X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Injury News and Updates: Max Scherzer, Yu Darvish, Oneil Cruz, Jasson Dominguez, Shane Bieber and more

Dr. Reuven's (@mlbinjuryguru) fantasy baseball injury updates for Week 26 (2023). His medical background helps analyze MLB injuries for hitters and pitchers.

As the baseball season heads down the final stretch, some injury decisions are becoming more and more obvious. Your fantasy teams may have little need for players who will only play for one week.  A lot of Major League teams are making it easier to drop players as they start to rule out players for the rest of the year. My injury list below is shrinking as players have already begun to be shut down for the year. This is especially true for pitchers, who will have little time to rehab and return in two weeks.

Dropping a a high profile injured player (in re-draft leagues) is now probably the safest thing you could do. If another team picks them up, they will only have one week of them to play, if that. This is the time of year when you should try to get the most out of your roster and clearing space for players to "backup" your lineup for the rest of the season makes sense. Those types of players are now more valuable to you than the rest of the season and have more value than a player on your bench not playing.

As the season draws to a close, I will continue to highlight players you could feel comfortable dropping due to injury. The minor league season will officially end over the course of the next few days and rehab assignments will turn into batting practice and sim games with their respective teams. Hopefully the extra roster maneuverability you receive from dropping these injured players help solidify your place in the standings.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

Here's a little about myself for new readers. My name is Reuven Guy and I am a practicing orthopedic/pain management Physician Assistant. I have been dealing with sports injuries for the past 16+ years. Therefore, I have knowledge of orthopedic injuries and their recovery times based on my medical experience. I have also been playing fantasy baseball during that same time period. This has helped me get an advantage in this aspect of fantasy baseball, which I hope to share with you. Make sure to stay up to date on the latest MLB breaking news with our award-winning news desk and our free fantasy baseball mobile app with 24/7 push notification alerts!

Injured Hitters for Fantasy Baseball

Shohei Ohtani (DH, LAA)- Oblique: Shohei Ohtani injured his right oblique during batting practice. He has not played since September 3. The question of when and whether he will return remains up in the air. The Angels are out of it and with Ohtani looking to sign a huge contract this offseason, it is possible he is being held not only by the Angels but also by his agent. 

Adolis Garcia (OF, TEX)- Knee: Adolis Garcia was placed on the IL with a patellar tendon strain. The injury occurred while trying to rob a home run. The severity of the strain is not known. There is a possibility that he could return some time next week, based on multiple reports. 

Josh Jung (3B, TEX)- Thumb: Josh Jung has been on the IL following surgery that was needed to repair a fracture in his left thumb. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said this week that Jung could be activated from the IL on Monday September 18.

Jorge Soler (OF, MIA)- Oblique: Jorge Soler was placed on the IL this week with a right oblique strain. He has begun a hitting progression. There is still uncertainty whether he could be back when first eligible, September 16. Typically, based on his injury, this would seem unlikely. 

Nolan Gorman (2B, STL)- Hamstring: Nolan Gorman was placed on the IL with a grade 2 right hamstring strain. This occurred on an infield single. Typical recovery time for this type of injury is four to six weeks. The rest of his season may be in jeopardy. Juniel Querecuto was called up. 

Jasson Dominguez (OF, NYY)- Elbow: Jasson Dominguez was placed on the IL with a torn UCL tear in his right elbow. Multiple reports have said that he will now undergo Tommy John surgery, or something similar to it. If he has internal bracing performed, like Rhys Hoskins and Bryce Harper had, he may only miss eight to ten months.  

Dylan Carlson (OF, STL)- Ankle: Dylan Carlson has had left ankle discomfort since May. He has now decided to have season-ending surgery on his left ankle. He should be ready for Spring Training next year. 

Joey Gallo (OF, MIN)- Foot: Joey Gallo is on the IL with a left foot contusion. He is expected to start a  rehab assignment next week. No word on how long this will last. His role, when he returns, will also be a question mark. 

Henry Davis (OF, PIT)- Hand: Henry Davis is on the IL with a right hand strain. He is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. The Pirates have not said how long Davis will be down in Triple -A, but a return to the Majors this season looks likely.  

Riley Greene (OF, DET)- Elbow: Riley Green was placed on the IL with right elbow inflammation. He has been shut down for a while and is now scheduled for further testing and medical evaluations. His return this year is up in the air at this point.  

Starling Marte (OF, NYM)- Groin: Starling Marte has been on the IL since early August with a right groin strain. He went through a full pregame workout this week and is trending to return to the Mets this year. 

Byron Buxton (OF, MIN)- Hamstring: Byron Buxton was placed on the IL with a right hamstring strain. Buxton was pulled off a rehab assignment last week and received a cortisone injection for his knee this week. There is no timetable for his return at this point. 

Jose Miranda (3B, MIN)- Shoulder: Jose Miranda has been on the IL since mid- July with right shoulder impingement. He has decided to have surgery and is officially ruled out for the rest of the baseball season. 

