The Cut List (Week 20): Time to Let Go?

Welcome to Week 20 of the Cut List. This week I’m taking a look at Starlin Castro, Jon Lester, Jed Lowrie, and Eric Thames. I explain why each player should be dropped in most standard shallow leagues.

Last week’s cut candidates (Cesar Hernandez, Matt Kemp, Asdrubal Cabrera, Tim Anderson) went a combined 16-for-66 with seven runs, two home runs, eight RBI, and one stolen base. I think last week was one of my better pieces all year and I hope my suggestions have helped through twenty weeks.

Want some waiver wire advice to make up for those necessary cuts? Make sure you check out our waiver wire blog for the best pickup consultation around.

Time to Move On

Stephen Piscotty (OF, OAK)

Cut in 12-team leagues

Why you should cut him: Hitting .226 over the last thirty days, Stephen Piscotty isn’t worth owning in most standard fantasy leagues at this point. He’s average when he’s on his game, but when he’s cold, he’s nothing more than a last ditch waiver wire option. Look to Mallex Smith (if he’s somehow still available in your league) or Ben Zobrist as replacements for Piscotty. He’s too quiet to own right now.

Better OF options: Mallex Smith, Ben Zobrist

Jon Lester (SP, CHC)

Cut in 10-team leagues

Why you should cut him: I’m typing this right after he gave up eight earned runs and ten hits against Washington. He’s given up 33 earned runs over his last seven starts. 33 earned runs. His expected stats aren’t promising, either. A .271 xBA and a .360 xwOBA leave Lester owners with no other choice but to jettison him. It’s time to cut the line.

Better SP options: Trevor Cahill, Joe Musgrove, Luis Castillo

Jed Lowrie (2B, OAK)

Cut in 10-team leagues

Why you should cut him: He’s hitting .147 over the last 30 days and hasn’t homered in forever. He’s not even chipping in runs or RBI at this point. Remember when he was the waiver wire darling of the first half? He was hitting over .300 and topped the league in RBI at one point, but he’s down to .265 now. Cut him immediately.

Better 2B options: Eduardo Nunez, Ben Zobrist

Eric Thames (1B/OF, MIL)

Cut in 12-team leagues

Why you should cut him: The Brewers just have so many quality players that Eric Thames is often the odd man out of the lineup. He’s largely ineffective when he does play, as evidenced by a total of three homers over the last thirty days. A semi-utility player with a poor batting average and streaky power? Hard pass. Playoff time is approaching and the remaining Thames owners need to get serious. He shouldn’t be owned in 10 or 12 team leagues.

Better 1B/OF options: Marwin Gonzalez, Josh Bell

Update on Last Week’s Cuts

Cesar Hernandez (2B, PHI)

• 5-for-19, 2 runs, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB since August 5

Matt Kemp (OF, LAD)

• 2-for-10, 1 run, 0 HR, 1 RBI since August 5

Asdrubal Cabrera (SS, PHI)

• 5-for-17, 2 runs, 1 HR, 4 RBI since August 5

Tim Anderson (SS, CHW)

• 4-for-20, 2 runs, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 SB since August 5

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