Fantasy Fallout: Carl Crawford Sliding into Fantasy Lineups without Andre Ethier

Here are the fantasy implications of the news that Los Angeles Dodgers OF Andre Ethier is likely to miss 10 to 14 weeks with a fractured right tibia.

Daily Fantasy

Ethier was unlikely to be much of a daily fantasy consideration to begin the 2016 season. At best, he would've made for an adequate start against low-tier right-handed starting pitchers at a cheap DFS salary. All 14 of Ethier's home runs in 2015 came against RHPs, and he hit for a .306 average, as opposed to just .200 against left-handed pitching.

OF Carl Crawford has slightly favored right-handed pitching over the extent of his career, but he oddly had a reverse split favoring left-handers in 2015. He offers little power, but if he can get on base he could have success in a dangerous Dodgers' lineup. Some early-season steals could come at a very low cost for DFS owners.

Even at 34 years of age, Crawford stole 10 bases on just 12 attempts in 69 games in 2015. Five of the Dodgers' first six series to open 2016 come against teams which ranked in the bottom half of the league in throwing out base stealers last season. The other team, the San Diego Padres, allowed the third-most stolen bases, despite an impressive 33% caught stealing rate.

Look for OF Scott Van Slyke to compose the other half of the platoon, as he'll face the majority of right-handers. He lacks Crawford's speed while possessing similar power. Any potential success would depend on where he hits in the lineup.

Redraft Fantasy Leagues

While Either was projected to hit from the bottom half of the Dodgers' lineup, the speedy Crawford may be given the opportunity to lead off. This would give him the opportunity to get on base for the likes of 2B Howie Kendrick, 3B Justin Turner and 1B Adrian Gonzalez.

Crawford's a far cry from the player he used to be, but he's managed to post an on-base percentage over .300 every season. His major downfall last year was a career worst 21.2% strikeout rate. He's lost the majority of what limited power he once had, but if he can put the ball in play and get on base for the heart of the Dodgers' order, his speed is still a major asset.

Owners who are yet to complete their 2016 draft should add Crawford with one of their last picks. The Dodgers aren't set on using Ethier as an everyday player, and a good start could keep Crawford in the lineup.

As a potential last-round pick in standard mixed leagues, Crawford would offer some potential steals for owners who missed out on the top SB threats earlier in the draft. Those owners needn't hesitate to drop Crawford if he starts slow.

Waiver Wire Targets

• Chicago White Sox OF Austin Jackson is being drafted well below Ethier while bringing a mixture of Ethier's power and Crawford's speed. Though Jackson is going largely unowned in standard mixed-league drafts, he is worth monitoring once the season is underway.

• For owners who've already drafted Ethier in the latter rounds, put him on the disabled list or drop him outright and replace him with Crawford. Ethier will be available to pick up later on, and Crawford will likely outproduce him in both runs and RBIs if hitting from the lead off position.

• 25-year-old Trayce Thompson now has a chance to make the Dodgers' roster out of Spring Training as a fifth outfielder. In 44 Major League games with the White Sox last season, he hit five home runs, stole one base and posted a .363 OBP. He could be worth a stash, as his upside is likely higher than both Crawford's and Ethier's.