Jose Siri (OF, TB)- Hand: Jose Siri was placed on the IL with a right hand fracture after a hit by pitch. He was diagnosed with a hairline fracture that should knock him out of playing again during the regular season. If the Rays go deep into the playoffs, he could return. Luke Raley will get more playing time in centerfield for the Rays.

Jeimer Candelario (3B, CHC)- Back: Jeimer Candelario was placed on the IL this week with a lower-back strain. Severity is not yet known. Nick Madrigal and Christopher Morel look to gain playing time with Candelario out. 

Brandon Belt (1B, TOR)- Back: Brandon Belt was placed on the IL this week with lumbar spine muscle spasms, low back pain. Severity is not known. Spencer Horwitz looks to get more playing time with Belt out. 

C.J. Cron (1B, LAA)- Back: C.J. Cron has been on the IL with low back inflammation since August 18. He  took batting practice this week and remains hopeful to return before the end of the season. Nolan Schanuel will  continue serving as the Angels top option at first base the rest of the way.

Oneil Cruz (SS, PIT)- Ankle: Oneil Cruz has been rehabbing from ankle surgery earlier this year and is on the IL. Pirates manager Derek Shelton said this week that Cruz will not return this season.

 

Injured Starting Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Max Scherzer (SP, TEX)- Shoulder: Max Scherzer was placed on the IL with a low-grade strain of the teres major muscle in his right shoulder. He will miss the rest of the regular season and likely the playoffs as well. He should not require surgery and should be good to go next year, Spring Training. 

Sandy Alcantara (SP, MIA) -Forearm:  Sandy Alcantara is on the IL with a right UCL sprain. He did play catch this week but it remains doubtful that he will return this year. 

Yu Darvish (SP, SD)- Elbow: Yu Darvish was diagnosed with a bone spur in his right elbow and an olecranon stress reaction in his elbow. He has been shut down for the rest of the year. It is also possible that if rest and rehab do not help, he may require surgery to clean out his elbow.

Marcus Stroman (SP, CHC)- Ribs: Marcus Stroman is on the IL with a right rib cage cartilage fracture. He has thrown a few bullpen sessions and if he recovers from them well, the Cubs may send him out on a rehab assignment. Whether or not he has time to stretch back out to be a full starter remains to be seen. 

Joe Musgrove (SP, SD)- Shoulder: Joe Musgrove is on the IL with a shoulder strain. He continues to play catch but has yet to throw off a mound. It is considered "highly unlikely" that he will return this year. 

Shane Bieber (SP, CLE)- Elbow: Shane Bieber is on the IL with right elbow inflammation. He has made one rehab start so far and may need only one more start before he is activated from the IL.

 Ross Stripling (SP, SF)- Back: Ross Stripling is on the IL with a low back injury. He threw 50 pitches in a live bullpen session this week. He could be activated in the near future.

 

Injured Relief Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Felix Bautista (RP, BAL)- Elbow: Felix Bautista was placed on the IL with a UCL injury. General manager Mike Elias confirmed this week that Bautista is dealing with a partial tear of his UCL, but the Orioles maintain hope that the right-hander will be able to pitch again in 2023. He has already resumed playing catch but this is a long way from being activated. He did not require a platelet-rich plasma injection, PRP. There is no timeline for his return. 

Edwin Diaz (RP, NYM)- Knee: Edwin Diaz continues to rehab from spring knee surgery. He has thrown multiple bullpen sessions and could be activated. He is traveling with the team but manager Buck Showalter is still calling it a week to week evaluation. 

Kenley Jansen (RP, BOS)- COVID: Jansen was placed on the COVID IL this week after testing positive. He is now mandated to be out for at least seven days. Chris Martin and John Schreiber are  the likely candidates to split closing duties for the next week.

Adbert Alzolay (RP, CHC)- Forearm: Adbert Alzolay was placed on the IL this week with a right forearm strain. He has been dealing with an unspecified injury since earlier this month. Severity is not known.  Julian Merryweather looks to be in line to close for the Cubs.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Yanquiel Fernández

Yanquiel Fernandez Called Up to Majors
Tyler Mahle

Dealing With Rotator-Cuff Strain
Brooklyn Nets

Ziaire Williams Expected to Return to Nets
Austin Wells

to Miss Next Two Games
Tre Mann

Set to Become an Unrestricted Free Agent
Bo Bichette

Scratched With Sore Knee
Cody Martin

to Enter Free Agency
Los Angeles Clippers

Nicolas Batum Staying with Clippers
Jurickson Profar

to Return on Wednesday
Jordan Clarkson

Jazz Finalize Contract Buyout for Jordan Clarkson
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Max Homa

Misses Cut at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Lucas Glover

Finishes Tied For Ninth at Travelers Championship
PGA

Nico Echavarria Finishes Tied For Sixth at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Staying with Nets
Colby Thomas

Called Up From Triple-A
Shea Langeliers

A's Reinstate Shea Langeliers From Injured List
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Jalen Williams

will Undergo Surgery on Right Wrist
Bryce Harper

Activated and Starting on Monday
Deandre Ayton

Finalizing Contract Buyout with Portland
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Lands on Injured List With Fractured Ribs
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Jalen Ramsey

Steelers Acquiring Jalen Ramsey
Kerry Carpenter

Leaves Game with Apparent Hamstring Injury
Brooklyn Nets

Day'Ron Sharpe Heads to Free Agency
Santi Aldama

Receives Qualifying Offer
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner has Team Option Declined
Jabari Smith Jr.

