Just because your team’s batting average is hovering around .186 and your team ERA is double Bartolo Colon’s listed weight, it’s not time to panic. It’s Week 1. There’s no need to rip up your roster or start thinking you drafted the wrong players. They’re shaking off the rust. Give it time!
The same goes for players who started the season on the disabled list or have suffered injuries during baseball’s first week. Those who drafted Yu Darvish early were no doubt scared to hear the Rangers ace was scratched from his Opening Day start with neck issues, but were no doubt delighted to hear he’ll be ready to make his first start on Sunday.
But the truth is this: Even if Darvish, a top-5 pitcher, wasn’t ready to return Sunday, there’s still plenty of time to get the expected production from him. What matters, though, is how you adjust when your key players are hurting. Finding those quick fixes is key. It could be a no-name off to a scorching start or a steady veteran good for one last run. It doesn’t matter, as long as they fill your needs.
Here’s a look at some injured players and some available plug-ins for their roster spots:
Jose Reyes, SS, Blue Jays
In: Emilio Bonifacio, SS, Cubs
Injury: Strained left hamstring
Projected return: Mid-April
Quick Fix: A career .266 hitter with little power and little upside, Bonifacio will never be mistaken for Reyes. However, until the former Mets shortstop is ready to return, you can take advantage of Bonifacio’s red-hot start (.688, four stolen bases, three runs scored, 1.518 OPS). The middle infielder was drafted in 1 percent of ESPN leagues, but is now owned in more than 50 percent. Get him while he resembles a baseball player.
Shane Victorino, OF, Red Sox
In: Dexter Fowler, OF, Astros
Injury: Right hamstring
Projected return: Possibly mid-April
Quick Fix: You could look in Grady Sizemore’s direction for some help, but Roto Files isn’t sold just yet. The better quick-fix option here is Houston’s Fowler (yes, an Astro). In three games against the Yankees, Fowler was 6-for-12 with one homer and two RBIs. He’s available in about 35 percent of ESPN leagues and should be able to hold down the fort until Victorino returns.
Wilson Ramos, C, Nationals
In: Mike Zunino, C, Mariners
Injury: Broken left hamate bone
Projected return: About four weeks
Quick fix: There are tons of catchers widely available, but the key is to find one who will play often (and well). Yan Gomes is Cleveland’s everyday catcher, but is off to a slow start. Seattle’s Zunino is off to a solid start (.286, one homer, four RBIs in the Mariners’ first four games) and the 23-year-old has the potential to be more than just a stopgap. He’ll give up some starts to John Buck to keep him fresh, but he’s available in 95 percent of ESPN leagues and could offer some help for the time being.
Clayton Kershaw, P, Dodgers
In: Scott Kazmir, P, A’s
Injury: Left teres major strain
Projected return: Early May
Quick fix: Kazmir, one of Roto Files’ top sleeper picks, showed why he is valuable in his first start of the season, allowing no runs on three hits and striking out five in 7 ¹/₃ innings. He is not only a good quick fix, but a solid option for the whole season and he’s still available in 75 percent of ESPN leagues. (He also gets two starts next week.)
Cole Hamels, P, Phillies
In: Mark Buehrle, P, Blue Jays
Injury: Biceps tendinitis
Projected return: Late April
Quick fix: Since leaving the White Sox in 2012, Buehrle (available in almost 70 percent of ESPN leagues) has been kind of a fantasy afterthought — a middle-of-the-road pitcher at best. But, his first start of the season for the Blue Jays caught our attention, pitching 8 ²/₃ shutout innings while striking out 11 to pick up the win. It could be a mirage, but there’s always that chance we have stumbled across something real. (Two starts next week.)
Bobby Parnell, RP, Mets
In: Jose Valverde, RP, Mets
Injury: Partial tear of MCL in right elbow
Projected return: Possibly mid-May
Quick fix: Francisco Rodriguez was the hot commodity this week (drafted in fewer than 1 percent of ESPN leagues, but is now owned in more than 50 percent), but Jim Henderson continues to threaten his job security. Matt Lindstrom is the closer for the White Sox, but after blowing a save and the game on Thursday, it’s hard to recommend him, too. Valverde will get a shot as the Mets closer and is available in 80 percent of ESPN leagues. Roto Files believes he could be a great option … assuming the Amazin’s ever get him in a save opportunity.
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