Fantasy Fallout: Stream replacements while Strasburg is on the shelf

Here are the fantasy implications following the Washington Nationals placing SP Stephen Strasburg on the 15-day disabled list with an upper back strain:

Season-long Fantasy Leagues

Come on, admit it, you knew what you were getting into when you either drafted or acquired Strasburg. The placement is retroactive to June 16, so this could be a relatively short-lived stint on the DL. It's a shame, too, since fantasy owners benefited greatly from his seven inning, eight K, one earned run performance against the Cubs in his last start.

While his injury history is somewhat overblown - 2015 was the first season where he failed to start at least 28 games since being promoted to the Washington rotation - it's been a lingering fear. The best case scenario involves him being activated later this week ready for action when the calendar turns.

Always be prepared for the worst, though, and a longer DL stint could follow if his recovery isn't intact. Chances are, Strasburg in an anchor on any fantasy roster where he appears and he'll be nearly impossible to replace with any sense of permanence. The best course of action, at least temporarily, is to stream as many viable pitching candidates on a daily basis.

Waiver Wire Targets

No corresponding move has yet been announced, though one is expected on Monday. If, somehow, top pitching prospect Lucas Giolito gets the call then he's an auto-add. Otherwise, let's start streaming!

• SP Julio Urias, Dodgers: He has one more guaranteed start before the Dodgers start reeling him back. Fortunately, he faces off against the Milwaukee Brewers who have caught up to the Houston Astros in team strikeouts. Urias is available in most leagues and if he does get shuffled off to the pen, he's droppable for Strasburg's activation.

• SP Danny Duffy, Royals: Duffy starts on Monday meaning he'll likely get a second start later in the week. His first opponent is a tough nut to crack in the St. Louis Cardinals, but Duffy has a sparkling K-rate and otherwise sterling numbers on the season. The BB-rate has limited him recently, but a two-start flier is on the table with him.

• SP Eduardo Rodriguez, Red Sox: Similarly, Rodriguez is poised to get two starts and he has a much friendlier Monday matchup against the Rays who had lost 10 straight heading into Sunday. Things haven't gone particularly well for Rodriguez, but he gets two soft offenses in Tampa and the Angels this week. He's worth the flier and will be an easy drop when Strasburg returns.