BREWERS BRING IN PITCHER LYLES
The Milwaukee Brewers acquired pitcher Jordan Lyles from the Pittsburgh Pirates for pitcher Cody Ponce.
What does it give the Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers felt the need to add another starting pitcher in order to better compete in the National League Central division with the Cubs and Cardinals (currently the division's co-leaders). So, they landed Lyles from another division rival (albeit a non-contender in Pittsburgh). Lyles has sported an ugly 5.36 earned-run average this season and has allowed more hits than innings pitched so far. Therefore, Milwaukee is hoping he can rebound on a better baseball team.
What does it give the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates signed Lyles as a free agent last winter, after he spent a brief time with the Brewers in 2018 (although he only pitched in relief with the Brew Crew last season). In return for Lyles, the Bucs get a hulking 25-year-old right-hander in Ponce. He has made a smooth transition to a bullpen role this season and appears to have found his pitching niche. Ponce could become a factor as a big-league reliever as early as 2020, despite the fact he has yet to pitch above Double-A ball.
Fantasy impact
Ponce is now on the keeper radar but he should be at least a year away from contributing in MLB. As for Lyles, his strikeout ability is intriguing from a fantasy perspective but his other numbers are worrisome. Therefore, he is not a recommendable pickup in shallow fantasy leagues. Only pick Lyles up if he is the clear best option available in free agency or the waiver wire.
