Josh Hamilton Breaks Arm: What Does This Mean for Chris Davis?

You may have heard by now that reining American League MVP Josh Hamilton broke his humerus and will miss six to eight weeks. 

According to General Manager Josh Daniels, the Rangers will call up Chris Davis to replace him. Davis, while wildy inconsistent, has always been a player of interest around fantasy circles, and will now be much more than a player of interest around Rangers circles.

But will he get a chance?

Hamilton's injury clearly opens a hole, but there is still a slew of hitters in that lineup. First, let's take a look at Hamilton's odds of cracking the starting lineup. 

Before Hamilton Injury:

C: Yorvit Torrealba

1B: Mitch Moreland

2B: Ian Kinsler

3B: Adrian Beltre

SS: Elvis Andrus

LF: Josh Hamilton

CF: Julio Borbon

RF: Nelson Cruz

DH: Michael Young

Proposed New Lineup:

C: Yorvit Torrealba

1B: Chris Davis

2B: Ian Kinsler

3B: Adrian Beltre

SS: Elvis Andrus

LF: Mitch Moreland

CF: David Murphy

RF: Nelson Cruz

DH: Michael Young

What Needs to Happen For Davis

Basically, Julio Borbon needs to keep struggling and head to the bench in favor of David Murphy, who has had a much better start to the season. Murphy is the likely candidate to replace Hamilton, so seeing Borbon struggle would open things up even more for Davis. 

The Rangers have the gift of versatility. Young can play all around the infield, Moreland can move from first to the outfield, Kinsler will receive days off because of injury concerns and even Davis could play some left field if need be.

This is all a fancy way of saying that if Davis continues his hot streak in his first few appearances, the Rangers absolutely will find ways to get him in the lineup.

Chances at Success

He's proven me wrong before, but I'm a Davis believer. He's still only 25, and if he can just show a little plate discipline, he'll provide a decent average and good pop. He's done it before, and he's looked tremendous early in the year.

He had a terrific spring training and is hitting .429 with four home runs in five games for Round Rock.

Fantasy wise, he's a risk worth taking in 12 team and AL leagues.

Real life wise, Rangers fans shouldn't worry quite yet, as the lineup is still loaded, and Davis and Murphy have the talent to sufficiently fill Hamilton's MVP shoes. 

Prediction (next 60 games)

45 games played, .270 BA, 12 HR, 35 RBI, 23 R