Roto Riteup: August 3, 2013

Rather than celebrate National Mustard Day, the present author will listen to some semi-local music in Mustard Plug instead.

On today’s agenda:
1. Brandon Belt finally plays, hits
2. Welcome back, Curtis Granderson: Part II
3. Another quality start from Hector Santiago

Brandon Belt finally plays, hits
In his first start since Sunday, Brandon Belt made the most of it by going 3-for-4 and swatting his 11th home run of the year. He’s now hitting .261/.337/.444 in 362 plate appearances. Belt’s 121 wRC+ ties him for second best among qualified hitters on the San Francisco Giants with Hunter Pence and behind Buster Posey. Despite this success, recently Belt has been losing first base playing time to Brett Pill. If Belt manages to receive regular playing time then he is worth an add, however it seems as though a match up situation (read: platoon) has developed. If a strict platoon situation does develop, at least Belt will receive the majority of the playing time. For now Belt is a tough player to add or own, as he deserves regular playing time but just isn’t getting it. Belt is owned in less than 45% of CBS leagues, 28% of Yahoo! formats, and a scant 12% of ESPN leagues.

Welcome back, Curtis Granderson: Part II
Yesterday the New York Yankees activated Curtis Granderson from the disabled list. This is the second time the club has done so this year. Granderson started in left field and hit fifth in the lineup, though he was held hitless on the day. Coming off of back-to-back seasons of 40+ home runs, Granderson has the power to make a difference in these last 50 games. For owners who have held on to Granderson through his injuries or who have traded for for him in an attempt to buy low, let us hope that he delivers in these final eight weeks.

Another quality start from Hector Santiago
In his 10 starts since June 9, Hector Santiago has eight quality starts. After yesterday’s seven strikeout performance he now has 65 strikeout against 26 walks during that time, spanning 60.2 innings. As a starter, Santiago had a 9.3% swinging strike rate prior to yesterdays start and his strikeout rate seems to be real. Unfortunately, his walk rate is where keeping it real goes wrong (warning: language, it is from the comedic genius Dave Chappelle).

Against sub-par offenses Santiago makes for a great spot starter, as his strikeout rate is enough to keep him interesting and relevant in 12-team mixed leagues. Be wary of the his fly-ball tendencies, 34.2% GB% this year, and make sure to start him in favorable parks and matchups. Santiago won’t win you your league, but he can help gather strikeouts and perhaps grab a win or two down the stretch. Given his status as both SP and RP eligible, one can slot Santiago in as a reliever on days that he is due to start. This flexibility helps maximize his value as a spot or stream starter. He is currently available in over 50% of CBS leagues, 85% of Yahoo! formats, and 90% of ESPN leagues.

Bonus
J.B. Shuck’s ridiculous catch. The reaction shot of Jose Bautista really brings the clip together.