Roto Riteup: September 6, 2019

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September 6, 2019

Brotherly love is beautiful.

On the Agenda:
1. Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
2. Streaming Pitchers

 

Various News and Notes/Quick Hits
Kyle Tucker went 2-for-6 with his first major league home run in the Astros extra-innings victory over the Mariners on Thursday.

Tucker tallied 34 HR and 30 SB over 536 PA at Triple-A this season (113 wRC+), and has been an upper-tier fantasy prospect for multiple years now. We weren’t necessarily expecting a lot of playing time upon his promotion, but with Jeff Luhnow announcing yesterday that George Springer is dealing with a mild concussion, we could potentially see Tucker more than we first expected. There are many people in the fantasy industry that believe Josh Reddick should be ceding playing time to the rookie, but in an amazing troll move, he proceeded to launch his first home run since June 28th only a couple of pitches after Tucker. Either way he’s worth an add in all formats (if he isn’t already) in the short-term, and if he produces the Astros could continue to trot him out there in an attempt to get their core ready for the postseason.

Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported that there is, “increasing speculation in the industry” that Stephen Strasburg will opt out of his contract after the season is over.

If he were to opt out, he’d join Gerrit Cole, Madison Bumgarner, and Zack Wheeler on the free agent market. It’s mildly shocking that he wants a new deal, as he’s only surpassed 170 IP in three of his last six seasons. With that said, prior to yesterday’s start he compiled a 3.18 ERA, 1.09 WHIP, and 4.6 K/BB over 1400 career IP.

Angels manager Brad Ausmus mentioned that Tommy La Stella’s leg is still not 100%.

La Stella has been sidelined since July 2nd with a fractured tibia, and was already posting a gluttony of career-highs prior to going down. The hope is he’ll be able to make a brief return before the season concludes, but fantasy owners can most likely count him out for the rest of 2019. He’s someone to possibly invest in if we get positive offseason reports on his injury status. He’ll likely be very cheap come 2020.

Michael Chavis was expected to be available this weekend for the Red Sox, but his season could now be in jeopardy after the rookie suffered a setback with his shoulder. If his season is indeed over, he’ll conclude his rookie year with a .254/.322/.444 line with 18 HR and 58 RBI over 382 PA. His .220 xBA and 33% K is concerning as we head into 2020, but his tremendous power and opportunity in a consistently potent lineup will no doubt be enticing.

Aaron Sanchez will undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.

There’s no timetable for the procedure, but we obviously hope he can recoup in time for next year. His career has been mired by injuries over the last couple of years, but the Astros ability to get the most out of pitchers gives us reason to be optimistic in the future.

Ramon Laureano is set to be activated from the 10-day injured list today. This will take away some playing time for Mark Canha – who has been playing center field in his steed. Laureano should be scooped back up wherever he was dropped as he offers a nice blend of power and speed, while being good enough defensively to stay on the field.

Blake Snell will make one more rehab appearance with Triple-A Durham, and if everything turns out well, he’ll rejoin the Rays next week. He won’t be stretched out enough to make regular starts initially, but he should be able to provide some positive innings.

David Price will not start today after feeling additional soreness in his left wrist. There’s no timetable as of now for when we’ll see him next, but with the Red Sox quickly running out of time to make a playoff push, they could potentially shut him down.

Craig Kimbrel was placed on the 10-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation. An MRI on the elbow came back clean, but the Cubs are being cautious with their free agent acquisition. Pedro Strop and Steve Cishek figure to get the bulk of the save opportunities in the short term.

Bryan Reynolds, Bo Bichette, and Austin Nola swatted two home runs in their respective games yesterday.

Reynolds has had a fine season (.333/.398/.538, 16 HR, 77 RBI, 143 wRC+), and if not for Pete Alonso and Fernando Tatis, he’d be in a much better position to win rookie of the year. Bo Bichette could’ve possibly been in the ROY conversation for the AL, but he was promoted too late. He’s now sitting at 10 HR, 25 R, 17 RBI, and 3 SB in his first 157 PA (25 XBH). His Statcast numbers are off the charts in a couple places as well. Austin Nola had an abysmal month of August, and isn’t playing consistently enough to be an asset in most formats.

Ronald Acuna is up to 37 HR and 34 SB as he attempts to go 40/40.

Mike Trout hit his 45th home run of the season; tying Pete Alonso for the league lead.

Tommy Pham converted his 20th steal of the year, and now has two 20/20 seasons in his past three overall.

Cavan Biggio continues to see his BA fall off, but he notched his 10th stolen base of the season and has 12 HR to go with it.

Mookie Betts blasted his fourth extra-base hit and third home run in the last two days in the Red Sox loss to the Twins.

Wilson Contreras returned from the 10-day injured list and notched three extra-base hits, including his 21st home run of the season.

Nick Solak went 1-for-3 with a walk, two runs scored, and a home run – his second in 53 AB – in the Rangers victory over the Orioles. He’s hitting .321/.429/.528 so far, and should be owned in more leagues.

Marcus Semien went 4-for-4 with three runs scored and a stolen base in the Athletics win over the Angels. He’s now up to 8 SB for the year to go along with a 129 wRC+, .272/.355/.491 line, and substantially better plate skills (11/14% BB/K%).

Matt Boyd allowed three earned runs on 10 hits in 6.1 IP against the Royals yesterday. He’s tallied six or more strikeouts in 18 of-his-last 20 outings. There’s also this nugget from our very own Paul Sporer.

Adalberto Mondesi snagged his fifth stolen base in four games since returning from injury, and has gone 6-for-17 during that time (.353 BA). Yeah, he’s a difference maker.

Paul deJong blasted his second homer in as many days, and his 26th of the year as the Cardinals clobbered the Giants on Thursday.

Reynaldo Lopez spun a gem against the Indians yesterday; allowing one earned run on one hit with three walks and 11 strikeouts in a complete game victory. There was also this funny tidbit.

Streaming Pitchers (Less than 50% owned)
Pitcher for Today: Tony Gonsolin vs SF, Steven Matz vs PHI, Michael Pineda vs CLE
All close to the 50% barrier on ESPN, but I’m in for all three if available.

High Risk Options: Dinelson Lamet vs COL, Dylan Bundy vs TEX, Framber Valdez vs SEA, Jorge Lopez at MIA

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Chris Bassitt vs DET

High Risk Option: Danny Duffy at MIA, Drew Smyly at NYM





 

Fantasy Baseball and Tampa Bay Rays enthusiast. Restaurant manager by day, fantasy analyst by night. Contributor to Rotographs, Baseball HQ, Fantasy Pros, and co-owner of Friends with Fantasy Benefits. Follow me @MikeWernerFWFB.

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rudy hess
4 years ago

I don’t think it will be Canha that loses playing time when Laureano comes back…

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Mike Werner
4 years ago
Reply to  rudy hess

He’ll lose some. Grossman and Brown aren’t full time, so of the three I expected Canha to lose a bit more than anyone. I don’t think it’ll be much though.

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