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Red Sox: Andrew Benintendi Lands on DL

By Bill Pivetz

Aug 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (left) and left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) dunk water on right fielder Mookie Betts (50) during a post game interview after defeating Baltimore Orioles 5-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. (left) and left fielder Andrew Benintendi (40) dunk water on right fielder Mookie Betts (50) during a post game interview after defeating Baltimore Orioles 5-3 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left knee sprain. He could miss the rest of the season.

The Boston Red Sox are just a half of a game behind the Toronto Blue Jays for first place in the American League East. David Ortiz is still crushing the ball and the rest of the offense is putting it together. The road to the playoffs could be a little difficult after Thursday’s news. Left fielder Andrew Benintendi was placed on the 15-day DL with a knee sprain.

Benintendi left Wednesday’s game while attempting to get back to second base on a ground ball. He rolled his ankle and hit left knee bent in the wrong direction. The team doctor reported the ankle is fine, but the results of the MRI are still unknown.

Not including his excellent defensive ability (anyone see his catch over the left field wall?), Benintendi has hit the ball very well in his short time with the Red Sox. In 74 plate appearances, he hit .324/.365/.485 with six doubles, one triple, one home run, 10 RBI and 11 runs scored. He also has 17 strikeouts and four walks. His plate discipline needs work, but an above .300 hitter at the bottom on the lineup is not a bad thing to have at the end of the season.

The Red Sox have options to replace Benintendi in left field, but it is a big decline from what they did have. The team recalled infielder Marco Hernandez to fill his spot on the 25-man roster. As far as his defensive replacement, Chris Young will get the most playing time in left field with Brock Holt filling in on an off-day.  

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Benintendi is owned in 36.5 percent of ESPN leagues. While that may not seem like a lot, there are plenty of deep leagues that are effected by the news.

He’s been more than serviceable as a third or fourth outfielder. There are a few players you can add as a replacement.

Alex Gordon is hitting well and owned in less than half of leagues. Keon Broxton is stealing bases like they are going out of style, but his average is a less than stellar. A.J. Pollock will be activated Friday, so pick him up if he hasn’t been already.

Next: Jose Peraza Heating Up at the Plate

This injury doesn’t sound too serious that it will affect Benintendi’s status for the 2017 season. It is likely that he won’t play the rest of this year. In dynasty leagues, I would try to buy low on Benintendi. However, if you own him, do not sell. He is going to be a good hitter for years to come.

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