Injuries are a frustrating and nearly impossible outcome to predict in fantasy baseball. Sure, there are guys like Mark Teixeira who you know are going to get hurt but most of the time you have no idea. Matt Moore has just been diagnosed with Tommy John and will miss the remainder of the 2014 season. This is a huge blow to the Rays and fantasy owners alike. He had a great 2013, pitching to the tune of a 3.29 ERA to go along with 143 strikeouts over 150 innings pitched. He was great in 2013 but those numbers do you no good this year. It’s time to find your replacement.
Jose Quintana, Chicago White Sox
The first name on this list is a young lefty from the Chi. He is 25 years-old and has impressed a lot of scouts over his first three starts. In every single start he has pitched at least six innings and has not allowed more than two runs in any of those games. Over his first three starts he has combined for a 2.37 ERA to go with 18 strikeouts and one win. The only major flaw that Quintana has is that he has a tendency to walk guys. So far he has walked seven men which isn’t horrible but is something you should keep an eye on. The chance of you getting this guy is very good because he is owned in only about 20 percent of leagues. Pick him up soon if you are going to though because if he has another start like any of his past three his worth is going to skyrocket.
Garrett Richards, Los Angeles Angels
I know what you’re thinking, “Wait, the Angels have pitchers that are good?” My reply to that is yes, but none of them are in their bullpen. Anyways, if you are looking to catch lightning in a bottle this is your guy. Richards has started two games this season and won both of them. He has an ERA of 0.75 and has only allowed four hits over 12 innings. He has walked eight men but also has struck out 13 guys. Who knows how long he will keep it up but for now he is definitely worth the risk. In fact while writing this I realized that this guy was too good to pass up on so I picked him up and dropped struggling Alejandro De Aza.
Jason Hammel, Chicago Cubs
He has pitched in two starts, both of which came against the Pittsburgh Pirates who have a decent offense. Over those two starts he surrendered four earned putting his ERA at a respectful 2.63. He also has struck out 11 and walked only two. His next start was slated for Tuesday the 15th but will be pushed back a day due to inclement weather. Hammel looked tough all spring and has continued that onto the regular season. His start against the Yankees will prove to be very telling.