Dinelson Lamet to have Tommy John surgery: Fantasy impact

The Padres lost their young pitcher Dinelson Lamet for the rest of the season as he needs Tommy John surgery. He’s safe to drop in all league formats.

The San Diego Padres season took a hit as they lost a big piece of their starting rotation. Dinelson Lamet started the season on the DL with elbow pain. Unfortunately, that escalated and he will require Tommy John surgery. If you stashed him as a late-round pick, you can move on and find a new pitcher.

Lamet was pegged as a breakout pitcher this season. He had a good season last year and looking to improve this season. In 114.1 innings, he posted a 4.57 ERA, 1.242 WHIP and 7-8 record. The best stat was his strikeout rate. He threw to a 10.9 K/9, a total of 139 strikeouts over the season.

Lamet had some control issues as he posted a 4.3 BB/9 and a 1.4 HR/9. But that would have come down with experience. Until then, he’ll be out of action for the rest of the season and part of the 2019 season. He’ll rehab during spring training and could be back in May of next year.

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Lamet wasn’t drafted in the majority of ESPN drafts but had an ownership percentage of 18.8 percent last week. He was more owned in CBS leagues, owned in as high as 63 percent of leagues. But, unless you play in the deepest of dynasty leagues, you are safe to drop Lamet.

If you were holding out hope for his debut this season, there are a few pitchers worth picking up in his place.

Ian Kennedy (41.5 percent owned) has pitched three straight quality starts to begin the season. He will look to continue that streak next Tuesday against the Blue Jays.

Reynaldo Lopez (35.4 percent) has allowed one run in a combined 13.0 innings. He strikes out a decent number per start, but Lopez also walks a few. He pitches Friday against the Twins.

Zack Wheeler (9.0 percent) looked good against the Marlins, his first start of the season. He gave up one run on two hits and a walk while striking out seven over seven innings. He makes his next start against Washington.

Next: Nick Senzel coming up soon?

Lamet joins a long list of injured players this season. He’ll carry that tag into the 2019 season. Looking at the previous TJ surgery recipients, he likely won’t be fully effective until 2020. By then, he’ll only be 27.