Chances are your fantasy baseball team has been hit by the injury bug. Whether it was Joe Mauer, David Wright, Ryan Zimmerman, Josh Johnson or someone else, plenty of star players have seen time on the DL this year.
But, if your team hasn’t been hit by the injury bug and you still have a DL spot or two available, there are some guys worth picking up and stowing away until they get healthy.
Here are five injured players, owned in 60% or less of Yahoo! Fantasy Baseball leagues, who could make an impact on your fantasy team in the coming weeks.
- Jason Kubel, OF, Minnesota Twins (57% owned) – The Twins have been playing a lot better lately, and that’s only going to continue once guys like Kubel, Jim Thome and Joe Mauer get healthy. Before Kubel went on the DL, he was hitting .310 with five home runs and 30 RBI. When he comes back, he’ll continue to be a valuable piece of the Minnesota offense.
- Travis Hafner, Util/DH, Cleveland Indians (33%) – Hafner’s strained oblique really slowed down the Indians’ hot start. In their last 18 games, the Tribe is a measly 4-14. They need their slugger back in the lineup as soon as possible. They miss his .345 average and his five home runs and 22 RBI. He’s starting a rehab assignment this week though, and could be back by next week.
- Marlon Byrd, OF, Chicago Cubs (18%) – Byrd can’t get healthy soon enough for the struggling Cubbies. Tyler Colvin simply isn’t cutting it in center field. Byrd is a guy who hits for a high average and has decent power. Before he suffered facial fractures in an outfield collision, he was hitting .308 with three home runs and 11 RBI. The Cubs are targeting a July return for Byrd.
- Allen Craig, 2B/OF, St. Louis Cardinals (13%) – Craig was crushing the ball for the Cardinals during his limited playing time, hitting .336 with four homers and 23 RBI in just over 100 at-bats. When he recovers from a knee injury, he will go back to part time duty, but could be a valuable addition to your bench, especially since he’s eligible at multiple positions.
- Cameron Maybin, OF, San Diego Padres (12%) – Maybin returned from the DL on Monday, going 2-for-4. He’s hitting .260 on the year with five home runs and 15 RBI. Maybin also has some speed, having swiped seven bases on the season. He should resume his everyday role in the Padres outfield, giving him value in 12-team leagues.