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With the weekend approaching, there are plenty of stud MLB hurlers dealing with bumps and bruises. Needless to say, monitoring the status of these key fantasy pitchers will be important. Let's take a look at the top injured pitchers including Shohei Ohtani, Carlos Rodon, Shane Bieber, Ryan Helsley, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of August 18, 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 pitchers.
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Shohei Ohtani Injury Update
Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher/designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (arm) will make his next start next week against the Cincinnati Reds, likely on Wednesday. The superstar was scratched from his start on Tuesday due to right arm fatigue, so this is good news for fantasy managers.
Ohtani has been sensational again on the mound, posting a 3.17 ERA, 31.4% strikeout rate, 1.06 WHIP, and a 10-5 record across 22 starts. Along with his .306 batting average, 42 long balls, and 17 steals, the 29-year-old is arguably the most valuable player in all of baseball and is a must-start in every league. (MLB.com)
Carlos Rodon Injury Update
New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (hamstring) is expected to return to the rotation on Tuesday versus the Washington Nationals. The 30-year-old tossed a five-inning simulated game on Wednesday and the Yankees came away pleased with the results. As long as Rodon doesn't suffer any setbacks with his left hamstring, the southpaw should be activated from the 15-day injured when first eligible on Aug. 22.
New York's prized free-agent acquisition missed the season's initial three months with forearm and back issues, but he'll have a chance to salvage what's been a lost season thus far. Rodon would come back to a 7.33 ERA (7.37 FIP), 1.52 WHIP, and 25:18 K:BB in 27 innings over six starts this year.
Ryan Helsley Injury Update
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (forearm), who underwent a second round of MRI exams this week on his right forearm, has been cleared to resume a minor-league rehab assignment. Helsley will make another rehab appearance on Friday for Triple-A Memphis, according to manager Oliver Marmol. The 29-year-old was pulled off his rehab assignment on Wednesday with renewed discomfort in his right forearm, but the MRI exams obviously didn't show anything concerning.
If he can avoid any further setbacks, Helsley could return to the Cardinals' closing role before the end of August. Until then, Giovanny Gallegos and JoJo Romero will likely continue to share closing duties at the back end of St. Louis' bullpen. Helsley had a 3.24 ERA, 1.16 WHIP, seven saves and 33 strikeouts in 25 innings before his injury.
Shane Bieber and Triston McKenzie Injury Update
Cleveland Guardians right-handers Shane Bieber (elbow) and Triston McKenzie (elbow) have both progressed to throwing distances exceeding 100 feet, according to manager Terry Francona. Bieber is up to 120 feet, while McKenzie's last session was at 105 feet. "They're not ready for bullpens yet, but that's on the horizon," Francona revealed. Both pitchers will eventually need to progress to throwing bullpen sessions and to live hitters before going on minor-league rehab assignments.
Bieber is currently on the 60-day injured list due to right-elbow inflammation and won't be eligible to return to Cleveland's starting rotation until mid-September. McKenzie is recovering from a right UCL sprain and is also on the 60-day injured list. It's been an injury-filled 2023 for the 26-year-old, and he isn't guaranteed to return in 2023. (Cleveland.com)
Nathan Eovaldi Injury Update
Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (forearm) threw a bullpen session of around 40 pitches on Aug. 13 and then another one on Wednesday that consisted of two "up-downs" to simulate around three innings of work. He said he felt fine physically and is scheduled to throw another bullpen this weekend.
Eovaldi has made just one start since the All-Star break, when he went six scoreless innings on July 18 to lower his season ERA to a league-best 2.69. He went on the injured list on July 30 with a right-forearm strain. It remains to be seen if the 33-year-old will go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but even if he does, he could be back before the end of August. Eovaldi should obviously remain stashed in all fantasy formats based on how well he's pitched in 2023. (MLB.com)
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