Roto Riteup: September 8, 2021

This was pretty cool:

Hitting a homer directly after getting a standing ovation is so awesome. pic.twitter.com/EdJGzkmOdS

— MLB (@MLB) September 8, 2021

On the Agenda: 

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

 

Closer Chaos

According to manager Mike Shildt, Luis Garcia is an option to close out games for the Cardinals. St. Louis had been leaning on Giovanny Gallegos recently, but he blew a brutal save opportunity over the weekend so he could be losing his grip on the job. This seems like a very fluid situation moving forward. 

 

COVID Issues

Tyler Clippard was placed on the COVID IL by Arizona. Clippard has reportedly not tested positive, but has exhibited symptoms. Hopefully he returns shortly, but in the meantime, J.B. Wendelken likely steps into the role for the Diamondbacks.

 

Quick Hits

Gerrit Cole left Tuesday’s start with hamstring tightness. Hopefully this was just precautionary as the Blue Jays were already up 4-0. Consider him day-to-day as we await more information. 

Eloy Jimenez left the game on Tuesday after fouling a pitch off of his knee. X-rays were negative after the game. Consider him day-to-day at this time. 

Various News and Notes

Alejandro Kirk went 3-for-4 with two home runs in the victory over the Yankees. 

Short porch, BIG power 😤

🚀 @alejandro_kirk 🚀 pic.twitter.com/ozT05QLc6p

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 7, 2021

Kirk has been great since coming back to the big leagues in the second half, hitting .312 with four home runs in 91 plate appearances. Kirk had a ton of sleeper talk coming into the season, but never really got going, but he is now establishing himself as a top 10 catcher rest of the season and for drafts in 2022.

Eric Lauer threw seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and a walk while striking out 5 in the victory over the Phillies.

<Eric Lauer appreciation tweet> pic.twitter.com/oNVBqlfLVi

— Brett in Chicago (@brett_johnson91) September 2, 2021

Lauer has been fantastic this season, throwing 96.1 innings with a 3.18 ERA and 91 strikeouts. He continues to be under-appreciated because of his soft tossing ways and lack of strikeouts, but at some point you have to buy into the result. If he is still available in your league, pick him up.

 

Streaming Pitchers (Under 50% in CBS)

Pitcher for Today:  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. 

 

Pitcher for Tomorrow: None

Short slate that is too risky

High Risk Options: Jesus Luzardo vs NYM, Reynaldo Lopez at OAK. 

 

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.”