Fantasy: The 5 best DL-eligible players in your draft

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Drafting injured players is a slippery slope, but it's also an area for savvy owners to exploit by valuing the associated risks differently than their competitors. 

Here's a look at five DL-bound players and where you might consider drafting them:

Hunter Pence, OF, San Francisco Giants

Injury: Fractured forearm
Estimated return date: Early May

Outlook: Pence has been the most durable player in baseball the last three years and said he heals quickly from broken bones. He won't be a top-50 hitter if he misses the first five weeks, but don't underestimate his value if he falls too far. Pence hit 18 home runs from May-forward in each of the last two seasons, and you shouldn't count out a late-April return. Draft value: Top 30 OF

Denard Span, OF, Washington Nationals

Injury: Abdominal tear 
Estimated return date: Late May

Outlook: Span isn't expected to begin activities for at least four-to-six weeks, so projecting his return date is a bit of a shot in the dark. It's also his second surgery (sports hernia) in three months, and Span believes they could be related. He was only a 3-category player to begin with and there's no telling whether this abdominal injury will affect his ability to run. Don't draft him until you're in the trenches. Draft value: Top 65 OF

Kenley Jansen, RP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Injury: Foot surgery 
Estimated return date: Mid-May

Outlook: Jansen saved 10 games last April but only one the previous year, so good luck figuring out what he's leaving on the trainer's table in 2015. Otherwise, he's been an elite source for ERA, WHIP and strikeouts the past several seasons, and this injury isn't expected to hinder his performance once he comes back. You should be waiting on closers anyway - this time you might get rewarded. Draft value: Top 6 RP

Jose Fernandez, SP, Miami Marlins

Injury: Torn UCL (Tommy John)
Estimated return date: June/July

Outlook: It's too optimistic to assume Fernandez will return in June and pitch like an All-Star the rest of the way, if only for the Marlins' inevitably cautious approach. But his rehab is progressing extremely well and his competitiveness will surely push the team as far it will allow. Draft him for the late-season upside but don't be afraid to use his big name as a trade throw-in if your team struggles out of the gate. Draft value: Top 50 SP 

Matt Moore, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Injury: Torn UCL (Tommy John)
Estimated return date: June/July

Outlook: The next-best TJ patient is Moore, who could be back even sooner than Fernandez. He's currently not getting drafted in most formats, so there's a good chance he'll end up on your wire. But if you don't pick an injured player and you have a DL spot to spare, take advantage of the additional roster move and finish your draft with some upside. Draft value: Final bench spot