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Heading into weekend MLB action, plenty of key fantasy hitters are dealing with minor or major ailments. Needless to say, fantasy managers must be ready to pivot if a core piece of their lineup is out of action. Let's take a look at injured hitters including Bo Bichette, Luis Robert Jr., Bryce Harper, Cedric Mullins, Kris Bryant, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters as of August 11, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will force fantasy managers to search waiver wires in hopes of finding adequate replacements.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the MLB, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy baseball player news page, and download the free RotoBaller fantasy baseball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the injury updates for hitters.
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Bo Bichette Injury Update
Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette (knee) has been hitting in the cages in Toronto and jogging, but he's not running at full speed yet. It's tough to put a timetable on when he will run at full speed until he's running the bases, but manager John Schneider said he's encouraged and that Bichette is feeling better each day. The 25-year-old All-Star shortstop is attempting to return from a bout of right-patellar tendinitis.
Bichette needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues, as he's one of the best shortstops in the game when healthy. He has hit .321/.352/.494 on the year with an .847 OPS. His .321 batting average and 144 total hits lead the American League. Bichette has led the AL in hits in each of the last three seasons.
Luis Robert Jr. Injury Update
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (finger) was removed from Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees with a sprained pinkie finger on his right hand. X-rays came back negative and he's listed as day-to-day. Before leaving prematurely, Robert went 1-for-1 with a walk, a run scored and two stolen bases before being replaced in center field by Trayce Thompson.
The White Sox have a scheduled off day on Thursday before beginning a series on Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers, so it's possible Robert won't miss any time at all. The 26-year-old Cuban slugger is in the midst of a true breakout season in 2023, slugging 31 home runs, driving in 65, stealing 14 bases and scoring 74 runs in 112 games. Robert has been a must-start in all fantasy leagues.
Bryce Harper Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman/outfielder Bryce Harper (back) left Thursday's win over the Washington Nationals early due to a mid-back spasm. Harper is undergoing further evaluation and should be considered day-to-day for now. Before departing the contest prematurely, Harper went 0-for-1 with a walk before being replaced at first base by Alec Bohm.
Even if Harper is fine and doesn't go on the injured list, there's a good bet he won't be in Philly's lineup on Friday for the start of a series against the visiting Minnesota Twins. The 30-year-old former MVP came into Thursday's game hitting a strong .294 (91-for-310) with a great .380 on-base percentage, but his power has been down with only seven home runs and 38 RBI in 82 games after returning from surgery on his right elbow in the offseason.
Cedric Mullins Injury Update
Baltimore Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said that outfielder Cedric Mullins (groin) will play another minor-league game with Double-A Bowie on Wednesday, and he could rejoin the team for the start of their road trip on Friday against the Seattle Mariners. Mullins will likely play in his fourth and final rehab game on Wednesday, barring a setback in that game.
The 28-year-old has been on the 10-day injured list since just after the All-Star break on July 15. The O's could choose to ease him back at first, but he will eventually return to everyday starting duties in center field in Baltimore. He should be rostered everywhere after hitting .259/.347/.454 with an .801 OPS, nine home runs, 47 RBI, 14 stolen bases and 33 runs scored in his first 251 at-bats of the year.
Kris Bryant Injury Update
Colorado Rockies outfielder Kris Bryant (finger) wore a glove on his hand on Monday, but he continues to wear a splint on his fractured left index finger and has no idea when it will be removed. "They don't want me to move it at all," Bryant said. The veteran was hit by a pitch on July 22 and went on the injured list on July 25 for the fifth time since he signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the Rockies in the spring of 2022.
It sounds like the 31-year-old isn't close at all to returning to the Rockies, let alone going on a minor-league rehab assignment. He should be able to return in 2023, but at this rate, it would be surprising if he's back before the start of September. The four-time All-Star has had yet another disappointing season in Colorado, hitting .251 (61-for-243) with eight homers and 23 RBI in 65 games. (MLB.com)
Tyler O'Neill Injury Update
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O'Neill (knee) is back in the starting lineup on Thursday after being scratched from the lineup the last two days with left-knee tightness. He is starting in left field and batting fifth against Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Zack Littell. Despite another disappointing campaign in 2023 due to an extended stay on the injured list with a back injury, O'Neill has fantasy appeal down the stretch due to his power/speed combination as a regular in St. Louis' outfield.
Since returning from his back injury on July 20, O'Neill has gone 15-for-53 (.283) with three home runs, four doubles, seven RBI, a stolen base and seven runs scored in 15 games (14 starts). The 28-year-old Canadian is two years removed from hitting 34 home runs, driving in 80 and stealing 15 bases in 138 games. (MLB.com)
Justin Turner Injury Update
Boston Red Sox infielder/designated hitter Justin Turner (heel) remains out of the starting lineup for Thursday's series finale against the Kansas City Royals. Trevor Story is serving as the designated hitter again and is batting fifth, while Pablo Reyes starts at the 6 and hits leadoff against Royals left-handed opener Austin Cox.
It's Turner's third straight game on the bench while he deals with a left-heel bone bruise that has been bothering him since July 31. The 38-year-old veteran said it's an injury that typically requires substantial rest, but he's going to try and play through it the rest of the season. Turner could return to Boston's lineup at some point this weekend as the likely DH, but it remains to be seen how it will affect him offensively. (MLB.com)
Oneil Cruz Injury Update
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (ankle) started a formal running program earlier this week, according to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk. Cruz is slowly improving from his surgically repaired ankle and has been throwing and doing light fielding work in the last few weeks as well. The 24-year-old should eventually go on a minor-league rehab assignment and is fully expected to play again for the Bucs in 2023.
When healthy, Cruz will be the club's primary shortstop, and he has plenty of upside in all fantasy leagues. The 6-foot-7 Dominican infielder clubbed 17 home runs, drove in 54 and stole 10 bases in 87 games for Pittsburgh in his first real taste of the big leagues in 2022, showing his impressive power/speed combination.
Charlie Blackmon Injury Update
Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon (hand) is ready to begin a rehab assignment as early as Friday, according to manager Bud Black. Blackmon has been out with a right-hand fracture since June 11, and after a slight setback last week he has been cleared to head to the minors.
He will fly to Triple-A Albuquerque Friday and will play a couple of games before the team reassess' his status. The veteran lefty has been decent this year, posting a .265/.347/.422 slash line, but offers little power or speed with just five homers and no steals in 211 at-bats. He shouldn't be rostered outside of very deep leagues. (MLB.com)
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