Mike

Foltynewicz

Foltynewicz refused an outright assignment to Triple-A Round Rock after clearing waivers. The 30-year-old righty recorded an underwhelming 5.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 97/36 K/BB ratio across 139 innings (28 appearances, 24 starts) this season. He also coughed up a staggering 35 homers as well. He’ll search for a new opportunity this offseason, but may wind up having to settle for a minor-league deal with an invite to spring training.

The right-hander has been sidelined since August 23 and will return to a 5.54 ERSA and 1.28 WHIP over 130 frames. Foltynewicz is not an option for fantasy leagues.

As opposed to some of the other Rangers’ players on the COVID-19 injured list, Folty’s return date is a bit more murky. As it stands, there’s no current plan to have him throw a simulated game or begin a rehab assignment. Foltynewicz hasn’t pitched since August 18.

It’s unclear whether he tested positive. Foltynewicz was previously lined up to start Wednesday against the Indians, but now Spencer Howard is the probable pitcher. Dane Dunning will pitch on Thursday.

The 29-year-old struck out five during the contest thanks to a 34 percent CSW but was not able to outpitch Seattle’s Marco Gonzales. Foltynewicz allowed a two-run homer to Kyle Seager in the first inning but was otherwise solid and pitched well enough to win. The Rangers right-hander now carries a 5.54 ERA and 1.28 WHIP over 130 frames with 91 strikeouts and will take on the Indians next week in Cleveland.

Foltynewicz was solid. Marco Gonzales was just much better. The right-hander allowed two homers -- one to J.P. Crawford and one to Jake Fraley -- and a sac fly to Jarred Kelenic. Between that he he struck out six and didn’t issue any walks. Foltynewicz has been pitching well as of late, and his 5.66 ERA isn’t indicative of his performance in over the last month or so. Neither is the 2-11 record, but, it’s there. He has a rematch with Seattle on Wednesday.

Foltynewicz held the A’s to just one run over six innings despite throwing just 52-of-93 pitches for strikes and generating just four whiffs on the day. The one run came in the fourth inning. After Matt Olson led off with a double, Foltynewicz walked two batters to load the bases with no outs. Mitch Moreland grounded into a double play that would plate one run. The 29-year-old right-hander might have gotten lucky in this one as the 4.99 FIP and 6.18 xFIP suggests there’s nothing to see here. Foltynewicz will take a 5.77 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and 80 strikeouts over 117 innings into his next start against the Mariners in Seattle next week.

That this start can be included as one of his better ones this season says a lot about what kind of year it’s been for Foltynewicz. He held the Mariners to two runs on Sunday over five innings. Both runs came in the second inning on a base hit and a walk with the bases loaded. Foltynewicz would be done at 93 pitches -- 54 strikes -- after five frames. The 29-year-old right-hander will take a 6.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP, and 78 strikeouts over 111 innings into his next start against the A’s in Oakland.

Hearn will get the start, and Mike Foltynewicz will be available out of the bullpen. It wouldn’t be a surprise if Hearn acted as a multi-inning opener, with Foltynewicz getting the “bulk” innings. Neither pitcher is worth fantasy consideration.

Foltynewicz struck out four but issued two walks and gave up five hits, including three home runs. The 29-year-old right-hander is now 2-10 on the season with a rough 6.11 ERA through 20 starts covering 106 innings. He’s lined up to face the Diamondbacks next.