Ramón Laureano DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramon Laureano (ankle) is set to begin his rehab assignment Wednesday with Triple-A Norfolk. The 30-year-old has been sidelined since spraining his ankle in a May 20 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers and is targeting a return in early June. His injury came during a rough stretch for the Orioles, who also lost key names like Ryan Mountcastle (hamstring), Cedric Mullins (hamstring), and Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) to the injured list. Before going down, Laureano slashed .266/.320/.532 with six home runs, 11 RBI, and two stolen bases across 103 plate appearances. The Orioles hope his return helps stabilize a lineup missing several key contributors.

Baltimore Orioles outfielder Ramon Laureano (ankle) is hitting in the batting cage on Monday before the series opener at Camden Yards against the visiting St. Louis Cardinals. Laureano recently went on the 10-day injured list with a left-ankle sprain, but he's already swinging the bat and could have a minimal stay on the IL. The 30-year-old veteran Dominican has been a solid part-time contributor in the outfield in his first year in Baltimore, slashing .266/.320/.532 with an .852 OPS, six home runs, 11 RBI, 13 runs scored and two stolen bases. However, it remains to be seen how much playing time he'll get the rest of the season once the team's outfield gets healthier. Colton Cowser (thumb) and Tyler O'Neill (shoulder) are currently on the IL as well, which had opened up regular playing time for Laureano before he went on the shelf himself.

The Baltimore Orioles have placed outfielder Ramon Laureano (ankle) on the 10-day injured list with a left ankle sprain. The 30-year-old sustained this injury during Tuesday's contest. He was viewed day-to-day throughout the week, but the Orioles will instead opt to have him shift to the injured list. Before his injury, Laureano was swinging a hot bat, posting a .414/.469/.690 slash line with two doubles, two home runs, and one stolen base over his last nine contests. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his progress as the 30-year-old could be in danger of missing longer than the minimum stay. While he remains sidelined, this should open up opportunities in left field for Heston Kjerstad, Dylan Carlson, and Terrin Vavra. Laureano is worth holding in deeper AL-only leagues as he should have close to an everyday role when he returns.