Daily Dr. Roto — May 11, 2018
First Look at FAAB for Week 8
Seung-Hwan Oh — With Roberto Osuna placed on administrative leave by MLB for the next month or so, Toronto is going to have to turn to someone else to be its closer. Oh was a terrific closer with the Cardinals in 2016 before losing much of his confidence in 2017. In the Blue Jays’ first game without Osuna, Oh came into the game in the 6th inning, but that does not mean that he is not in the mix for potential saves. He’s certainly worth a buck or two as a speculation bid.
Tyler Clippard — It was actually Clippard, and not Oh, who got the Blue Jays’ first save without Osuna in the lineup. Now 33 years old, Clippard has tons of late-inning experience. He has closed sporadically throughout his career, and I would assume that he will undoubtedly get most of the 8th inning work if not the 9th inning work with Osuna gone. Pay up for Clippard, but just know that he and Oh might be splitting save opportunities.
Tyler Anderson — I don’t usually recommend Rockies starters, but Anderson somehow feels different. I don’t entirely trust him yet, but there have been glimmers of greatness including a gem that he threw two weeks ago on the road at Wrigley Field.
Sal Romano — In Romano’s last five starts he has let up a total of seven runs — which is pretty impressive for a young pitcher. He still walks way too many batters (26 K to 17 BB), but the seeds are there for improvement. I have no problem taking a shot on Romano especially in NL only formats.
Luiz Gohara — Gohara was brought up by the Braves this week, and he will start out in the bullpen but eventually move into the rotation at some point later this season. Gohara was on the top of most experts’ minor league boards this off-season, so although he won’t throw more than 100 innings, he still might be a difference maker like Josh Hader.
Devin Mesoraco — Mesoraco hasn’t been a top hitter since 2014, but the Mets still made a smart deal in getting him from the Reds. Mesoraco should get the bulk of the starts while Plawecki is out. There are skills here if he can get himself on a little bit of a hot streak. I will certainly pay a couple of bucks to see if there is anything left in his tank.
Jorge Soler — We, here at FullTime Fantasy Sports, gave you Soler’s name in the preseason as a potential Comeback Player of the Year and he’s been that and more. Currently hitting .321 with 5 HRs and 15 RBIs, Soler has been one of the most consistent hitters in baseball. I think there’s even more power in his bat than he’s shown (25 HR upside).
Kenyan Middleton — Middleton was activated from the DL on Thursday and is expected to regain the closer’s job immediately. If anyone impulsively dropped him in your league, make sure to pick him up in all formats.
Mitch Garver — If you are desperate for a catcher in an AL-only league, Garver might be your man. His minor league numbers in 2017 were excellent (he hit .291 with 17 HRs in Triple-A), so if Castro is out for a while, he could be the answer at catcher for the Twins.
Joe Musgrove — Musgrove is about two weeks away from starting in the majors. If you are in dire need of starting pitching, grab him and stash him away as he could be a helpful contributor in the second half of the season.
Franchy Cordero — This will be the last time I list Franchy here. He is a must pick-up and should become a five-category star if he can avoid the strikeouts.
Alex Reyes — Reyes threw three innings in a class A start this week (with six Ks) as he comes back from injury. The plan is for him to return in early June and head into the bullpen and pitch about 80-100 innings in the second half. If you play in a keeper league, I am sure he is gone, but in redraft leagues, you are going to have to pounce now on him if you want to stash him for a second-half run.
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