Nationals Joe Ross to DL: Fantasy Impact

 Washington Nationals have placed starting pitcher Joe Ross on the disabled list Sunday. There are plenty of pitchers available to replace him with.

The Nationals have placed right-handed pitcher, Joe Ross on the 15-day disabled list Sunday. As one comes up, another goes down. With the activation of Washington’s ace, Stephen Strasburg from the 15-day DL, Ross was effectively put on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation. What impact can this have on your fantasy team in the upcoming weeks?

More from Fantasy Baseball

• 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
• Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
• 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
• NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
• Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend

Ross experienced a significant dip in velocity in his most recent start Saturday. An MRI later on Sunday would reveal that shoulder inflammation was indeed the culprit.

Ross, in recent starts, has given up more hits and more runs than he has previously resulting in the rise in his ERA. Ross has impressed this year however, in just his second season and first full season with the Nationals.

The Nationals will keep a close eye on their prized, young right-hander as he recovers. Perhaps he had been dealing with these linger issues for a few starts. He will sit through the All-Star break. Ross, so far on the season has a 7-4 record for Washington, with 79 strikeouts and 3.49 ERA. Very encouraging from the 23-year-old who has been nothing but impressive since arriving on the MLB stage last year.

The Nationals will not take a huge hit with Joe Ross being sidelined. This move means that fellow young arm Lucas Giolito will remain the rotation and receive more experience in the MLB. If you’re looking to replace Ross, Giolito would be the best replacement for the time being. He is only owned in 54.5% of ESPN leagues, but 46% of that came just this week, so grab him quickly while he is still available. Giolito is the MLB’s top pitching prospect and he is only 21 years old.

More from FanSided

• NHL Rumors: Legendary Patrice Bergeron retires, which 3 players could be next to hang up their skates?
• MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
• Patriots backup plan for DeAndre Hopkins is a shot in the dark
• Raiders: Saquon Barkley’s new contract may have screwed over Josh Jacobs
• Clark Hunt throws cold water on potential Chiefs throwbacks

Giolito has the stuff to be a future ace of any pitching staff in the coming years. He has already impressed in his MLB debut earlier in the week against divisional rival, the New York Mets. It was unfortunately cut short due to the weather, but he will have a chance to do it again as he will take the mound for a second time Thursday against the Mets.

Other options to consider while Ross is out are Colorado’s Tyler Anderson, Milwaukee’s Zach Davies, or Detroit’s Daniel Norris. All are young, up and coming pitchers whom have impressed thus far this season.

Anderson in just four starts this year, has pitched for 23.2 innings where he has 24 strikeouts and a 2.66 ERA. He has thrown at least 5.2 innings and given up no more than two runs in any of his four starts this season. He is also owned in only 8.3% of ESPN leagues, so he is readily available.

Davies is 5-4 for Milwaukee this season with a 4.22 ERA. He has put up great fantasy points this year as he has been able to limit the base runners and has accumulated a solid strikeout rate. Davies is up for grabs in nearly 60% of leagues as well. Norris too, is new to the MLB stage, but has shown encouraging signs so far.

Next: Top 3 Waiver Wire Pickups: Week 14

All of these pitchers can be a nice replacement for your team while Joe Ross recovers. All are up for grabs in many leagues out there. Don’t let the Ross injury bring your team down. You can still flourish by making the necessary additions to your team.