Roto Riteup: May 9, 2026
Closer Chaos
The Phillies' Jhoan Duran, who had just one appearance since coming off the IL, pitched the 8th inning with his team down five. Despite giving up a hit and striking out two, the Phillies' offense erupted for five runs in the bottom of the 8th, tying the game. The Rockies' Victor Vodnik then entered in the 10th, securing the win, and Juan Mejia closed it out for his second save.
PJ Poulin locked down his first save of the year, giving up a walk before getting the final out against the Marlins. Gus Varland, who had a save the previous Thursday, might not have been available, or it could have been a strategic matchup play. Poulin, a lefty, faced left-handed hitter Joe Mack, who was later replaced by a pinch hitter. Heriberto Hernandez drew a walk, and Poulin secured the win with a ground out from Leo Jimenez.
Quick Hits
Kyle Finnegan blew a save for the Tigers, giving up two earned runs on three hits and one walk without recording an out. Kenley Jansen was likely lined up for the 9th, but the job is still his. The Royals turned to closer Lucas Erceg, who got the win when Kyle Isbel walked it off with a single.
Hogan Harris got his second save of the season for the A's, giving up a run in Baltimore. The Athletics' saves since April 20 include Joel Kuhnel, Jack Perkins, Mark Leiter Jr., Perkins, and Harris.
Caleb Killian, who wasn't in a save situation, gave up a run in the 9th but closed out a 5-2 win for the Giants. Keaton Winn, who has been almost as good as Killian, got a hold with a perfect inning and one strikeout.
Aroldis Chapman struck out two in a perfect inning to earn his 8th save. Shane Drohan got his first save for the Brewers, but it was a 3-inning save with the team up six. Louis Varland locked down his 5th save for the Jays, and Cade Smith gave up a run but still held on for his 11th save.
Various News and Notes
Robby Snelling's debut started well but turned rough, allowing a double, a single, and a three-run home run to Jacob Young. He closed out the inning with a grounder and went four more innings, allowing two more hits and walking four without another strikeout.
Connelly Early struck out eight and walked just one in seven shutout innings against the Rays, despite a lack of swinging strikes. Jacob Misiorowski piled up 16 whiffs in a 6 IP, 0 ER, 11K, 2 BB, 2 H performance against the Yankees.
Jac Caglianone raised his season-long wRC+ from 94 to 103 in the last two weeks, elevating his launch angle and pull rate. Kyle Bradish took the loss against the A's but went 7 innings, striking out 10 while allowing just one walk and three earned runs.
Mike Burrows has gone 18 innings over his last three starts, with 17 K, 5 BB, and 5 ER on 16 H. I liked him before the season and after a rough start, he seems to be turning a corner.
The Mariners' Sean Burke and the White Sox were battered, with Luke Raley hitting two home runs and driving in seven, Josh Naylor going 3-4 with a homer, and Julio Rodriguez with a couple of hits and a home run. Emerson Hancock gave up five earned runs on five hits and three walks in six innings, with his velocity and spin down.
Streaming Pitchers
Jansen Junk is the recommended streamer for today, with a 34% roster percentage on CBS. Ty Madden, Kyle Freeland, Anthony Kay, Zack Littell, Aaron Civale, Jack Kochanowicz, and Dustin May are the options.
For tomorrow, Tyler Mahle is the pick, with a 38% roster percentage on CBS. He has a 2.91 ERA (3.74 FIP) at home and hasn't given up a run in his last two home starts.
Ottoneu Six Picks
My Saturday lineup includes:
- Hunter Goodman ($10.50) - I prefer to take him at home, but Philly isn't a bad place to hit.
- Munetaka Murakami ($15.50) - Luis Castillo hasn't been good this year and won't have the benefit of pitching in T-Mobile.
- Bobby Witt Jr. ($53.25) - Detroit's pitching is a mess, 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 considered Joe Ryan, but he might not be healthy. Ashcraft is a better option in San Francisco.
- Andrés Muñoz ($13.75) - I raised concerns about Castillo, and Kay doesn't inspire confidence.
