Vincent Pensabene 
The Thursday slate had 13 games and a ton of action. We’ll discuss who outperformed their expectations and others who did not live up to their price tags. All fantasy points and values are based off DraftKings pricing.
Winners
Max Kepler ($4,800)
Very few players are able to provide the line that Kepler did against the Cleveland Indians yesterday. He finished 4-for-4 with three home runs, four RBI, three runs scored and a walk, all from the leadoff spot in the order. While Kepler played an amazing game, he might have too high of a price tag today. Look for another player if his price increases.
Kepler’s Outlook
Kepler wasn’t a prime suspect to have such a great game yeserday, having only one hit in his previous 25 at-bats. The ball is springing off his bat this season though, as he now has 15 home runs and is on pace to post a new career-high in both HRs and RBI. His next game will be against the Detroit Tigers in Comerica Park. Even though Kepler could utilize his speed in this ballpark, do not expect him to match production like that in back-to-back days.
Peter Lambert ($6,300)
Lambert had an excellent outing in his MLB debut yesterday against the Chicago Cubs. He finished seven full innings and gave up one run on four hits and added nine strikeouts, walking just one. With Colorado’s starting pitching looking shaky thus far, Lambert has the potential to stay on the big league roster for the remainder of 2019.
Lambert’s Outlook
Lambert performed well and did more than expected even though he was the fourth-highest rated prospect in the Rockies’ organization. He had a 5.07 ERA in Albuquerque (Rockies’ Triple-A affiliate) this season but was able to put it all together on Thursday. He will see the Cubs again in his next scheduled start, this time in Coors Field on Tuesday. Look for him to be a value pick next time out but don’t be surprised to see some regression either.
Losers
Tyler Skaggs ($8,700)
Skaggs looked shaky against the Oakland Athletics, going four innings and giving up five runs on six hits. He also had four walks and four strikeouts in a mediocre outing. He did not have control of his pitches and it showed big time. With the hefty price tag, Skaggs needed to perform a lot better than he did. Do not expect him to bounce back next start either.
Skaggs’ Outlook
The four free passes were the most he gave up in a game this season. Oakland is in the bottom-half of the league in terms of hitting and this was Skaggs’ opportunity to turn his season around. His next scheduled start is Tuesday at home against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers are the best offensive team in the National League and with the addition of a DH in this matchup, I would avoid Skaggs.
Nolan Arenado ($5,500)
Arenado went hitless in four at-bats with a strikeout and left a runner on base against the Chicago Cubs. He struggled the entire series but should be able to bounce back sooner rather than later.
Arenado’s Outlook
Nolan Arenado has been hitting well in his past 15 games, going 25-for-58 (.431 average) with five homers and 19 RBI. However, his bat was suppressed in this series and especially in yesterday’s game. The Rockies travel to the Big Apple to take on the New York Mets today and face off against reigning NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. He ranks in the Top-15 in the NL in WHIP at 1.15 and was limited in his last start. Fade Arenado today and look for him later in the series.
Injury Update
Didi Gregorius will be reinstated from the 60-day Injured List on Friday to make his 2019 debut against the Cleveland Indians.
J.D. Martinez was removed in the fifth inning due to back spasms. Manager Alex Cora said Martinez felt tightness in the third inning.
Jose Altuve, George Springer and Aledmys Diaz will all require rehab stints before returning to the Houston Astros.
