With the news that Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina will miss 8-12 weeks with a torn ligament in his thumb, this likely leaves a huge hole in your fantasy lineup. It does in mine. Here are a few players that could help ease the loss. Molina was hitting .287 with seven home runs and 30 RBI this year. I will try to find you replacements that come close to those numbers. The standard players will be available in 15-50 percent of leagues. Moderate will be 51-90 percent of leagues. Deep will be players owned in ten percent or less of ESPN leagues.
Colorado Rockies catcher Wilin Rosario ties the game with an RBI double. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Standard:
Wilin Rosario, Rockies: Rosario has the power numbers. He has nine homers and 34 RBI in less at bats than Molina got them. The only caveat is that you will have to sacrifice some batting average. Rosario is hitting only .245, but part of that could be because of nagging injuries that have plagued him this year. He is the option with the most upside.
Wilson Ramos, Nationals: If he can stay on the field, he is a fantasy asset. He is hitting .295 with three homers and 16 RBI in 129 at bats. If he can stay on the field, he will come close to Molina’s production.
Moderate:
Yan Gomes, Indians: Gomes has 11 homers and 33 RBI, and his .260 average is not much lower than Molina’s. He might be the safest option in any sized league. Derek Norris, Athletics: John Jaso has gone cold, and the A’s want to keep Norris’ bat in the lineup. He is hitting .305 with 8 homers and 37 RBI in only 190 at bats. Do you blame them? He has the potential to exceed Molina’s superb 2013 season.
Oakland’s Stephen Vogt rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the fourth inning. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
Deep:
Stephen Vogt, Athletics: Why two A’s catchers? Because Vogt is a fantasy dream come true. He spends most of his time in the outfield or at DH, yet has catcher eligibility. Meaning he will have less days off than your average catcher. Add to that his .367 average, three homers, and 16 RBI in only 93 at bats, and you have a guy that can light up your catcher slot. And he is owned in less than ten percent of leagues. Don’t wait to add him until he gets hotter. With big names like Joe Mauer, Evan Gattis, and Matt Wieters also on the shelf, production at catcher is even harder to come by than usual!
Robinson Chirinos, Rangers: He is picking up at bats at first base in the absence of Prince Fielder, and if he keeps producing, he may see even more. Chirinos is hitting .251 with nine homers and 27 RBI in only 179 at bats. The average is lacking a bit, but the power numbers make it worth the risk.