Roto Riteup: May 9, 2026
It's time for another Roto Riteup, where we dive into the latest baseball news and analyze the performances of some of the game's top players. Today's lineup includes a closer chaos update, quick hits, various news and notes, streaming pitchers, and Ottoneu six picks.
Closer Chaos
The world of closers is a volatile one, and today's update is no exception. Jhoan Duran pitched the 8th inning for the Phillies, giving up a hit and striking out two. While it seemed like a routine appearance, the Phillies were down five runs, and the Rockies turned to Victor Vodnik in the 10th, who got the win. This raises a deeper question: when is it appropriate to use your closer in such a situation?
PJ Poulin locked down his first save of the year, giving up a walk before getting the final out against the Marlins. Meanwhile, Gus Varland got a save Thursday night, but it's unclear if he was available or if it was just a matchup play. Poulin, a lefty, came on to face left-handed hitting Joe Mack, who was lifted for a pinch hitter. Heriberto Hernandez drew the walk, and Poulin got a ground out from Leo Jimenez to end the game.
In other closer news, Kyle Finnegan blew a save for the Tigers, letting the Royals tie it up in the 8th. Kenley Jansen was likely lined up for the 9th, and that job is still very much his, but everyone else is auditioning. The Royals turned to closer Lucas Erceg with the game tied in the 9th, and he got the win when Kyle Isbel walked it off with a single.
Quick Hits
Tyler Glasnow hit the 15-day IL Friday with back spasms. The Dodgers are expected to activate Blake Snell for his season debut today, which means a simple rotation swap - Glasnow out, Snell in. Cole Ragans also hit the IL with 'pitcher's elbow', but it may only be a minimum IL stint. The Royals got a double-whammy as Carlos Estévez had to shut down his rehab due to shoulder discomfort.
The Angels now have two catchers on the IL, as Travis d'Arnaud joined Logan O'Hoppe. d'Arnaud has plantar fasciitis, and his return ETA is TBD. Josh Smith will be on the IL with a glute strain, and Ezequiel Duran will presumably benefit from some extra PA.
Various News and Notes
Robby Snelling's debut started well, but he struggled in a hurry. He allowed a double, a single, and a three-run home run to Jacob Young, and closed out the inning with a grounder. Snelling mixed five pitches, getting at least one whiff on each, but he struggled to locate pitches, which is consistent with his minor league track record.
Connelly Early struck out eight and walked just one in seven shutout innings against the Rays. However, he still only induced eight whiffs, which is a little concerning. Jacob Misiorowski, on the other hand, piled up 16 whiffs in a 6 IP, 0 ER, 11K, 2 BB, 2 H performance against the Yankees.
Jac Caglianone was 1-4 with a double Friday, but in the last two weeks, he has raised his season-long wRC+ from 94 to 103. He isn't striking out less or walking more, but he is elevating the ball and turning on it.
Streaming Pitchers
Given the full slate of games on Saturday, there are not many streaming pitcher options. Ty Madden, Kyle Freeland, Anthony Kay, Zack Littell, Aaron Civale, Jack Kochanowicz, Jansen Junk, and Dustin May are the choices. You might like Kochanowicz, but 41.1 IP with 30 K and 21 BB just isn't doing it for me.
Ottoneu Six Picks
Here is my Saturday lineup: Hunter Goodman ($10.50) - I prefer to take him at home, but Philly isn't a bad place to hit and I'll take my chances against Aaron Nola. Munetaka Murakami ($15.50) - Luis Castillo hasn't been good this year and he won't have the benefit of pitching in T-Mobile. Bobby Witt Jr. ($53.25) - Detroit's pitching is kind of a mess right now and Witt can take advantage. Randy Arozarena ($14.25) - I like the matchup with a lefty in a good power park. Braxton Ashcraft ($5.25) - I really thought about Joe Ryan, who feels very boom-or-bust. Andrés Muñoz ($13.75) - I know I raised concerns about Castillo, but I don't feel much better about Anthony Kay.
