Roto Riteup: September 7, 2021

I would have thought I would lose more weight with how long I have been running this victory lap:

https://t.co/jvmguPjo2Z pic.twitter.com/pVqhq5FvPh

— Justin Mason (@JustinMasonFWFB) September 5, 2021

On the Agenda: 

1. COVID Issues
2. Quick Hits
3. Various News and Notes
4. Streaming Pitchers

 

COVID Issues

Joe Jimenez was placed on the COVID IL after testing positive. Jimenez and a coach are the only two cases thus far, but this is something to monitor considering what we have seen with Boston recently. 

 

Quick Hits

Jose Iglesias signed a one year contract with the Red Sox. This seems to be about depth with Boston having so many players on the COVID IL. Iglesias probably doesn’t offer much outside of AL Only leagues. 

Charlie Morton signed a one year contract extension with the Braves worth $20 million dollars. This is a little bit surprising as there had been a lot of talk that Morton could retire at the end of last season, but he has been really good this year so there is no reason for him not to cash in for another year or two. Morton will be an interesting pitcher coming into drafts next year as older pitchers are often undervalued, but he has pitched like a top 20 guy this season. 

Carlos Rodon is not expected to pitch until at least the weekend due to fatigue and soreness. Hopefully he won’t miss any more time than that, but it may be safer to get him out of your lineup before then in case he gets pushed back again. 

Hyun-Jin Ryu left his start due to arm stiffness. If the Blue Jays hadn’t told the press this after the game, we probably wouldn’t have known considering he threw six scoreless. He is expected to undergo further testing. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

George Springer left Monday’s game after fouling a pitch off of his leg. The Blue Jays stated that it was precautionary, so hopefully this isn’t serious. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Francisco Mejia left Monday’s game with a shoulder contusion. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

Kris Bryant left Monday’s with a wrist issue. This sounds minor, but it is worth monitoring. Consider him day-to-day for now. 

 

Various News and Notes

Ian Happ went 1-for-4 with a home run in the victory over the Reds on Monday. 

Ian Happ – Chicago Cubs (19) pic.twitter.com/v1KSOalN6z

— MLB HR Videos (@MLBHRVideos) September 6, 2021

Happ has been on a tear recently, hitting .385 with eight home runs and two stolen bases since 8/13. Happ has disappointed fantasy managers over the last few years, but he appears to be taking a step forward in his contact skills. He is available in half of shallower formats and should be picked up for the stretch run.

Darin Ruf went 2-for-4 with a home run and a triple in the victory over the Rockies.

Really underrated tool for Darin Ruf: the bat toss pic.twitter.com/BI06ReADBK

— sean 🐻 (@seanyouidiot) September 7, 2021

Ruf has been really good in limited action for the Giants, hitting .280/.403/.547 with 15 home runs. He mainly plays against lefties, but has found himself playing more while the Giants have been banged up.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today: Jackson Kowar vs BAL

Kowar was impressive in his last start and has a nice matchup versus a bad Baltimore team. 

High Risk Options: Edward Cabrera vs NYM, Eric Lauer vs PHI, Drew Rasmussen at BOS, Paolo Espino at ATL, Wily Peralta at PIT. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: Luke Weaver vs TEX

Weaver looked very good in his first start off the IL and has a nice matchup versus the awful Rangers. 

High Risk Options: Tyler Anderson at HOU, Matt Manning at PIT, Antonio Senzatela vs SF, Joe Ryan at CLE, Mitch Keller vs DET, Jose Suarez at SD. 

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