Blue Jays Troy Tulowitzki Lands on the DL

The Blue Jays placed star shortstop Troy Tulowitzki on the 15-Day DL due to strained quadriceps on Saturday. How can you replace him?

Just as the Blue Jays get their full lineup back with the activation of second baseman, Devon Travis earlier this week, they find themselves down a man once again. This time, Troy Tulowitzki is the one on the DL with strained right quadriceps. What fantasy impact can this have for your team looking ahead? Who can be a trustworthy replacement in the mean time?

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As the Blue Jays are trying to climb the standings in the tough AL East, you may find yourself trying to climb the standings in your fantasy league as well. How much of an effect can the Tulowitzki injury have on your fantasy team? Tulowitzki unfortunately is no stranger to the disabled list as he has missed extended periods of time before; some due to his quadriceps.

Troy Tulowitzki heading to the DL may actually be beneficial for fantasy owners. He has said himself, especially regarding his defense, that he not been himself this year. The career .293 hitter has certainly been off to a slow start to the 2016 season. So far this year, Tulowitzki has just a mere .204 batting average to along with eight home runs and 23 RBI. The power has still shown to be there, but with only 34 hits in 167 plate appearances, the shot stop has struggled mightily to begin the year.

What do you do if you happen to own Tulowitzki this year? To no one’s surprise, he is not worth a drop. Let’s not be that rash. He should simply be stored on your bench or on your DL. Blue Jays do not expect the injury to be too significant, but the MRI he will receive Saturday will reveal whether there is more cause for concern.

In the mean time, Darwin Barney will take over shortstop in Tulowitzki’s absence. Barney does not currently have shortstop tag, so he may not be much help for you at the moment. However, some solid options to consider at shortstop are Brewers Jonathan Villar, Indians Jose Ramirez, and Pirates Jordy Mercer. All three are low owned, and have put up decent enough numbers to fill in for Tulowitzki while he recovers.

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Villar is currently owned in 57.5% of ESPN leagues and has been on a tear as of recently. This past week, he ranks first among shortstops in fantasy points. In that span he has gone 11/25 with a home run and six RBI. On the season he is batting an impressive .306.

Ramirez too, in the past week, ranks second, right behind Villar in fantasy points for shortstops. He is batting .308 for the season thus far with three homers and 18 RBI for the Tribe. Two of the home runs coming just this week. In only one day in fact. He is also eligible to play multiple other positions, so he could be a solid utility man for your squad.

Mercer is also a solid option to consider while Troy Tulowitzki recovers. Mercer, so far this year, ranks just outside the top 10 in points for fantasy shortstops. He has a .287 average, with a home run and 18 RBI on the season. Batting in the Pirates lineup makes him a threat to score and drive in runs. He is only owned in 21.4% of ESPN leagues, so he will be available for most fantasy owners to grab.

A sleeper pick up that could benefit you soon, is Jose Reyes. His suspension will be over this upcoming week, and expect him to be traded to a team in need of an everyday shortstop. He could be a great pick up at some point in the near future as he has always proved to be reliable when healthy. As to where he will end up, remains to be seen, but keep tabs on him.

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All of these players can help keep your lineup running at a consistent pace. Perhaps even make it better at the moment because of Troy Tulowitzki’s struggles so far this year. He was not putting up fantasy numbers owners like to see. Hopefully, once he is able to return from injury, he will regain form and start hitting like the Tulowitzki we all know. Keep an eye on his injury as more information will be provided on the 31-year-old in the near future.