ian Kennedy)
Jungmann wouldn’t burn me again, would he? The Padres offense rates near the bottom in both wOBA and wRC+ while posting the sixth highest strikeout rate against right-handers. I’ll be rolling the dice on him today as he’s available in over 30 percent of CBS settings as well as more than 60 percent of ESPN or Yahoo! leagues.