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The 2024 MLB season is just a few weeks old, but unfortunately, there are already plenty of injury issues around the league. These bumps and bruises are sure to affect fantasy baseball lineups, so let's take a look at the top injured players including Framber Valdez, Gerrit Cole, Christian Yelich, Bobby Miller, Justin Verlander, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of April 15, 2024. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, all players should be monitored ahead of the start of the week.
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 the top fantasy baseball players.
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Framber Valdez Injury Update
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (elbow) is scheduled to play catch on Tuesday. The 30-year-old went on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation, but he hopes to return when first eligible. His confidence bodes well, but fantasy managers will still have to wait and see when he ultimately rejoins the rotation.
Framber Valdez said he will start playing catch again Tuesday and hopes to return the mound when his IL stint is up.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) April 14, 2024
Valdez pitched well to start the season, posting a 2.19 ERA with 10 strikeouts through two starts. He should be rostered everywhere prior to his return.
Gerrit Cole Injury Update
New York Yankees starter Gerrit Cole (elbow) played catch on Thursday, according to MLB.com. It was the second time the star right-hander has played catch since going on the 60-day injured list. Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted that the session went well, but he did not mention when Cole will throw again.
The 33-year-old is not eligible for activation until late May, though there is no guarantee he will be ready to return by then. Cole still deserves to be stashed in all formats until further notice, but it is safe to assume the Yankees will take things slow with their ace. (MLB.com)
Christian Yelich Injury Update
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) remained out of the starting lineup of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.
The veteran outfielder continues to deal with back discomfort and will be held out of at least one more game. At the moment, fantasy managers should consider Yelich as day-to-day. However, Yelich could end up heading to the injured list if the issue continues to linger. (MLB.com)
Bobby Miller Injury Update
The Los Angeles Dodgers and right-hander Bobby Miller (shoulder) are hopeful he can begin throwing again within the next 5-7 days. If so, he could be back relatively quickly as he wouldn't need to completely build up from scratch. The 25-year-old began his 2024 season with six shutout innings with 11 strikeouts in a win over the Cardinals but has since yielded seven earned runs with seven strikeouts and five walks across only 5 2/3 innings across his last two outings.
Dave Roberts said the Dodgers are hopeful Bobby Miller will start throwing again in the next 5-7 days
If he is, it could be a relatively quick return to big-league action (since he wouldn’t have to start his build-up over completely from scratch) https://t.co/bxZ1APleks
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) April 14, 2024
Nonetheless, he still owns a 3.14 SIERA and a 24% K-BB% on the young season and is a must-stash in any and all formats, especially since it appears he could be back sooner than later.
Justin Verlander Injury Update
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (shoulder) is quickly approaching his season debut. Verlander was unable to throw at all during Spring Training but has made minor league rehab appearances over the past week and is just about complete with his recovery process.
Justin Verlander could start Friday against the Nationals if all is well following last night’s rehab start.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) April 14, 2024
Manager Joe Espada expressed that the three-time Cy Young Award winner could make his season debut on Friday as the Astros will take on the Washington Nationals. The Astros are in need of a spark due to their early season struggles. The future Hall-Of-Famer will slot right into the rotation when cleared.
Walker Buehler Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Walker Buehler (elbow, hand) is set to make his next rehab start on Thursday with Triple-A Oklahoma City. According to Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Buehler is fine and will pitch his next rehab start on Thursday. The 29-year-old was removed from Friday's rehab start after taking a comeback to his right hand. Buehler will do a tune-up start on Thursday and could rejoin the Dodgers the following week.
Dave Roberts said Walker Buehler is fine and will pitch next rehab start on Thursday, possibly at OKC. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 13, 2024
LA's rotation is banged up with Bobby Miller (shoulder), Emmett Sheehan (forearm), Clayton Kershaw (shoulder), and Dustin May (elbow) all on the injured list. Fantasy managers should continue to stash Buehler in all leagues, as he is expected to return from the injured list soon.
Salvador Perez Injury Update
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez suffered a left groin and hip injury on Sunday when he collided with New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte at home plate. The veteran backstop left the game and was seen limping off of the field following the collision. He will be evaluated on Monday and an update is expected before the club kicks off a series against the rival White Sox.
It’s a left groin/hip strain for Salvador Perez. More evaluation tomorrow. We will update you from Chicago before game one against the White Sox
— Joel Goldberg (@goldbergkc) April 14, 2024
It's been a big start to the 2024 season for the long-time Royals catcher as Perez has hit .339 with four home runs and 15 RBI across 16 games and 65 trips to the plate, posting a healthy .934 OPS in the process. The heavily used backstop continues to deliver quality power numbers into his mid-30s and should continue to drive in plenty of runs on an improved Royals offense in 2024.
Keibert Ruiz Injury Update
Washington Nationals catcher Keibert Ruiz (illness) is unlikely to play during Monday's game, according to manager Dave Martinez. Ruiz has missed each of the last five games due to an illness. The organization has not placed Ruiz on the injured list and still considers the catcher as day-to-day. Drew Millas has been recalled from Triple-A to provide some catching depth in the absence of Ruiz.
Dave Martinez just told us that Mitchell Parker will make his major league debut tomorrow against the Dodgers.
Also said that Keibert Ruiz is still sick and the team will likely need another catcher.
— Andrew Golden (@andrewcgolden) April 14, 2024
Kyle Bradish Injury Update
Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Kyle Bradish (elbow) will pitch for Double-A Bowie this week as he continues his recovery from a sprained UCL. The 27-year-old has not suffered any setbacks or noticed a downtick in velocity during his throwing sessions. Bradish will likely need around three rehab starts before returning to the majors as he missed all of spring training.
#Orioles’ Kyle Bradish (right UCL sprain) says he’ll pitch for Double-A Bowie this week. No setbacks. Velo has been normal.
“I’m excited. It’ll be nice to face some other jerseys. … Kind of treating this as my Spring Training, just working on some different mechanical things.”
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) April 14, 2024
He was fantastic for the Orioles in 2023, posting a 12-7 record to go along with a 2.83 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 168/44 K/BB. Bradish deserves to be rostered in all formats as he nears closer to his return.
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