Chicago Cubs Dexter Fowler Hits the DL
By Brad Kelly
Dexter Fowler is having a tremendous season for the Chicago Cubs. But, what does today’s news of him hitting the D.L. mean for fantasy owners?
The Chicago Cubs look like an unstoppable force, combining a powerful offensive core with dominant pitching. Their offensive success has been ignited by Dexter Fowler though, as he has proven to be the catalyst in which the team relies upon atop the lineup.
Unfortunately, his career best start will be delayed for at least 15 days as he is nursing a hamstring ailment. The team says that the move is precautionary, and with the club’s great start to the season and their depth, they can afford to play it safe with his recovery. Hamstrings are tricky and Fowler has a checkered injury history, but it does not appear that this will be a long-term concern based upon the team’s optimism.
Fantasy owners will surely miss his production as his .290/7 HR/28 RBI/6 SB/.881 OPS/41 R stat line offers extreme balance. No one on the waiver wire will offer a similar level of production, but the best potential fantasy replacement, could very well be the guy that will be filling in Dexter Fowler’s spot.
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Albert Almora is only 22-years old, but has held top prospect status since the day he joined the ball club. He is young, dynamic, and it looks as though he will get his first extended look at the major league level with Fowler on the shelf.
Even though he has just played in 11 games this season, his .346 AVG and nine hits are encouraging. There is also the fact that four out of his nine hits have been doubles , allowing him to post a .890 OPS.
The Cubs are no strangers to throwing multiple guys in the outfield and it may be the case where Almora gets sniped from a few starts. But, Chicago seems to be committed with him in center for the time being. With the supporting class around him, owning any piece of the Cubs’ lineup is well worth a waiver wire add.
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Owners looking for a replacement should add Almora, with the hope that he can continue his hot start. He has all of the raw talent needed to be a solid OF 4 or 5 this season, and possibly more if he can carve out a consistent role moving forward. Adding him is a pure upside play for at least the next two weeks, so why not take the chance?