The Kansas City Royals and fantasy managers were dealt a very difficult blow on Thursday morning. According to The Athletic's Royals beat writer Alec Lewis, Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi has a torn ACL. He is likely to miss the rest of the 2022 season.
Royals president of baseball operations Dayton Moore said Adalberto Mondesi has an ACL tear in his left knee.
— Alec Lewis (@alec_lewis) April 28, 2022
This truly is a shame. Mondesi was hoping to finally put injuries behind him and play a full season after missing the majority of majority of the past two seasons with injuries. The speedy infielder for Kansas City was the odds on favorite in Las Vegas to lead Major League Baseball in stolen bases this year.
That is what prompted fantasy baseball managers to use an early-to-mid round draft pick on him this spring. This is equally a big blow to fantasy managers who drafted him. Unlike losing a power hitter to an injury for the year, replacing Mondesi on fantasy rosters is much more difficult.
Mondesi was scuffling to begin the season, hitting just .140 but he was doing what people drafted him for. He had five stolen bases already, third in the majors.
If you are looking to replace the Royals' speedy infielder in your lineup, Orioles' Jorge Mateo isn't the worst option. He already has seven stolen bases, leading the league. Mateo offers roster flexibility, qualifying at second base, shortstop and outfield. However, his value is capped primarily just as a base stealer. Unlike Mondesi who hit at the top of the Royals lineup, Mateo generally hits toward the bottom of the lineup on a bad Baltimore offense. Therefore, do not expect many of the counting stats.
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