RADIO
Sprains, strains, and surgeries. These three words make chills run down the spine of even the most hardened fantasy player. They're the little “what if” clause hanging over every fantasy season, that thing you just can't ever really predict no matter how much pre-draft research you do. Like it or not, being able to properly deal with injuries is one of the main separators between casual fantasy players and league champions. Given the importance of this aspect of the game, I'll be devoting a weekly column to discussing the latest injury updates pertaining to the fantasy community.
A disclaimer before we get started: the sheer size of the fantasy baseball player pool means I won't be able to discuss every injury that might affect teams out there. Furthermore, this article will be tailored towards standard leagues. I'll do my best to cover all the important names, but some guys are going to be inevitably left out. When they are, feel free to bring them up in the comments section below. I'm always happy to chat if there's a player you need to know more about.
Recent Injuries
Jose Altuve: Altuve had to leave June 17th's game early due to right hamstring discomfort. This same injury kept him out of the starting lineup on June 18th. Given that this is the second time in the last week that this issue has pushed Altuve to the bench, the threat of a DL-stint is quite possible. Nevertheless, Brian McTaggart has reported that “Astros [are] not tempted to put Altuve on DL at this point.” Fantasy owners will want to monitor this situation closely as it develops.
Freddie Freeman: Freeman was held out of the starting lineup on June 18th because of a right wrist sprain. The good news for fantasy owners is that Freeman sounds hopeful about his prospects of playing over the weekend, meaning that a DL-stint may not be necessary for this injury.
Carlos Gomez: Gomez was held out of the Brewers' starting lineup on June 18th with right leg soreness. When asked about the possibility of a DL-stint by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Manager Craig Counselll could not rule out the possibility:
“It’s in play, yeah, but we’re going to give him some time,” he said. “It’s going to be a day-by-day thing. You’d obviously like to avoid it and like him to make progress and kind of get over the hump with it, but (also sitting him the weekend) is a possibility.”
Trevor Rosenthal: Rosenthal has been unavailable to pitch since June 15th due to right arm soreness. His current condition is listed as day-to-day.
Robinson Cano: Cano was held out of the starting lineup on June 18th with lower back stiffness. His condition is currently listed as day-to-day.
Kyle Seager: A bit of bad luck here. A bout of food poisoning kept Seager out of the starting lineup on June 18th. He should be fine going forward though.
Bryce Harper: Harper was forced to make an early exit from the game on June 18th because of a mild left hamstring strain. The Nationals plan to have him reevaluated on Friday before making a decision on his condition, but the possibility of a DL-stint remains very much in play.
Adam Jones: Jones has been held out of the starting lineup since June 16th with right shoulder soreness. Between this and the toe injury which he's battled all season, the Orioles outfielder is certainly banged up right now. The team has yet to make any indication, however, that a DL-stint may be coming.
Cole Hamels: Hamles was scratched from his last scheduled start due to a right hamstring strain. He is expected to take the mound again sometime next week, however, and will not require a trip to the DL.
Dustin Pedroia: Pedroia was held out of the starting lineup on June 18th with left knee soreness. His condition is currently listed as day-to-day.
Corey Dickerson: Dickerson found his way back on the DL thanks to the plantar fasciitis in his left foot which has been bothering him since Spring. He should be back in early July, but fantasy owners should prepare themselves for this condition to continue to spring up all year long.
Yordano Ventura: Ventura was placed on the disabled list on June 18th with inflammation in his right ulnar nerve. According to the team, the move is retroactive to June 13th. There remains no timetable for his return.
Victor Martinez: Martinez is likely due to return to the Tigers on June 19th. Set your lineups accordingly.
Ongoing Injury Updates
Devon Travis: Travis began a Triple-A rehab assignment on June 18th. The Jays expect that their breakout 2nd baseman will be ready for action on June 22nd.
Lance Lynn: Lynn is currently wrapping up his rehab assignment and could be back to pitching for the Cardinals as soon as June 23rd.
Hunter Pence: Pence was shutdown on June 16th after experiencing a setback in his rehab process. The left wrist which has been bothering him for weeks is back in a splint. There is currently no timetable for him to begin working out again.
Jose Fernandez: After beginning a Class A+ rehab assignment on June 6th, the Marlins are expecting Fernandez back in their rotation on July 2nd. The wait is almost over.
Stephen Strasburg: Strasburg began a Double-A rehab assignment on June 17th. The Nationals are hoping to have him back with the team by the end of June.
Wil Myers: Myers will miss at least two more months of games after undergoing surgery to remove bone spurs from his left wrist. The Padre is due back in mid-to-late August at the earliest.
Adrian Beltre: Bad news for Beltre owners. According to MLB.com, Beltre is still unable to swing a bat due to the left thumb laceration which has been plaguing him for weeks. Until he is able to do so, there will be no true timetable for his return.
Devin Mesoraco: Mesoraco was removed from a Triple-A rehab assignment on June 12th, after experiencing pain in his hurt left hip. Given the difficulties he's experienced so far, he could very well opt for what would probably be season ending surgery in the near future.
Jacoby Ellsbury: Finally some good news for Ellsbury owners. As of a June 18th update, MLB.com is reporting that Ellsubry was able to take batting practice and preform running drills. This is an excellent sign for the many hoping to have Ellsbury back by the end of the month.
