Roto Riteup: September 8, 2018

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September 8, 2018

The Roto Riteup is going streaking!

On the Agenda:
1. Kopech and Ohtani
2. Various News and Notes
3. Streaming Pitchers

 

Kopech and Ohtani
We received some absolutely morbid news on Friday, as the White Sox prized RHP Michael Kopech was diagnosed with a torn UCL.


This is obviously extremely sad. Nothing much to add from an emotional prospective, it just stinks. Luckily, TJ surgery has as high of a success rate than ever before. The really disappointing part however, is that since this injury occurred so late in the year, we likely won’t see him until 2020, and even then, it’ll be abbreviated. After posting a 3.70 ERA and 1.27 WHIP in 24 GS (126 IP) at Triple-A Charlotte this season, Kopech was summoned to the majors to make his debut. Over 4 GS with the White Sox he compiled a 5.02 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, and 15/2 K:BB spanning 14 IP. He flashed his stellar velocity, wipe-out secondary offerings, and improving command — but unfortunately the writing was on the wall when he allowed 4 HR to the Tigers in his latest outing (94 mph FB, averaged 96 mph over previous 3 GS). Keeper/Dynasty league owners can try and sell him as an add-on right now, but the best bet to regain full value is to place him on the DL and get comfortable.

I wrote about Shohei Ohtani yesterday after Yahoo Sports writer Jeff Passan tweeted out an article that acknowledged the possibility of the rookie being a full-time DH next season even after undergoing TJ surgery. Today there was an update on the situation.


Ohtani undergoing the procedure is inevitable, but he’s showing a ton of grit by staying on the field and trying to help his team win until the final pitch. I talked about his possible role for the 2019 season in yesterday’s column, but he did whack a three-run bomb off of Carlos Rodon in yesterday’s game – his fourth round-tripper in his last 12 AB.


It was only his second home run off a southpaw this season, and with 19 HR, Ohtani owns the most home runs from a Japanese player in their rookie season.

 

Various News and Notes
Chris Sale will be activated from the disabled list on Tuesday, but he won’t be used in his normal capacity.


Fantasy owners will likely have to wait until later this month before they can expect Sale to ramp things up to his normal levels. The Red Sox are playing this brilliantly heading into the postseason.

Scott Schebler hit a grand slam against the Padres on Friday – his second home run in as many days – and is now hitting over .300 with 6 HR, 22 R, and 20 RBI in 115 PA out of the lead-off spot. He’s owned in less than 10% of ESPN leagues.

Michael Wacha was unable to make his rehab start with Triple-A Memphis on Friday due to renewed soreness in his oblique.


This is really bad news for fantasy owners that were hoping for him to contribute during the stretch run, as well as the Cardinals. Depending on the severity of the discomfort, this might be the end of the line for his 2018 season.

According to Greg Johns, Marco Gonzales threw a successful 35-pitch bullpen session on Friday, and said his arm and neck feel “normal.” Gonzales has had a career-year, but has a checkered injury past, and really struggled in August (10.35 ERA, 2.05 WHIP). With that said, if he can get back to his prior form in a week-or-two, fantasy owners may be able to squeeze some last-second value out of him. The Mariners are in the thick of a playoff race and need him to come back.

Ross Stripling was activated from the 10-day disabled list on Friday. He’ll work out of the Dodgers bullpen for now, but he should be picked up in any leagues where he was dropped if you have room. The Dodgers have already swapped Alex Wood to Monday so he could avoid Coors Field. He’s struggled since coming back, Rich Hill is due to have a blister issue, and the other three starters have sizeable risk as well.

Twins manager Paul Molitor said on Friday that Miguel Sano still has “a few more tests” planned for his left knee before he can return. He’s been out since Tuesday, but could be back somewhat soon. Regardless, his struggles have continued since returning from the minor leagues.

Sean Doolittle has been activated from the disabled list after missing about two months with a stress reaction in his left foot. He threw three clean innings in the minors – striking out five-of-nine hitters faced. The Nationals could hold off on giving him save chances initially, but he should be activated in all formats.

Rowdy Tellez – another player I mentioned yesterday – continued to be the second coming of a young Billy Butler (doubles machine), as he went 2-for-5 with two more doubles.


Since he’s hot and playing every day, he’s worth an add in AL-only formats. While I’ve always had an affinity towards him, I don’t believe he’s mixed league worthy right now.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reported that Andrew Miller “felt really good” after his bullpen session on Thursday. He won’t be a candidate for saves in Cleveland when he returns, but it could yield to a few more wins for their starters.

Staying on the bullpen front, Brandon Morrow will throw a bullpen session on Sunday in what could determine whether the Cubs even bring him back this year. He’s not a must-hold anywhere, as he would likely not get save chances if he did come back, but the Cubs are certainly crossing their fingers.

Lewis Brinson went 3-for-4 with a three-run homer against the Pirates on Friday night, and is in the midst of a six-game hitting streak since being recalled from the minor leagues. Talent has never been an issue with Brinson, and he should get plenty of run the rest of the way. He’s certainly worth a flier in deeper formats (3% owned on ESPN).

Roman Quinn is set to undergo an X-ray on his right foot.


While he hasn’t been super fantasy relevant, he has posted a .338/.369/.525 line with seven stolen bases in 84 PA in the majors this season. NL-Only players should keep up with this situation.

Gregory Polanco exited Friday’s game against the Marlins with shoulder and knee injuries. There’s been no word on the severity of the ailments, but based on his injury history it’s probably not great. He’s day-to-day for now. Jordan Luplow replaced him in right field.

Dan Straily was removed in the fourth inning of his start against the Pirates after suffering an oblique injury. He’s currently day-to-day.
Didi Gregorious was activated from the 10-day disabled list, but did not start. He’ll be eased back into action.

 

Streaming Pitchers
A Pitcher for Today: Wei-Yin Chen at PIT
Chen has been on a roll and the Pirates rank 27th in wRC+ over the last month.

High-Risk Option: Ryan Yarborough vs BAL
He probably won’t start the game, but he’s been close to an automatic 5 IP/1ER these last few weeks. The pitch count and innings are the risk, but Tropicana Field + Baltimore = success.

 

A Pitcher for Tomorrow: Tyler Mahle vs SD
Mahle performed well at Triple-A Louisville and gets a SD team that’s 26th in RPG on the road (3.7), 30th in K% against RHP (26), and 24th in wRC+ over the last month (85).

High-Risk Option: Zach Davies vs SF
Davies had a formidable start his last time out and gets a struggling SF offense with limited options.





 

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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feslenraster
5 years ago

I wouldn’t risk Davies, his first start back from injury, even against the weak SF lineup.

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Mike Werner
5 years ago
Reply to  feslenraster

It’s his second start back.

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feslenraster
5 years ago
Reply to  Mike Werner

Thanks for correction, even so…well, guess that’s why he’s a high-risk!

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