Roto Riteup: September 5, 2013

Since last week’s “Fun with arbitrary endpoints” was dark and gloomy, today’s Roto Riteup features a much more cheery edition.

On today’s agenda:
1. Hyun-Jin Ryu to miss Friday’s start
2. Kameron Loe started, and it was awesome
3. Kris Medlen hot for the playoff run
4. Fun with arbitrary endpoints

Hyun-Jin Ryu to miss Friday’s start
With the Dodgers over 10 games up on the Diamondbacks in the NL West, missing a start from Ryu isn’t a big deal right now, but it does matter quite a bit to fantasy owners looking to lock up seeding or points for the stretch run. Ryu has some stiffness in the middle of his back, and it sounds like this will be the only game he misses. Ryu hasn’t slowed as the season has gone on, with the left-hander putting together a string of great outings over the past month-plus.

Kameron Loe started, and it was awesome
Loe made a spot start for the Braves yesterday, and it went just as you would imagine. Loe gave up two homers and walked three of the 27 batters he faced, exiting in the fourth. Loe now has more homers allowed than strikeouts recorded, so that’s exceptionally awesome. If for some unknown reason Loe is lucky enough to receive another chance to start, you should absolutely gang up on him and play every single one of his predatory opponents.

Kris Medlen hot for the playoff run
Medlen, first 18 starts: 109.2 IP, 82 K, 31 BB, 12 HR; 3.45 ERA, .307 BABIP
Medlen, last 10 games (9 starts): 58.1 IP, 51 K, 6 BB, 6 HR; 3.55 ERA, .327 BABIP
Medlen, 2012: 138 IP, 120 K, 23 BB, 6 HR; 1.57 ERA, .261 BABIP

Medlen has put together his terrific stretch against the likes of Cincinnati, St. Louis (twice), Washington (twice), and Cleveland. Medlen has also given up one earned or less in three of his last four starts. I’m not saying anything about what this means, I’m just sayin’.

Fun with arbitrary endpoints
All stats through Tuesday’s red hot game action.

Will Venable, July to present: 199 PA, .332/.372/.594; 10 HR, 12 BB, 44 K, 6 SB, .391 BABIP
Casey Fien, 2012 and 2013: 99 G, 90.2 IP, 95 K, 19 BB, 12 HR; 3.28 ERA, 0.99 WHIP
Alex Rios, since joining the Rangers: 93 PA, .292/.323/.438; 2 HR, 7 SB, 14 K
Lucas Duda, since return from DL: 20 PA, .313/.450/.375; .556 BABIP