On Monday evening the Atlanta Braves placed rookie phenom Jason Heyward on the 15-day disabled list due to a lingering thumb injury.
This is not good news for Heyward owners because hand issues, especially to the thumb, can be an ongoing issue. The immediate fantasy advice is to place him into one of your injured reserve slots (or on the bench in non-DL leagues), but continue to monitor his status moving forward. It might be best to look for a replacement until after the All Star Break.
Here are some short-term rental to consider. All own percentages are from ESPN.com.
Tyler Colvin, CHC
Colvin, owned in only 3.9 percent of ESPN leagues, is emerging from the platoon in Chicago to be an everyday outfielder; the only question is which outfield position he will be in. In the last 15 days, Colvin has four home runs and 11 RBI - more than Manny Ramirez, Jayson Werth and Justin Upton.
Julio Borbon, TEX
Borbon was a hot name around most drafts, but disappeared off the face of the earth after an awful start. In his last 15 days, though, Borbon is hitting .333/.412 with 10 runs scored and two homers. He is owned in only 43.1 percent of ESPN leagues.
Will Venable, SD
The Padres have struggled to score runs this year, ranking 23rd in baseball, but have stayed in first place despite their bats. However, Venable has been a highlight in the last month. In the last 15 days, Venable's doing it all: four homers, 13 RBI, 2 stolen bases and a robust .629 slugging percentage. He is owned in only 10 percent of ESPN leagues.
