Brewers Ryan Braun Hits the DL: Fantasy Impact
By Brad Kelly
Ryan Braun is headed the to the DL for the Brewers. What is the fantasy impact of the news?
Like him or not, Ryan Braun has been one of the best fantasy producers since entering the league in 2007 with the Brewers. But, nagging injuries have been a common ailment as of late in his career and that continued with his DL stint this week.
The Brewers are sending him to the DL thanks to a calf injury. While the strain is the mildest one a player can have, he has also battled an elbow injury in May, which cost him a week of action. Now out for ten more days, what is the fantasy impact of the news?
Braun was up to his usual tricks this season at the plate, .287/7 HR/18 RBI/4 SB over 27 games. He and Eric Thames were making a potent one-two punch in the middle of the order.
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Whether it be his thumb or back, he is no stranger to playing banged up. Fantasy owners are well familiar with him missing days at a time during the season. Owners will now, of course, have to look for options that can fill in for the time being.
Thankfully, the fantasy OF position is packed with suitable adds. We have covered the likes of Ben Gamel and Jayson Werth recently as batters that are on fire at the plate.
But, guys like Danny Valencia and Tommy Pham are other options that are hot and can help during the time Braun is out.
Valencia is a streaky hitter, but when he gets hot, the power comes in bunches. Over the last two weeks, he has posted a stellar .326/3 HR/10 RBI/7 R/ .932 OPS line. He is getting plenty of playing time and swinging it well. Now would be the best time to ride him in Braun’s absence.
Pham is the better long-term add. The outfielder has a ton of raw talent and has always looked the part of a solid potential fantasy performer. Over the last two weeks, he has posted a .357/3 HR/6 RBI/1 SB/1.241 OPS line. The Cards are down multiple outfielders and need Pham’s dynamic skill set in the lineup.
Losing Ryan Braun sucks for the Brewers and fantasy owners. But, should have been somewhat expected. The four above listed OF offer hot options that can be added in order to subdue to the blow that losing Braun will have.