Signs Massive Extension
Jusuf Nurkić

Hornets Trading Jusuf Nurkic to Utah
Collin Sexton

Heading to Charlotte
Cam Thomas

Set for Restricted Free Agency
Milwaukee Bucks

Bobby Portis Staying in Milwaukee
Jonas Brodin

Expected to Miss Start of Next Season
TB

Conor Sheary Placed on Waivers for Contract Termination
Los Angeles Clippers

James Harden, Clippers Agree on a New Contract
Dante Fabbro

Stays with Blue Jackets on Four-Year Deal
Joel Hofer

Commits to Blues for Two More Years
Kevin Bahl

Signs Long-Term Extension with Flames
Oneil Cruz

Smacks Two Homers
Jordan Spence

Traded to Ottawa
Petr Mrazek

Heads to Anaheim
John Gibson

Red Wings Acquire John Gibson
Matthew Knies

Inks Six-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Aaron Judge

Blasts Two Homers, Dealing With Back Issue
Claude Giroux

Signs One-Year Deal with Senators
Yordan Alvarez

has Chance to Return Next Weekend
Minnesota Timberwolves

Julius Randle Signs Three-Year Extension
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Opts into Player Option
Luis Robert Jr.

Heads to Injured List
Gabriel Arias

Carted Off on Sunday
Bryce Harper

Faces Live Pitching
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Remains Out on Sunday
Utah Jazz

Bojan Bogdanovic Retiring From Basketball
Los Angeles Lakers

Dorian Finney-Smith Declines Player Option
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
NFL

NFL Won't Hold Supplemental Draft This Year
Damon Arnette

Getting Second Chance With Texans
Deommodore Lenoir

Arrested for Obstruction of Justice
Yordan Alvarez

Eyeing Return Before All-Star Break
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Quinn Priester

Fans 11 in One-Hit Gem
Spencer Schwellenbach

Dominant in Victory
Marvin Harrison Jr.

Expected to Make Second-Year Jump
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Out of Lineup Saturday
Jalin Hyatt

Looking to Flip the Script in 2025
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Ty Dillon

Could Benefit from Kaulig Speed
Dylan Sampson

Being Used as a Receiver
Carson Schwesinger

Figures to be in Full-Time Role in 2025
Cedric Tillman

Should Have Full-Time Role
Bryce Young

Looking More Comfortable, Showing More Intensity
Charlie Coyle

Blue Jackets Acquire Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood From Colorado
Jack Quinn

Signs Up for Two More Years with Sabres
Brandon Saad

Stays in Vegas on One-Year Deal
Trent Frederic

Inks Eight-Year Extension
Emil Heineman

Shipped to the Islanders
Noah Dobson

Traded to Montreal
John Tavares

Agrees to Four-Year Extension with Maple Leafs
Sam Bennett

Signs Eight-Year Extension with Panthers
NYI

Islanders Select Matthew Schaefer With No. 1 Pick in NHL Draft
Aaron Rodgers

Roman Wilson Could Fit Nicely With Aaron Rodgers
Josh Simmons

on Schedule to Open the Year as a Starter
Micah Parsons

Contract Length an Issue for Cowboys, Micah Parsons
Denver Broncos

Broncos Unsure How Their Running Back Room Will Look
Russell Wilson

Not the Only Leader in Giants Clubhouse
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
Daniil Tarasov

Panthers Bring in Daniil Tarasov
Frederick Gaudreau

Kraken Pick Up Frederick Gaudreau From Wild
Michael Thorbjornsen

Returns in Detroit at Rocket Classic
Adam Hadwin

Could Struggle Over the Weekend in Detroit
Cam Davis

Hopes Detroit Magic Can Spark Turnaround
Matt Wallace

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Rocket Classic
Joel Dahmen

Not Cutting it Lately
Michael Kim

Searching for Spark at Rocket Classic
Rasmus Hojgaard

a High-Ceiling Play in Rocket Classic
Matt McCarty

a Wild Card Heading into Detroit
Emiliano Grillo

Rolling into the Summer Season
Rickie Fowler

Looking for More Magic at Rocket Classic
Wyndham Clark

Brings High Upside to Detroit Golf Club
Max Greyserman

Could Make Noise at Rocket Classic
Akshay Bhatia

a Strong Value Play at Rocket Classic
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF