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Target Shohei Ohtani, stash Bryce Harper

Because of his amazing hitting and pitching abilities, Shohei Ohtani is a tremendous weapon in fantasy baseball (and the No. 1 overall player by far in leagues that allow daily lineup changes). He’ll take up the utility spot in your fantasy lineup, but that’s a small inconvenience for the numbers he produces.

This year’s crop of players who qualify only as a DH (by not playing 20 games in the field at any position) is rather plentiful. Bryce Harper’s elbow injury is expected to keep him sidelined until early July, but he could provide a huge return if you can afford to stash him on your bench or IL.

JD Martinez dealt with nagging injuries during a subpar 2022, but should be healthy and playing regularly for the Los Angeles Dodgers. And for a late sleeper pick, the Oakland A’s expect Shea Langeliers to be their primary catcher this season, but he’s only eligible at DH to start the season (17 games at catcher, 24 at DH). Be sure to double-check your league’s rules.

FANTASY RANKINGS: Top 200 overall players for 2023

CHEAT SHEET: Fantasy baseball position-by-position rankings

Shohei Ohtani's 80 home runs over the past two seasons are tied for second-most in the majors, behind Aaron Judge's 101.

Shohei Ohtani’s 80 home runs over the past two seasons are tied for second-most in the majors, behind Aaron Judge’s 101.

Designated hitter rankings

  1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels AL1

  2. Bryce Harper, Phillies NL1

  3. JD Martinez, Dodgers NL2

  4. Matt Carpenter, Padres NL3

  5. Nelson Cruz, Padres NL4

  6. Shea Langeliers, A’s AL2

  7. Francisco Alvarez, Mets NL5

  8. Mitch Garver, Rangers AL3

  9. Daniel Vogelbach, Mets NL6

  10. Darick Hall, Phillies NL7

  11. Franmil Reyes, Royals AL4

  12. Kyle Lewis, Diamondbacks NL8

  13. Miguel Cabrera, Tigers AL5

  14. Edwin Rios, Cubs NL9

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy baseball rankings: Top 10 designated hitters for 2023