Nathaniel Lowe DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (illness) has been scratched from the starting lineup for Friday's series opener against the division-rival Marlins in Miami because he's feeling under the weather, according to The Washington Post's Andrew Golden. Lowe didn't come out for batting practice, and Amed Rosario and Riley Adams were seen taking ground balls at first base. Josh Bell will make the start at first base and will bat fifth against Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera, who is making his first start of the year. James Wood is the designated hitter and is batting second, while Alex Call will start in left field and hit sixth. Lowe already has three homers and nine RBI in his first 12 games with the Nats and will hopefully be back in action on Saturday in Miami. Bell, who is an all-or-nothing hitter, is batting .091 in 11 career at-bats against Cabrera with one homer and two RBI.

Washington Nationals first baseman Nathaniel Lowe is off to an impressive start to the season. On Sunday, Lowe went 3-for-4 including a two-run home run in the victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. Lowe helped give the Nats a five-run lead with his sixth inning blast off right-hander Aaron Nola. After this game, Lowe is 6-for-13 with two homers and five RBI in three games. Lowe isn't a must-have fantasy option, but could be worth a look in 12-team formats while he's hot at the plate. The expectation is he'll play everyday and bat in the middle of the Nats order.

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Washington Nationals have acquired first baseman Nathaniel Lowe from the Texas Rangers in exchange for left-handed pitcher Robert Garcia. Lowe has spent the past four seasons of his major league career playing in Texas. Last summer across 140 games, the 29-year-old posted a .265/.361/.401 line with 16 home runs, 16 doubles, 69 RBI, and two stolen bases. He held a stellar 12.6% walk rate which placed him the 97th percentile among qualified hitters. Lowe has hit at least 15+ home runs in each of the past four seasons while having an OBP of at least .357. Fantasy managers should expect Lowe to operate as the everyday first baseman in D.C. This transaction will also open the door for Jake Burger to be the everyday first baseman in Texas, who the Rangers acquired earlier this offseason.