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Dave Funnell's spring training fantasy baseball injury report, including the latest updates on Gerrit Cole, Seiya Suzuki, Jeremy Pena, Jackson Holliday, Carlos Rodon, more.
Welcome, RotoBallers, to my fantasy baseball injury report for March 19, where today we look back at the major injury developments in the world of baseball and look ahead at what might transpire as a result. Today, we look at recent injuries and updates for Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Seiya Suzuki, Jackson Holliday, and more.
Injuries are an unfortunate part of the game, but how you handle them can mean the difference between a last-place finish and somewhere near the top of your league's standings.
The hope is that, whatever comes your way, you can understand what the injury is, what it means for your fantasy team, and what actions you should take. Let's get right to this week's injury-related news.
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Gerrit Cole, SP New York Yankees
Gerrit Cole threw 10 pitches in a scoreless first inning, an eventful return to game action 372 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery. His fastball averaged 97.1 mph and maxed at 98.7 mph.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 18, 2026
Gerrit Cole made his triumphant return to the mound yesterday, throwing 10 pitches in a scoreless first inning. He threw his fastball six times, and all of them were at least 96.1 miles per hour in velocity. In addition, he threw both his slider and his knuckle curve twice, completing an inning of work in which he utilized all of his pitches. All in all, this is considered a huge win for him and the Yankees.
The belief heading into spring training was that his pitching in a live game would be the best-case scenario. Ever since he first started throwing in February, he blew away all expectations by bringing the heat and maintaining it throughout camp. Teammates and coaches have been impressed with his progress, and where he goes from here is anyone's guess.
The conservative approach here would be for him to start the season on the 60-day injured list. Doing this would ensure that his arm, shoulder, and body are all on the same page and that nothing is rushed. The original belief was that he would make his 2026 debut sometime in May, and the 60-Day designation would allow that.
However, given that this is New York, he is 35 years old, and he is one of the best to do it, we could see an accelerated timeframe, allowing him to come back sooner. The coming days will be telling.
Carlos Rodon, SP New York Yankees
Aaron Boone said he doesn't think Carlos Rodón will get into a spring training game due to the way the schedule is lined up. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) March 17, 2026
Normally, this would be considered bad news, as a pitcher not getting into game action during spring training could mean he's not physically ready. However, this is not nearly the case with respect to Carlos Rodon, as he is more than ready to begin in games, but the timing of it just won't work out.
The plan was always for him to return after the season started. He will begin the year on the injured list while starting a minor league rehab assignment to get himself back into game shape. However, as of right now, the Yankees have other pressing needs, such as getting the timing and mechanics down of players that will be on the roster come Opening Day.
He has been progressing all spring smoothly with bullpens, side sessions, and more. He recently threw a 30-pitch simulated outing and came out of it feeling great. The plan is for him to continue to build up on his own and return at some point in April. Fantasy players are encouraged not to shy away from drafting him at the back-end of their rotations, as he does possess enough upside to make him worth rostering even when he's on the injured list.
Jackson Holliday, 2B Baltimore Orioles
Orioles infielder Jackson Holliday said he’ll begin taking live at-bats this week following surgery on his broken hamate bone. He doesn’t know yet if Grapefruit League games are in play. But he is hopeful for a short IL stint to begin the season
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) March 16, 2026
Holliday continues to show consistent progress this spring, as he continues to work his way back from hamate bone surgery. When he does, in fact, take live at-bats, that will signify a major step forward in his attempt to return as soon as possible. The plan is for him to begin the season on the injured list, though it's believed he won't need to miss much time before making his 2026 season debut.
As it stands, both he and the Orioles believe that a minor league rehab assignment on March 27 with Triple-A Norfolk is his best path. From there, he will do his part to get into game shape, work on his fielding, and continue to develop his timing at the plate. Most of his time away will not be solely health-related, but rather because there just wasn't enough time during spring training to get him up to speed.
