Utilizing the disabled list option can lead to solid returns in the future in fantasy baseball. That’s why I like to pick up DL players early, so I can get a jump on other owners who may pass them up until later on the waiver wire.
Here’s three players currently on the disabled list worth owning now so you can get full value from their future performances.
Brad Boxberger, RP, Tampa Bay
You get a closer with past success. There’s not much more you can ask for in a player set to come back next month.
Boxberger is still more than a month away from returning, but when he does, he’ll be worth the wait for a team starving for a second closer. Boxberger saved 41 games last season for a below-average Tampa Bay team.
That’s enough reason to get him off the waiver wire. His strikeouts per nine innings have been tremendous in the last two seasons, going for 14.5 in 2014 and 10.6 last season.
His ERA was a bit inflated last season at 3.71, but I’m not concerned based on his ability to close the door on the opposition. His injury wasn’t an arm issue, so that shouldn’t bother fantasy baseball owners either.
It’s a long wait for him to return, but if your team can withstand that timeline, Boxberger would be a nice addition to any fantasy baseball roster looking to add more saves to their weekly total.
Lance McCullers, SP, Houston
You would think McCullers would be widely owned. However, he’s owned in about 60 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues, making him a nice commodity to stash on the disabled list if available.
McCullers burst onto the scene last year during a rookie year where he managed an ERA of 3.22. His wins total wasn’t great with only six wins compared to seven losses, but that should improve this season.
He registered a 9.2 strikeouts-per-nine-innings, which is his most prized attribute. With the improvement expected out of the Houston Astros, I’m surprised McCullers is not more widely owned.
He’s expected to return this month, so if a fantasy owner gets antsy and drops him, or if he’s still sitting on the waiver wire, he’s worth solid consideration to bolster your starting rotation in fantasy baseball.
Howie Kendrick, 2B, Los Angeles Angels
Second base is starting to look like a solid fantasy baseball position, but there’s still room for Kendrick.
He’s slated to come back next week for the Dodgers and is still available in some leagues. According to Fantasy Pros, Kendrick is owned in 64 percent of leagues. On ESPN, he’s owned in fewer, at 52 percent.
He’s not going to turn your fantasy roster around in a day. But he can provide solid balance and depth for your fantasy team.
He’s a good run producer and will hit for decent average. He owns a career .293 batting average to go along with averaging 81 runs during a 162-game season.
He’s not going to go for power or stolen bases, but he won’t drag you down in multiple categories. He’s worth an add to give your fantasy roster more depth.
