Roto Riteup: September 5, 2023

Have your friend’s back like Elly does:

The old 1-4-6-3 putout that only Elly De La Cruz could pull off. 🤯

(MLB x @Woodbridge_Wine) pic.twitter.com/mXLml22DDr

— MLB (@MLB) September 4, 2023

On the Agenda: 

1. Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest
2. Closer Chaos
3. Quick Hits
4. Various News and Notes
5. Streaming Pitchers

 

Sleeper and the Bust DK Contest

On most Tuesday’s and Friday’s and some other days, Paul Sporer and I will be doing a $5 draftkings game for anyone that is interested. 

 

Closer Chaos

Jojo Romero was placed on the IL with an undisclosed issue. There is no timetable for his return. Ryan Helsley should be the closer in his absence. 

 

Quick Hits

Julio Urias was arrested and charged with domestic violence. He has been placed on the restricted list while MLB and the police conduct their investigations. He is droppable in most formats as it seems unlikely he will pitch again this season. 

Merrill Kelly was removed from his start on Monday with a cramp in his hamstring. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Andrew McCutchen left Monday’s game with an Achillies issue. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Shohei Ohtani was scratched from the lineup on Monday with an oblique issue. Consider him day-to-day at this time, but if he hits the IL, it would likely end his season. 

 

Various News and Notes

Lawrence Butler went 2-for-4 with two home runs in the loss to the Blue Jays on Monday.

Lawrence Butler is gonna blow my damn eardrums out! It sounds like a damn shotgun when this dude Barrels it up! Zone 4 Stand Up!pic.twitter.com/zh7s0cCiMa

— Dallas Braden (@DALLASBRADEN209) September 4, 2023

Butler has been decent in his Major League debut, hitting .246/.268/.449 with four home runs. He is making above league average zone-contact and hitting the ball hard. He is in a platoon which limits his upside, but in deeper leagues, he should be picked up.

Edward Oliveras went 3-for-4 with two home runs in the victory over the White Sox on Monday.

Nick Loftin now has 3 RBI tonight 🤑 pic.twitter.com/MreWA6mMu6

— Omaha Storm Chasers (@OMAStormChasers) August 27, 2023

Oliveras went ham in his first start back since being recalled from the minor leagues. He was also caught stealing in the game as well. Oliveras has talent in the bat, but has never put it all together. If he plays every day, then he could be valuable, but there is no indication as of yet that it will happen.

Cole Ragans threw six scoreless innings in the victory over the Royals on Monday, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out seven.

Cole Ragans has 14 whiffs through 4 IP with 5 K. FB sitting 97.2 mph/t99.7
Who is the last pitcher you remember being traded and becoming elite like this?
pic.twitter.com/ulTyV37UNp

— Chris Clegg (@RotoClegg) September 4, 2023

Ragans was fantastic again, not allowing a base runner until the fifth inning before giving up a hit. Ragans has not allowed a run in his last three outings and has been striking out hitters at an unreal rate. He has a full arsenal and throws extremely hard. He will vault up draft boards early in the draft season.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Brandon Pfaadt vs COL

Pfaadt has been much better as of late and gets the Rockies who are starting a road trip. 

High Risk Options: Brady Singer vs CHW, Kutter Crawford at TB, Jose Quintana at WAS, Kyle Freeland at ARI, Patrick Corbin vs NYM, Alex Faedo at NYY. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Matt Manning at NYY

Manning has been stellar lately and has a decent matchup versus the Yankees, though this feels very risky. 

High Risk Options: Patrick Sandoval vs BAL, Touki Toussant at KC. 

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 my recommended pitchers. It does not include the “High Risk Options.”