Roto Riteup: September 7, 2017

The Roto Riteup reminds you that even if you’re not good at something, it doesn’t mean you should try:

Pitch framing on point. pic.twitter.com/AvEJ31ECuU

— MLB GIFS (@MLBGIFs) September 7, 2017

 

 

On the Agenda:

1. Closer By Calamity

2. Various News and Notes

3. Streaming Pitcher Options

 

 

Closer By Calamity

According to acting manager DeMarlo Hale, Roberto Osuna will stay as the team’s closer in spite of his most recent blow up. Osuna has had a turbulent season after dealing with a mental health issue earlier in the year and blowing a league leading ten saves, but has still posted a workable 3.66 ERA with an 11.59 k/9 and registering 35 saves. With the Blue Jays out of it for this season, there is no reason to think they would make a change.

The Cardinals acquired relief pitcher Juan Nicasio from the Phillies on Wednesday for infield prospect Eliezer Alvarez. Nicasio had been claimed off of waivers by the Phillies at the end of August after the Pirates placed him on irrevocable waivers to escape the $600,000 owed to him rest of the season. With all the turbulence in the St. Louis bullpen this season, it would not be surprising to see Nicasio get a save or two down the stretch.

According to manager Joe Girardi, states he is open to reinstating Aroldis Chapman as closer as soon as tomorrow. Chapman has been better as of late and temporary closer Dellin Betances has struggled as of late, so this isn’t unexpected. When Chapman is on he is among the best in the game, but he has struggled this season seeing his strikeout rate drop and his walk and home run rates rise.

 

 

Various News and Notes

Billy Hamilton has been placed on the 10-day DL with a fracture in his left thumb.

This likely ends Hamilton’s season as the Reds have no reason to push his recovery. Hamilton finishes the year with a paltry .249/.300/.334 triple slash, but he did steal 58 bases in 131 games matching his total from last season.

Nomar Mazara exited Wednesday’s game with tightness in his quad. Mazara stated after the game he had been dealing with the issues since the weekend, but it tightened up while running the bases. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

Walker Buehler has been called up by the Dodgers. Buehler is widely considered one of the top starting pitching prospects in the game right now, but will work out of the bullpen for the Dodgers rest of the way.

Albert Pujols was left the team to return to Anaheim to receive treatment on his ailing left knee on Wednesday. Pujols is expected to be available for Friday’s game when the Angels return home to face the Mariners. Consider him day-to-day at this time.

 

 

Streaming Pitcher Options

A pitcher for today: Kyle Gibson @ KC

This could definitely blow up in my face, but the Royals have scored the third fewest runs in the Majors over the last two weeks and Gibson has been serviceable over his last three starts including a six inning shutout of KC.

A pitcher for tomorrow: Lucas Giolito vs SF

Giolito looked dominant versus the Rays on Sunday and gets the Giants at home.