3 replacements for Yu Darvish as starting pitchers for your fantasy team ft. Nick Lodolo

MLB fans can now add Yu Darvish to the ever-growing list of injured players to open the 2024 season.

The 37-year-old starting pitcher was placed on the 15-day IL by the San Diego Padres with neck tightness. It is a disappointing update for both the player and the club, as he's one of the Padres' leaders on the pitching staff.

"Yu Darvish is going on the injured list" - @TalkinBaseball_

The injury to Yu Darvish is also a major blow for fantasy baseball managers, who will need to either place him on their own IL, place him on the bench or drop him.

Finding quality replacements for an injured star is one of the most difficult decisions for fantasy managers, but there are a few intriguing names who could be available in free-agent pools.

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Here's a look at three lineup replacements for Yu Darvish

#1 Nick Lodolo

One of the hottest names on the free agent market when it comes to starting pitchers is Nick Lodolo.

The Cincinnati Reds starter was recently activated from the injured list, making one start for the club, and what a start it was. Although Lodolo was limited to 5.2 innings, he surrendered only a single hit and a walk but managed 10 strikeouts against the Chicago White Sox.

#2 Cristopher Sanchez

Another starting pitcher worth considering to replace Yu Darvish is Cristopher Sanchez of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 27-year-old pitcher has emerged as a key figure in the Phillies' pitching staff, posting a 2.53 ERA with 25 strikeouts over 21.1 innings.

"Cristopher Sánchez, Filthy 86mph Back Foot Slider. 10th K" - @PitchingNinja

There's a chance that Sanchez could find himself locked into the role for the remainder of the season, but the impending return of Taijuan Walker could shake up the Phillies rotation. Nevertheless, he's a worthy Darvish replacement for the time being.

#3 Edward Cabrera

It's been a disappointing start to the season for the Miami Marlins, but the return of Edward Cabrera has been one of the bright spots.

Like Nick Lodolo, Cabrera has recently returned from the IL and looked dominant in his first start. In his season debut, Cabrera racked up 10 strikeouts and gave up a run over 6.0 innings against the San Francisco Giants.