Kevin Pillar DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Texas Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson (hand) has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hand fracture. In a corresponding move, the Rangers designated outfielder Kevin Pillar for assignment. This opened a spot on the roster for outfield prospect Alejandro Osuna. Pederson was hit by a pitch during Saturday's contest and was later diagnosed with a fracture. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Pederson to miss at least the next month of action. Before his injury, Pederson was having a slow start to the season, holding a .131/.269/.238 line. Pillar held an underwhelming .209/.209/.256 slash line with just two doubles across 20 games. With both Pederson sidelined and Pillar leaving the roster, Osuna should have a path to seeing everyday opportunities in the Texas starting nine.

Texas Rangers outfielder Kevin Pillar (back) is scheduled to begin his minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Frisco on Wednesday. Pillar is on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his lower back. The 36-year-old veteran has been out for the last week, but now that he's been cleared to play in minor-league games, he could rejoin the big-league roster sooner than later, possibly by this weekend or early next week. When he is cleared to come off the IL, expect Pillar to serve as a bench outfielder for the Rangers, leaving him little fantasy appeal in AL-only leagues. Before getting injured, the 13-year MLB veteran had gone 9-for-38 (.237) with no homers, two doubles, an RBI, three steals and six runs scored in limited playing time over 18 games.

The Texas Rangers have placed outfielder Kevin Pillar (back) on the 10-day injured list due to lower back inflammation. The 36-year-old has not appeared in a game since May 3. Through the early part of the campaign, the 36-year-old has appeared in 18 contests and posted a .237/.237/.289 slash line. Pillar has hit two extra-base hits (both doubles), tallied one RBI, and swiped three bags. Pillar has typically been deployed on the short side of a platoon in center field. While he is sidelined, fantasy managers should expect Evan Carter, Josh Smith, and Dustin Harris to share time in center field. Given his lack of consistent playing time and minimal offensive upside, Pillar should not be stashed in any standard format while he is on the injured list.