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Royals Lorenzo Cain: Headed to the DL

By Brad Kelly

Jun 7, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain (6) reacts to an inside pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielder Lorenzo Cain (6) reacts to an inside pitch during the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Lorenzo Cain has been a pillar for the Kansas City Royals during their championship runs. But, what is the fantasy fallout after his recent injury?

The Kansas City Royals have been up and down this season, but one constant has been the play from, Lorenzo Cain. He seemingly has an unlimited fantasy ceiling, and over the last few seasons, he has established himself as one of the best center fielders in baseball. Unfortunately, he went down due to a hamstring injury and will miss at least the next two weeks.

Even though some have been disappointed with his, .290/8 HR/39 RBI/6 SB/.752 OPS season line, he does offer a well-balanced attack each week. The Royals lineup as a whole has struggled this season, losing the likes of Mike Moustakas and Alex Gordon for an extended period of time will do that, but the lack of a consistent supporting class has surely hurt Cain’s counting stats.

From the Royals standpoint, Jarrod Dyson will more than likely slide to center with Paulo Orlando and Alex Gordon flanking him, with Brett Eibner getting some time as well. But, the Royals are not afraid to experiment either, as in the first game without Cain, they actually slotted Kendrys Morales in right field. However, that by no means seems to be a long-term solution, and owners should expect them to eventually revert back to prioritizing defense.

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Luckily for fantasy owners, outfielders are the easiest to replace off the waiver wire as the talent pool is so vast. Lorenzo Cain has been a solid AVG producer this season, but has not offered any overwhelming production in any other category either. Possible additions like the hot hitting Lonnie Chisenhall or Leonys Martin, could fill in well the next two weeks or so.

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Those are two of many options, and most owners would be better finding what their team lacks in any one category before hitting the waiver wire. Lorenzo Cain’s injury looks to be one of those cases where he is bigger loss in real life than fantasy this season, but owners will have to replicate his consistency somehow while he is on the shelf.

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