While losing one of your fantasy players to an injury can be scary, the prospect of losing games is scarier.
Whether you’ve been forced to deal with the long-term losses of Bryce Harper (expected to return in July), Cliff Lee (at least three weeks from returning) or Nolan Arenado (rehab not far off), the day-to-day injuries of Hanley Ramirez, Jose Altuve or Brandon Phillips, or the season-long losses of Jose Fernandez or Prince Fielder, you have to make sure your roster remains complete with players who can help you win games. It’s not the side of the game we want to deal with, it’s the side of the game we have to deal with.
While you can’t always hit the jackpot and land a player like Lonnie Chisenhall (.393, seven homers, 32 RBIs), who some didn’t discover until he had a three-homer, nine-RBI game earlier this week (he’s now owned in 100 percent of fantasy leagues, but was at 73.6 percent at the beginning of the week), you can still find solid waiver options who can help your team as your starter heals.
Here’s a look at some ailing players and some widely available players who could be used to fill their roles:
Carlos Gonzalez, OF, Rockies
Injury status: 15-day DL (finger)
Potential replacement: Corey Dickerson, OF, Rockies
CarGo could miss another five weeks after having a “foreign body” removed from his finger, but Dickerson could help you forget Gonzalez’s mediocre season thus far. Dickerson, who is still available in 43 percent of ESPN leagues, was batting .347 with eight homers, 23 RBIs, four stolen bases and a 1.07 OPS before Friday’s games.
Adam Wainwright, SP, Cardinals
Injury status: Day-to-day (elbow)
Potential replacement: Tanner Roark, SP, Nationals
It was scary to see elbow concerns with Wainwright this week, but chances are he will make his start Monday against the Mets (and have a two-start week), but Roark isn’t a bad addition to your rotation. Over his last three starts, the 27-year-old is 2-1 with a 1.29 ERA and has held hitters to a .215 batting average and .538 OPS. He’s available in 52 percent of ESPN leagues.
Jedd Gyorko, 2B, Padres
Injury status: 15-day DL (plantar fasciitis)
Potential replacement: Danny Santana, SS, Twins
An ape with a fungo bat could probably be more productive than San Diego’s disappointing sophomore. Santana, however, is hot, hitting .414 with two homers, nine RBIs and a 1.09 OPS since June 6. The middle infielder is available in about 26 percent of ESPN leagues.
Gerrit Cole, SP, Pirates
Injury status: 15-day DL (shoulder)
Potential replacement: Bartolo Colon, SP, Mets
Cole may return on Thursday, but owners should seriously consider Colon. Before Friday, he was 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA with 23 strikeouts and a .222 opposing batting average over his last four starts. He’s available in 61 percent of ESPN leagues.
Wilson Ramos, C, Nationals
Injury status: 15-day DL (hamstring)
Potential replacement: Russell Martin, C, Pirates
After playing in 113 games as a rookie in 2012, Ramos, who had been hitting .346 since May 22, has played in 127 games since. He just can’t stay healthy. It’s a risky move, but Martin is healthy and starting to click, hitting .333 with five RBIs and three stolen bases in June. He’s owned in just 7 percent of ESPN leagues.
Quick hits
A few weeks ago, Roto Files recommended keeping Justin Verlander in your rotation. After allowing seven runs and four walks on Wednesday, it may be time to reconsider. … There may be a little rust, but Reds ace Mat Latos will make his season debut on Saturday. … It’s a small sample size, but the Twins’ Kendrys Morales looks like a pretty good first base addition. … With Justin Smoak hurt, the Mariners recalled former Yankees prospect Jesus Montero, who had eight homers in 59 minor league games. Keep a pie … sorry, bad habit … keep an eye on him.
Fantasy Team Name of the Week: Latos Intolerant