I am a hypocrite!… Let me explain… I always preach to my Fantasy Black Book followers that the baseball season is long and arduous enough. Why would you want to draft players who are hurt, when so many injuries are going to happen to the rest of your roster? However, there are some unique cases where a player is returning from an injury, and he’s being undervalued to the point of becoming worthy of a pick.
The season IS long after all. Missing a few weeks in April, when the free agent pool is arguably at it’s deepest, frankly isn’t that big of a deal. Far too often, owners pass on talent because they’re hyper-focused on what’s right ahead of them, rather than the marathon of a season that lies ahead.
So, I give you a look at some names that have fallen far enough because of health concerns that you should take advantage of in 2019.
Spring Training games are underway! It’s time you got your fantasy baseball season started as well. Leagues are already forming at Fantrax.com, so head on over and get your league started today.
Taking Advantage of MLB Injuries
Didi Gregorius SS NYY (Fantrax ADP #220)
Rejoice! Manny Machado did not end up in the Bronx and that means Didi Gregorius’ shortstop position will be waiting for him, without question, when he returns. At the moment, Didi is getting close to being cleared to hit and has already been cleared to throw. The goal is for him to return to his everyday role sometime in mid-to-late June. That would give you three months of a theoretically healthy shortstop who hit 27 homers and stole 10 bags in 134 games. The last two years, he’s been a great source of power, R and RBI from his position. As a draft and stash, he could be a second-half difference maker in season-long roto formats. H2H formats, it may bee too long of a wait.
Jimmy Nelson SP MIL (Fantrax ADP #234)
After missing the entire 2018 season, Jimmy Nelson is poised to return to the Brewers rotation in mid-April. He had a weird setback after getting his cleat caught and tweaking his forearm, but he’s throwing again already. When last we saw Jimmy, it was his breakout 2017 season. That year his K/9 jumped to 10.2 and his walks dropped to 2.5 per 9 respectively. The other positive no one is talking about was that 2017 was his third straight season of 175 IP or more. Even if he starts a little slow, Nelson has No. 2 starter upside and is basically going as a No. 5, or lower in drafts. Marco Gonzalez and Steven Matz are ahead of him in ADP, and they’ve never shown the ability that Nelson flashed in ’17.
Gregory Polanco OF PIT (Fantrax ADP #236)
Did you know that Gregory Polanco is set to have spring training at-bats as a DH this month? That means as soon as his arm is strong enough for the outfield, he’ll be back with the Bucs. The original timeline was the All-Star break. Now, it’s looking like May! He came into camp in fantastic shape (insert joke here) and at 27, Polanco could still manage a 20/20 season in just 5 months. If he could get that BA to the .275 range, he could be a fantasy steal this year. The most important thing is that he’s reiterated time and time again, that he’s pain-free. Draft him without hesitation, just have a short term plan for 6 weeks to cover his spot.
Jed Lowrie (Fantrax ADP #294)
So, after two stellar seasons in Oakland, the old Jed Lowrie returned to the injury report. Oh, how we missed him there. There’s no timetable for his return with a knee capsule issue, but the best guess is he’ll miss at least April. The good news is that his replacement could be last year’s waiver wire darling Jeff McNeil! McNeil had a gaudy .329 BA over 63 games and also stole 7 bags. When Lowrie comes back, you can probably drop McNeil without a worry. If Lowrie misses significant time, then the in-house replacement could be a relatively comparable version of the veteran. You can’t lose on this handcuff.
Mark Trumbo OF BAL (Fantrax ADP #409)
Admit it, you forgot about him. It’s ok. But, Mark Trumbo is still alive, despite the fact the Orioles are dead on arrival this year. He underwent knee surgery last year, but he’s supposed to be ready for opening day. Last year, Trumbo jacked 17 bombs in 90 games and was his usual self. He’ll always strike out too much and tends to fall off after the break, but at this forgotten ADP, take those first 20 homers and ship him off to another team. He’s free power. Don’t you like free power? What’s the matter with you?
Mac Williamson OF SF (Fantrax ADP #583)
Once upon a time, Mac Williamson was a prime Giants prospect before Tommy John halted his progress. He got back and worked his way through a log jam in their system of mediocrity for another opportunity. Last year, he got off to a great start but then a concussion wiped him out. In deep leagues, Williamson is a free player. The Giants desperately need some thump in that lineup and a good spring could solidify him as the opening day left fielder. That means volume. Volume is good. If he fails, it cost you nothing. If he succeeds, he could be an unexpected solid UT bat or 5th OF.
Follow me on twitter @JoePisapia17 and #TakeTheBlack with The Fantasy Baseball Black Book 2019! Baseball is coming!
Ready to take advantage of injuries? For more great rankings, strategy, and analysis check out the 2019 FantraxHQ Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit. We’ll be adding more content from now right up until Opening Day!
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