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D’Backs Robbie Ray headed to the DL: Fantasy Fallout

By Brad Kelly

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks complains about back pains in the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 29: Robbie Ray #38 of the Arizona Diamondbacks complains about back pains in the second inning during a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on April 29, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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Robbie Ray is the latest D’Backs hurler headed to the DL. Now out with an injury, what is the fantasy impact of the news?

The Arizona Diamondbacks own one of the best records in all of MLB, and have opened an early five-game lead in the NL West. Amazingly enough, the D’Backs have found success even though they have lost Taijuan Walker to injury for the year, are already without Shelby Miller, and now Robbie Ray will join that list.

Robbie Ray left his last start in the second inning to what has now been diagnosed as an oblique injury. Obliques are some of the trickiest injuries to recover from, so it more than likely cost Ray a month of action. Fantasy owners targeted Ray early and often this spring as he had a tremendous breakout last season.

He struggled over his first six starts in 2018 though, he currently holds a 4.88 ERA/45 K/17 BB line, and has battled his command all season. Yet, the stuff is still unquestioned and fantasy owners are better with him than without him.

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At worst, he was offering solid K numbers, leading the league with a 14.6 K/9. It is a big early blow for owners that banked on him as a co-ace, and a bigger blow for the D’Backs who looked to him as their bonafide ace.

The team has yet to decide who will slide into Ray’s spot, but none are worth much fantasy consideration. Unfortunately, fantasy owners are not going to find dominant K numbers on the waiver wire as replacements.

We offered Kyle Gibson as a potential waiver wire add thanks to his newfound swing and miss stuff.

Tyler Skaggs is another intriguing option off the wire and his ownership is climbing. If there were a recommended long-term on the waiver wire right now, Skaggs would be it as his upside is worth it and he has thrown the ball well season.

For owners that need to really dig deep for a potential replacement, pitchers like Marco Gonzales and CC Sabathia are throwing the ball well right now and have good matchups this week.

Next: Reds Jesse Winker is swinging it well: Waiver Wire Add?

Hopefully, Ray’s injury only sidelines him for a limited time and he can get back to showing his Cy Young type of talent. The pitching pool is deep, and there are a few options that could mask some of Ray’s loss.

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