After a big rookie season in which he hit .277 with 18 homers, 11 steals and 91 walks, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jason Heyward was highly coveted in fantasy leagues this season. He was drafted, on average, with the 43rd pick in ESPN standard leagues, making him the 11th outfielder off the board. Given his physical tools and abilities, I had no problem with that lofty status.
Obviously, the results have been a little underwhelming thus far with a .214 batting average, although Heyward has at least chipped in seven homers and three steals. The news got worse late Sunday when he was placed on the disabled list due to rotator cuff inflammation, a diagnosis confirmed by a second medical opinion.
I had the idea to write about Heyward and his injury-based struggles even before the DL announcement (it had been rumored to be a possibility all weekend), simply because I viewed it as a good opportunity to buy low on him, and even with his stint on the shelf I still do.
