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A quarter of the 2023 MLB season is over. However, injuries are piling up, so many fantasy managers are left to navigate their way through the chaos. Meanwhile, other managers are getting some of their injured players back in the lineup, signaling there is plenty of time left to climb the standings. Let's take a look at the latest updates surrounding Jazz Chisholm Jr., Nico Hoerner, Jose Altuve, Drew Rasmussen, and Max Fried, among others.
For those not yet familiar, this is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates as of May 15, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others. With leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will force fantasy managers to search waiver wires in hopes of finding adequate replacements.
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 hitters.
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Jazz Chisholm Jr.
According to Marlins skipper Skip Schumaker, outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (toe) will see a specialist. The 25-year-old ran into the center field wall while trying to make a catch during Saturday's meeting with the Reds and didn't return. While X-rays were negative, Schumaker added Chisholm is dealing with turf toe.
The speedster has amassed 33 hits, 16 runs, 16 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and seven home runs this season. Unfortunately, the situation doesn't look good, so fantasy managers should prepare themselves in case Chisholm takes a trip to the injured list.
Nico Hoerner
Chicago Cubs infielder Nico Hoerner (hamstring) resumed baseball activities on Saturday. He played catch, took some grounders, and went through agility drills prior to Saturday's game.
This is an encouraging sign as Hoerner was placed on the IL on Friday. It shouldn't be a long stint on the shelf for the 26-year-old speedster. He should return to the Cubs sometime next week unless he suffers a setback in his recovery.
Jose Altuve
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (thumb) will begin a minor-league rehab assignment on Friday with Triple-A Sugar Land. Altuve is finally getting closer to making his 2023 debut after fracturing his right thumb in the World Baseball Classic. The 33-year-old will be a huge boost to the Astros lineup and to fantasy managers alike, but he first needs to get through his rehab assignment without suffering any setbacks.
It might not be a short rehab assignment, but Altuve should be back in the big leagues well before the calendar flips to June. When Altuve does make his much-anticipated return, Mauricio Dubon will go back to being more of a bench player for Houston.
Anthony Rendon
Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon (groin) is not in the lineup on Sunday for the rubber match of the series with the Cleveland Guardians. The 32-year-old came out of Saturday's game with left groin tightness and the ailment will cost him at least this one game.
Fantasy managers will have to hope the oft-injured Rendon can avoid a stint on the injured list and he should be considered day-to-day for now. It's a tough time to be hobbled for the plate-protecting veteran, who was in the midst of a strong 16-game span with an excellent .368 average, .479 on-base percentage, and 11 RBI. Look for an update on Rendon's status ahead of Monday's game against the Baltimore Orioles.
Max Fried
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Max Fried (forearm) was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained left forearm on Tuesday. It was unclear how long he would be on the shelf in the initial reports, but according to Fox Sports MLB, the left-hander will miss at least two months with the ailment.
That's a huge blow to the Braves and fantasy managers as Fried has developed into a fantasy ace over the past couple of seasons. This year, the 29-year-old owns a 2.08 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with 25 strikeouts and six walks over five starts and already missed time in April with an injury. Fantasy managers should be stashing Fried in every league, hoping that he'll come back at the two-month mark.
Drew Rasmussen
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Drew Rasmussen (elbow) has been placed on the 60-day injured list. This is shocking news as Rasmussen seemed fine after throwing seven scoreless innings on Thursday. The Rays have already placed Rasmussen on the 60-day injured list, which is never a good sign. Team President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander said they plan to shut down Rasmussen from throwing for eight weeks.
Possibly, Rasmussen is heading in the same direction as fellow teammate Jeffrey Springs, who recently had Tommy John surgery. The loss of Rasmussen is obviously a big blow to both fantasy managers and the Rays' rotation. Hopefully, the right-hander hasn't suffered a season-ending injury.
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