Mike Foltynewicz, SP, ATL
Foltynewicz was designated for assignment by the Braves after getting torched for 6 ER's on 4 hits, 4 BB's and 3 HR's against the Rays on Monday, while striking out 3 in the contest. After a disastrous first half of 2019, Folty came back with a 2.65 ERA in the second half, giving hope that perhaps he had regained his 2018 form. This outing however was apparently enough to convince the Braves that the rebound would not carry over into this season. Even in the 2nd half of 2019, Folty had a pedestrian 4.19 xFIP and his 8.58 K/9 was still well shy of the 9.93 K/9 he posted in 2018. Given his recent inconsistencies, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Foltynewicz but he can be safely dropped in all leagues.
Craig Kimbrel, RP, CHC
Kimbrel had a complete meltdown in his season debut on Monday, allowing 2 ER's on 4 BB's and 1 HBP in 0.1 IP against the Reds. He entered the 9th inning with a 3-run lead and left with a 1-run lead and the bases loaded before Jeremy Jeffress took over and recorded the final two outs for the Cubs. Kimbrel had an awful first year for the Cubs in 2019 and walks were one of the primary culprits (5.23 BB/9), but they clearly would like for him to remain their closer. Too many outings like this however may give them no choice but to give him a break at least temporarily.
Jon Lester, SP, CHC
Lester kicked off his 2020 season on the right foot, pitching 5 no-hit innings against the Reds, while walking 1 and striking out 1. After posting a 4.46 ERA for the Cubs last season, the 36-year old wasn't highly sought after in fantasy drafts this season, but this is type of outing that may get owners running to the waiver wire, especially since Lester was an ace for so many years. I wouldn't be so quick to run though, as his peripheral stats in his debut were actually quite weak. He only struck out 1 and produced just a 25% GB% leading to a 7.44 xFIP for the game. This doesn't mean Lester has no value. He is certainly an innings eater, having made at least 31 starts in 12 consecutive season, and his xFIP has not been above 4.50 in any of those seasons. But there is no indication that Lester has suddenly turned back the clock.
Joey Votto, 1B, CIN
Votto continued his hot start going 2-4 with 2 RBI against the Cubs on Monday. Votto is now hitting .389 (7-19) with 2 HR's and 5 RBI through 4 games this season, and he has only struck out once in 20 PA's. Votto had hit just 27 HR's over the previous two seasons combined, so the early power certainly comes as a bit of a surprise. The excellent contact rate is also nice to see after Votto posted a career-worst 20.2% K% last season. It remains to be seen if this is anything more than a short hot streak, but the early signs are very encouraging for Votto.
Lorenzo Cain, OF, MIL
Cain and the Brewers will face veteran LHP Derek Holland and the Pirates on Tuesday. Holland was worse than awful against RH-hitters last season allowing a .612 SLG against them, including 19 HR's in 57.1 IP. Cain, for his part, has a career .307 BA and .841 OPS against LHP's. It's likely that Holland won't last too long in the game, but the Pirates bullpen doesn't look very good right now either. DraftKings Value Play Salary $3,600.
This is just a small sample our daily analysis, join our member area for over 80 daily player updates sent to your inbox every morning and track your team online. Click here for details: http://www.insiderbaseball.