If there were a drop in his draft cost, fantasy managers would be wise to buy him at this discount.
Seiya Suzuki, OF Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have clarified that Seiya Suzuki’s right knee injury involves a sprained (not strained) posterior cruciate ligament. While receiving treatment, Suzuki can still do baseball activities, though it’s unclear when he will be able to start the season.
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) March 17, 2026
We finally got some clarity on Seiya Suzuki's knee, and the news is good, all things considered. When he limped his way back to the dugout during the World Baseball Classic, the worst was feared: a potentially torn ACL. After careful analysis, it was determined that he has a PCL sprain, which will be evaluated daily.
The team will give him treatment through the weekend to see how his knee responds. The first step is to wait for the swelling to subside, so that they can determine the severity of the injury and identify how best to help it heal. The Cubs haven't determined if a trip to the injured list will be necessary to start the season, but that will be determined after the aforementioned treatment.
Fantasy managers would be wise to look for an alternative solution here, as it feels like the Cubs are being as positive as they can about the situation. Even though it's a sprain, these sorts of injuries don't heal within a week. It typically takes multiple weeks of rest, wearing a brace, and strengthening exercises before a return to play should be considered.
It's unclear if the Cubs will take the cautious approach. It is worth noting that while away at the WBC, he had a total of nine at-bats, which is a very limited sample size. He will likely require time in a minor league rehab assignment to work on his physical well-being, as well as his timing and mechanics. A debut in May is not out of the question here.
Jeremy Pena, SS Houston Astros
Clarification: Peña has resumed throwing. He will start swinging again this weekend. https://t.co/gFzpQd5Jsr
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 18, 2026
From the sounds of things, Jeremy Pena is now pain-free, seemingly ready to advance to using his hands to swing a bat. He was able to take part in a limited array of baseball activities last weekend, and after successfully pushing through, he seems ready to move forward. With Opening Day not yet ruled out, the team will look to see if he can successfully make bat-to-ball contact without any issues or pain to his recovering fingertip.
If there are no issues as of early next week, it seems likely that he will be ready for Opening Day and avoid a stint on the IL.
MLB Injury News Quick Hits
Hunter Greene had the bone chips removed from his elbow last week and revealed that he was already feeling better. It's a good sign that he already has greater freedom of movement in his elbow, which likely means the operation was successful. Still, he has a long way to go before he is fully recovered and ready to pitch again. Chances are that he can return to the mound after the All-Star Break.
Triston Casas (knee) will not begin the year in the minor leagues and is not yet ready to play in live games. Instead, he will continue rehab with the team and medical staff throughout April. The hope once camp began was that he would be able to get into some form of in-game action, but his progress, though steady, has been slower than anticipated. This shouldn't be considered a setback.
Josh Hader (biceps) threw a bullpen earlier in the week and will do so again this weekend. There is currently no timetable for a return with him, making Bryan Abreu a must-draft in all leagues to begin the 2026 season.
Lawrence Butler (knee) made his spring training debut on Tuesday, going hitless in three at-bats while striking out twice. There are plans for him to start in the outfield on Thursday, marking a complete return from injury to health. Although he was seen doing defensive drills, simulated at-bats, and other exercises in the team's backfields, he will still need some time to get his timing and mechanics going as he enters the season.
He may start slow, but if he's healthy, he has five-category potential.
J.P. Crawford received a cortisone shot in his shoulder, and the hope is that after a few days of rest, he will be able to ramp up and get himself ready for the start of the season. Given that he has been hampered by this nagging shoulder all spring, the team would be wise to take their time here. We should know more after the weekend.
Jose Berrios was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his right elbow, with the result being that he won't be ready for Opening Day. Still, he is apparently pain-free, and the team is optimistic he will be able to pitch through it. That seems very advantageous, as pitching with any stress fracture gives way to bigger breaks in the future if it continues to be used.
That said, the doctors know best, and for now, we can trust their diagnosis. Just be prepared to drop him at a moment's notice.
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