We mྲay be just two weeks into the 2023 MLB season, but injuries are already ravaging , and it is paramount to youđr success to not fall too far behind early.
If you were to đlook at the standings for previous seasons, you will notice the teams that were at the top were alsoâ the teams who led your league in at-bats.
Fiđ§nding full-time replacements is more important than finding someone who might be off to a hot start, anđźd the middle infield shows us exactly what you should be doing.
Heading into the season, shođ rtstop was one of the deepest positions and flush with talent. Second base đ´was top-heavy, but still had some quality, late-round options.
Fast-forward to today, and fantasy managers are already seeking replacements for Corey Seager, Oneil Cruz, Tim Andeđrson, Dansby Swanson and Orlando Arcia.Â
You can try to fill in the blanks with a Tony Kemp or Chris Taylor, but neither will be seeing full-time at-bats in a few weeks. InđĽstead, you want to make that waiver commitment to a couple of young up-and-comers who have a strong chance to stick all âąyear.
Start with Braves shortstop Vaughn Grissom. The team created quite the fantasy stir when they sent Grissom back to Triple-A beforđ e the season opened, but he was recently brought up in the wake of Arciaâs injury.
Grissom is a high on-base hitter who can deliver a ęŚlittle bit of pop, but is more known for his𤥠speed and defense.
Unless he struggles mightily, he should remain a fixture, and though heâll bat near tđŚhe bottom of the lineup, heâll be sđ şetting the table for the likes of Ronald AcuĂąa Jr. and Matt Olson.
The Twins have always been high on second base prospect Edouard Julien, so whđen they lost Kyle Farmer to injury and still had no timđŻetable for Jorge Polanco, Julien got the early call.
We can rejoiceđ ş in the fact that the 23-year old had a single and a homeđĽ run, both in the first inning of his very first game, but more importantly, the Twins traded for a minor league infielder to cover themselves at Triple-A â which indicates Julien is expected to be up for some time.
He is âstill developing, but he brings a power and speed element with strong on-base sđ¸kills the Twins desperately need.
Be smart with your waiver claims. Donât just look at what stats are on đˇthe table today. Think about the stats you want to consume the rest of the way.
Hot starts are going to cool off very quickly, but Grissom and Julien could be here for a while. Grabbing them now will serve you bettđer in the end.
Howard Bender is the head of content at . Follow him on and catch him on the award-winning âFantasy Alarm Radio Showâ on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all .