Will Benson's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson (finger) was forced to leave Thursday's game early against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals when his fingers were hit while trying to bunt. X-rays came back negative on Benson, though, and he was diagnosed with a bruised left middle finger. Before exiting the eventual 6-1 loss, Benson was hitless in his only at-bat with a strikeout. He was replaced by pinch-hitter Amed Rosario and was eventually replaced in left field by Jake Fraley. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues should consider Benson day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he's not available for Friday's series opener in Minnesota against the Twins at Target Field. The 26-year-old former 14th overall pick by the Cleveland Guardians in 2016 has a modest power/speed combination as a platoon player in Cincy with 14 homers and 14 stolen bases, but his .191 average (62-for-325) has been a real drag.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder Will Benson played a role in Monday's victory versus the Atlanta Braves. Benson went 2-for-2 with a walk, two stolen bases and a solo home run, before being pinch-hit for with Austin Slater in the top of the ninth inning. On the season, Benson is only hitting .194, but he has provided 11 homers, 34 RBI and 13 stolen bases. With sporadic playing time, the outfielder does not offer much value outside of the deepest daily leagues. He can safely remain on the waiver wire for now, but could become intriguing if the Reds make moves at the trade deadline and Benson gets a bigger opportunity.

Cincinnati Reds third baseman Jeimer Candelario and outfielder Will Benson are not in Wednesday's lineup as the Reds look to clinch a series victory over their division rival Pittsburgh Pirates. Candelario has started in each of the past five games with a modest .182 AVG. Benson usually slots in right-field against right-handed pitching, but Wednesday will be an exception. As a result, Santiago Espinal will man the hot corner and bat eighth, and Jake Fraley will cover right field and bat third. They will face Pirates right-hander Luis Ortiz who enters this game with an overall 3.45 ERA and a 1.30 WHIP and allowed 10 hits and six earned runs in his previous start. Both are solid options in DFS this afternoon with a great matchup and playing in hitter-friendly Great American Ballpark.