Finding dependable players for your fantasy squad is easy. Finding dependable players who manage to withstand the daily grind of the season without getting hurt? Well, that’s a different story.
Earlier in the season, we saw the losses of Marlins ace Jose Fernandez and Orioles catcher Matt Wieters to Tommy John surgery. Prince Fiedler (neck) was having a miserable season, and it ended early. Before the first pitch on Opening Day, we knew Mets hurler Matt Harvey would likely not pitch this year (no matter what he wants).
Of course, the injuries keep coming, and stud players continue to drop like flies. This month, we’ve seen three big-names go down with season-ending injuries — the Rockies’ Troy Tulowitzki (hip) and Carlos Gonzalez (left knee) and Diamondbacks slugger Paul Goldschmidt (broken left hand).
While Gonzalez (.238, 11 homers, 38 RBIs, .723 OPS) was having a down year, Tulowitzki (.340, 21 homers, 52 RBIs, 1.035 OPS) and Goldschmidt (.300, 19 homers, 69 RBIs, .938 OPS) were having stellar seasons. Owners are now forced to make do without those numbers as the playoff push begins. It’s no easy task, especially with the most dependable players already being depended on by other teams.
With the playoffs just around the corner and trade deadlines in most leagues long gone, it’s time for Roto Files to take a look at other big-name players who have been fighting injuries, and what to expect from them over the final weeks of 2014:
Justin Verlander, SP, Tigers
Injury: Right shoulder inflammation
Here’s the cold, hard truth: Verlander is not worthy of being on your roster. Even if he avoids the DL, Roto Files’ first-half anti-Cy Young cannot be relied upon every fifth day. He is, at best, a streaming option against lowly opponents — and even that’s a stretch. You’re better off giving his roster spot to Gerrit Cole (22 percent available in ESPN leagues), who could rejoin the Pirates’ rotation on Aug. 21, Oakland’s Jason Hammel (1-0, 0.75 ERA in his previous two starts before taking the mound Friday), or Kansas City’s Danny Duffy (2-2, 1.95 ERA, 30 strikeouts .178 opponent batting average over his last six starts).
Yu Darvish, SP, Rangers
Injury: Mild right elbow inflammation (15-day DL)
With nothing for the Rangers to play for, there is a chance Darvish has pitched his last game this season. That’s is good news for Darvish owners in keeper leagues (no further damage to his arm) and bad news for those depending on the Rangers ace to be your ace. Michael Pineda (66 percent available) and Jake Odorizzi (7-2, 2.73 ERA, 65 strikeouts over his last 10 starts) are two widely available options.
Brian McCann, C, Yankees
Injury: Concussion (Seven-day DL)
The good news is the $85 million catcher is expected to return soon. The bad news is the $85 million catcher is expected to return soon. Wait and see if he does anything before throwing him into your lineup.
Manny Machado, 3B, Orioles
Injury: Sprained right knee ligament (15-day DL)
Early reports have the third baseman saying he isn’t confident he’ll be back in the 15-day minimum, making him hard to rely on. Keep an eye on his recovery, but look at corner infielders like Roto Files favorite Casey McGehee (11 percent available), Stephen Vogt (34 percent available) or Trevor Plouffe (76 percent available) for immediate assistance.
Homer Bailey, SP, Reds
Injury: Strained right flexor mass tendon (15-day DL)
Bailey will be back this season, and that’s a good thing for fantasy owners. Over his last five starts, Bailey lowered his ERA from 4.21 to 3.71 by going 1-0 with a 2.18 ERA and 22 strikeouts, while holding opponents to a .164 batting average and .544 OPS. He’s eligible to return on Aug. 23, so keep that date circled on your calendar.
Quick Hits
Another big star on the DL is Andrew McCutchen (eligible to return on Aug. 19 from his rib injury), but his replacement, Starling Marte, is performing admirably. Before Friday night’s games, he was hitting .314 with three RBIs, two stolen bases and a .900 OPS. … Need an outfielder(perhaps to replace CarGo or McCutchen)?? Take a look at Kansas City’s Nori Aoki, who is hitting .357 with a homer, 11 RBIs, four stolen bases and a .949 OPS this month. … It should be pretty easy to spot Joakim Soria nowadays. He’s the guy with the black cloud permanently hanging over his head. In less than a month, he went from being a solid fantasy closer to a forgotten fantasy relief pitcher who is now on the DL. If you see him walking around town, cross the street.
Fantasy Team Names of the Week (Robin Williams edition): Yu-manji/Good Morning, Jake deGrom/Mrs. Troutfire/The World According to Carp.