Nationals Adam Eaton Tears ACL: Fantasy Fallout

By Brad Kelly | Apr 29, 2017

Apr 28, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals center fielder Adam Eaton (2) is looked at by a trainer after suffering an apparent leg injury during the ninth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

Adam Eaton tore his ACL running to first base on Friday for the Nationals. What is the fantasy impact of the injury news?

The Nationals seemed to have everything going. Coming off the bludgeoning of the Rockies earlier this week, they went to the play Mets with the hopes of further burying them in the standings. But, things went south fast as Adam Eaton would crumble in pain trying to beat out a single at first.

After originally being diagnosed a knee strain, reports today have verified the worst. Eaton tore his ACL and will be out for the season. Trea Turner and Adam Eaton at the top of the order were just becoming a terror for opposing tandem and it looked as though Eaton was in line for his best fantasy season yet.

The Eaton injury sucks for both fantasy owners and the Nats. For the Nats, they lose their offseason prize and a dynamic piece on offense and defense. The lineup is still loaded with talent, but losing Eaton and his .297/2 HR/13 RBI/3 SB/.854 OPS line, will surely hurt.

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The clear option to take over is Michael Taylor. The enigmatic 26-year-old has done hardly anything over the last two seasons when thrust into starting duties. The talent is there for him to shine, but the time is running out for him to put it all together. He has only two hits over his 23 plate appearances this season.

For fantasy owners looking to find a piece of the Nationals lineup to invest in, Taylor is going to be the only option readily available on the waiver wire. He is not a recommended add this season, but if he were to heat up, owners would have to pull the trigger.

Further options off the waiver wire exist due to the sheer amount of depth in the OF position.

We touched on the Reds’ Scott Schebler earlier this week as he is heating up at the plate, but guys like the Twins’ Eddie Rosario or even the Blue Jays’ Ezequiel Carrera are out there. They are not sexy names, but they are hot at the plate and can offer decent production for the time being.

Next: Fantasy Baseball Week 5: Wavier Wire Hitter Adds

Adam Eaton is a solid fantasy producer and an extremely valuable real life player. The ACL injury is brutal, but hopefully, he bounces back next season. Fantasy owners can drop him and will have to work the waiver wire until a long-term option appears.

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