Mark Lowe

Tigers' catcher James McCann has apparently noticed a mechanical issue in Mark Lowe's delivery, reports George Sipple of the Detroit Free Press. This issue could have been causing his dip in velocity in 2016.

Fantasy Impact

Lowe's average fastball velocity dropped from 95.5 MPH in 2015 to 92.4 in 2016, which likely lead to his abysmal campaign (7.11 ERA). However, other than a stellar 2015 campaign (1.96 ERA, 9.98 K/9), Lowe has been mostly inconsistent in performance, fastball velocity, and health. Even in leagues that count holds, there are too many safer alternatives to be considering Lowe as an option.

Blue Jays reliever Mark Lowe took over for David Price in the 9th inning on Friday night and proceeded to strike out the side.

Fantasy Impact

Lowe is having a great season and continues to be a good source of ERA and WHIP for those in season long leagues. On the season, Lowe has a 1.11 WHIP, a 1.49 ERA, and has struck out 53 batters in just over 42 innings of work.

Sources within the Mariners have confirmed the organization has traded right-handed reliever Mark Lowe to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for three minor league left-handed pitchers Nick Wells , Jake Brentz and Rob Rasmussen.

Fantasy Impact

It’s not a surprising move for the Mariners. Mark Lowe has plenty of value to contending teams as an economical set-up man out of the bullpen. He’s been Seattle’s best reliever this season, making 34 appearances and allowing just six runs in 34 innings pitched for a 1.00 ERA. He’s struck out 47 batters with just 11 walks.

Mark Lowe pitched a perfect eighth inning against the Astros, not allowing a base-runner and striking out two batters.

Fantasy Impact

Lowe has been dominant in the Mariners bullpen, owning a 0.87 ERA and a 1.16 WHIP in 20.2 IP. Despite the great season to date, Lowe offers little fantasy value due to his lack of save opportunities. Unless his role changes, he should be left alone in all formats.