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: Ozzie Albies, Christian Yelich, Yu Darvish, Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Bradish, Luis Robert, more

Ozzie Albies - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Dr. Reuven's (@mlbinjuryguru) fantasy baseball injury updates for Week 4 (2024). His medical background helps analyze MLB injuries for hitters and pitchers.

When it comes to your waiver wire picks, there are different strategies that could be implemented. Some managers like to spend a lot on the top prospects. Some fantasy managers look for certain statistics, while others like to try to get the next closer or stream two-start pitchers. What everyone must do when it comes to the waiver wire, is help balance their lineups and fill in the holes made by injured players. To do this, we all have the following question- if we have to pick up an injury replacement, who is the player we could or should drop?

There are two ways to attack this. The first way to look at it is that if you drop a player, would he be picked up the next week by another team in your league? If the answer is yes, then you probably should not drop them. The second way to look at it is to be aggressive when it comes to dropping injured players. One must take stock and think about how much value you could get from the injured players in the weeks and months to come. One way of knowing which injured players to drop is knowing their injuries better. I will continue to highlight these injured players as well as their possible replacements with the hope that it helps you make the most educated decision in this respect.

Here's a little about myself for both new and returning 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

Christian Yelich (OF, MIL)- Back: Yelich was placed on the IL this past week with a lower back strain. The severity is not yet known. This is a chronic issue, as this is the fourth time he has landed on the IL in his career due to back issues. The most recent trip to the IL for Yelich due to a low back issue was in 2021. Blake Perkins will likely continue seeing regular playing time in the outfield and Owen Miller was brought up from the minors.

Tyler O'Neill (OF, BOS)- Head: O’Neill was placed on the concussion IL this week after a collision with Rafael Devers. O'Neill has already said that he is feeling better and is aiming for a minimum absence. He must clear concussion protocol prior to being activated from the IL. Wilyer Abreu should see more playing time with O’Neill out. 

Ozzie Albies (2B, ATL)- Toe: Albies will not require surgery, but he was placed on the IL with a fractured right big toe. He is currently wearing a walking boot. There was no timetable given for his recovery but he could be out around three to four weeks. David Fletcher was called up and he and Luis Guillorme could see more playing time with Albies out.

Luis Robert (OF, CHW)- Hip: Robert was placed on the IL with a Grade 2 hip flexor strain. White Sox general manager Chris Getz said this past week that Robert is trending toward a six-week absence. He was not placed on the 60 day IL, which confirms this belief. Tommy Pham, who was recently signed, could be brought up from the minors as soon as he is ready in order to help the White Sox in their outfield. 

Nate Lowe (OF, TEX)- Oblique: Lowe has been placed on the IL with a right oblique strain. Manager Bruce Bochy said this week that Lowe will need "about 30 [at-bats], could be more" during his minor-league rehab assignment before returning from the IL. Based on when he was injured, this should put him on target to return sometime next week. 

Yoan Moncada (3B, CHW)- Adductor: Moncada suffered a Grade 2 left adductor strain while running to the bases. He was placed on the IL and is expected to miss extended time. He was placed on the 60 day IL and is planning on moving his rehab to extended spring training soon. Moncada is eligible to come off of the IL July 19. 

Seiya Suzuki (OF, CHC)- Oblique: Suzuki was placed on the IL with a moderate right oblique strain. The Cubs are saying he could miss around four weeks. Usually, a Grade 2 strain has a recovery time of about six weeks.  Manager Craig Counsell said the Cubs will have a better idea of Suzuki's return timeline once the outfielder is free of symptoms. Alexander Canario was called up but Garrett Cooper could see more playing time with Suzuki out. 

Tommy Edman (2B, STL)- Wrist: Edman had wrist surgery this past October and has been on the IL since the start of the season. Edman has begun baseball activities, taking dry swings, but still has a ways to go to build up to being game ready. There is no timeline for his return yet.

Dylan Carlson (OF, STL)- Shoulder: Carlson is on the IL with a sprained acromioclavicular (AC) joint of his left shoulder. He has begun hitting off of a tee but is still a while away from returning, needing a rehab assignment once he is medically cleared. 

Max Kepler (OF, MIN)- Knee: Kepler was placed on the IL with a right knee contusion. He began a rehab assignment and could be activated from the IL either over the weekend or early next week.

