Adam Dunn will be out at least a week after undergoing an appendectomy Tuesday night.
Analysis: If you are in a daily lineup situation and you don’t have the depth at first base that you’d like you have then you have consider the rookie who is the hot commodity right now, Brandon Belt. Belt ripped through the minors last year hitting 23 bombs, stealing 22 bags between High A ball and Triple A. His walk rates are solid as he is a very disciplined hitter. Belt already has a homer, a steal and four walks in five games this season and as long as he has a starting job he has great speed numbers to offer as a fantasy first baseman. Belt may go on a cold streak longer than his current 0-11 streak but he’s a good fit right now for the injured Dunn and he offers some potentially solid numbers as the season moves forward. Belt has reached base three times during his 0-11 streak so even if his bat is cold his eyes are sharp and patient.
Projection: The ChiSox list Dunn as being out for five days but I’m not buying it. Dunn will be out at least a week if not two so you’ll need a servicable replacement if one isn’t already on your roster. Brandon Belt isn’t going to hit 30 homers but he’ll produce in all five categories if he continues to start.