Vaughn Grissom (SS, BOS)- Groin: Grissom is on the IL with a groin strain. Grissom has begun a rehab assignment but has not yet played back-to-back days and has not yet played the field at the time this article was written. Once he hits these milestones, he will be ready to return to the Red Sox infield.

DJ LeMahieu (2B, NYY)- Foot: Lemahieu is on the IL with a foot fracture. Yankees manager Aaron Boone said this week that he expects LeMahieu to begin a rehab assignment this weekend. There is, however, still no definitive timetable for his return.
Brent Rooker (OF, OAK)- Abdomen: Rooker was placed on the IL with rib pain. He was activated on Friday April 19th and started, hitting a home run.

Kris Bryant (OF, COL)- Back: Bryant was placed on the IL with a lower back strain. The severity is not yet known, and the earliest he could be activated from the IL is April 24. Brenton Doyle will get more extended playing time while Bryant is on the IL.

 

Injured Starting Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Yu Darvish (SP, SD)- Neck: Darvish was placed on the IL with neck tightness. This may have become an issue during a side session between starts. The earliest Darvish could be activated from the IL is April 30. Logan Gillaspie was called up from the minors to take his rotation spot for the Padres. 

Garrett Whitlock (SP, BOS)- Oblique: Whitlock was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain. The severity is not known, but it sounds like it's a low-grade strain, and the Red Sox are just being extra cautious. Chase Anderson could take his rotation spot until Whitlock returns.

Tyler Wells (SP, BAL)- Elbow: Wells was placed on the IL this week with right elbow inflammation, retroactive to April 13. There is no word on what exactly Wells is dealing with as of yet. Albert Suarez has filled in so far for the Orioles and Wells. John Means is also a candidate to be activated from the IL soon as well as Means has already had four rehab starts in the minors.

Framber Valdez (SP, HOU)- Elbow: Valdez was placed on the IL with left elbow inflammation. He has begun playing catch, but he still seems unlikely to return after missing only two starts. This is what the Astros had previously hoped for.  

Braxton Garrett (SP, MIA)- Shoulder: Garrett started the season on the IL with left shoulder soreness. Garrett has gone through a few rehab starts but now manager Skip Schumaker said this past Monday that Garrett experienced a "dead arm" after his last bullpen session. The issue is not related to the left shoulder injury but could push back his season debut. 

Walker Buehler (SP, LAD)- Elbow: Buehler continues to recover from Tommy John surgery that he had in August 2022. He is scheduled to make one more rehab start before being activated from the IL.  

Nick Pivetta (SP, BOS)- Forearm: Pivetta was placed on the IL this week with a flexor strain in his right forearm. Pivetta is scheduled for a bullpen session this week. He may require a few of these, followed by a rehab start prior to activation from the IL. 

Kyle Bradish (SP, BAL)- Elbow: Bradish was diagnosed with a partial UCL tear in his pitching elbow. He has begun a rehab assignment. Bradish may need a few more rehab starts before he could join the Orioles rotation. 

Chase Silseth (SP, LAA)- Elbow: Silseth was placed on the IL with a right elbow strain. An MRI revealed inflammation only and is he currently hoping to return in only three weeks. Jose Soriano has taken his rotation spot for the Angels. 

Taijuan Walker (SP, PHI)- Shoulder: Walker was diagnosed with right shoulder impingement and began the season on the IL. Walker has made two rehab starts and could be activated after a bullpen session over the weekend.

 

Injured Relief Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Paul Sewald (RP, ARI)- Oblique: Sewald is on the IL with a Grade 2 oblique strain. He has thrown two bullpen sessions so far. It is unclear what the next step will be, but Sewald will probably require throwing live batting practice before heading out on a rehab assignment.

Jhoan Duran (MIN, RP)- Oblique: Duran is on the IL with a Grade 2 oblique strain. He has thrown a bullpen session already but will still need to face live hitters and go on a rehab assignment before he is cleared to return from the IL.  

Matt Brash (RP, SEA)- Elbow: Brash is on the IL with right elbow inflammation. He had a live bullpen session that “went well.” He has not yet begun a rehab assignment but should do so soon. 

Robert Stephenson (RP, LAA)- Shoulder: Stephenson is on the IL with right shoulder soreness/discomfort. However, it was announced this week, that he will be undergoing elbow surgery. It is unclear if it will be Tommy John surgery or another type of elbow surgery, but it is clear that he will miss the remainder of the season.



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

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF