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As we turn the corner toward May, injuries continue to cause chaos for fantasy managers. Fortunately, some notable performers are making progress and nearing a return. However, others aren't as fortunate. Let's take a look at the latest updates surrounding Yordan Alvarez, Justin Verlander, Jose Altuve, Bryce Harper, and Carlos Rodon, among others.
For those not yet familiar, this is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates as of April 24, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but 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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Yordan Alvarez Injury Update
Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (neck) is out of Monday's starting lineup against the Tampa Bay Rays due to neck discomfort. The Astros have sent him back to Houston to be examined, and it's unclear if he'll need a stint on the injured list or if he'll be available during the current series in Tampa.
Manager Dusty Baker said the 25-year-old left-handed slugger has been dealing with a neck issue for the last week, so fantasy managers need to prepare for a possible trip to the IL. Corey Julks and David Hensley would both see more playing time if Alvarez is forced to miss extended time. Keep him stashed in all leagues in the meantime. Alvarez is currently hitting .253 (19-for-75) with three doubles, six home runs, 27 RBI and 14 runs scored in his first 20 games.
Justin Verlander Injury Update
New York Mets starting pitcher Justin Verlander (shoulder) threw 43 pitches over three innings during a simulated game on Sunday. It sounds like the 40-year-old is doing well in his recovery process. The next step is for Verlander to make a rehab start on Friday.
After that, Verlander is expected to be cleared to return to the big league rotation, assuming he doesn't suffer a setback. Verlander has been sidelined since March due to a lingering shoulder issue.
Jose Altuve Injury Update
According to Jim Bowden of The Athletic, Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (thumb) is "ahead of schedule," an update provided on Sunday by general manager Dana Brown. The 32-year-old hasn't played this season after fracturing his right thumb in the World Baseball Classic. Altuve is expected to return in June. However, he has "great movement and flexibility" in the thumb and will undergo an x-ray within the next few weeks to determine where he is in the recovery process.
Altuve has remained productive despite his decade-plus length of service for the Astros. He finished last season with a .300 average with 158 hits, 57 RBI, and 28 home runs in 527 at-bats. Fantasy managers should stay patient and optimistic, as the veteran could return sooner than expected. Keep him stashed.
Raisel Iglesias Injury Update
Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Raisel Iglesias (shoulder) will take his next step when he throws live batting practice on Monday. The veteran closer will likely need to make a couple of minor-league rehab appearances before he is cleared to return from the injured list. Iglesias was shut down for a few weeks after developing right shoulder discomfort in the final week of spring training.
Barring setbacks, the 33-year-old right-hander could rejoin Atlanta's bullpen by this weekend. Fantasy managers should have stashed him this entire time as the Braves' primary closing option when healthy. With Iglesias hurt, left-hander A.J. Minter has operated as the team's primary closer early in the season.
Bryce Harper Injury Update
There's a chance that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper (elbow) could return in the middle of May if his follow-up exam with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles at the start of May goes well. "If we get clearance from the doctor, then we'll see when he can start DHing," manager Rob Thomson said. "But it shouldn't be too far after that." When Harper initially had Tommy John surgery last Nov. 23, the team expected him to return as the designated hitter by the All-Star break from July 10-13.
Harper took batting practice for the first time on April 5, just 4 1/2 months after his surgery, and he also threw from 60 feet on Thursday. Fantasy managers have to be excited by this news, but there's still a chance Harper isn't cleared to do everything when he has his next follow-up exam in early May. When he's back, the former MVP will operate exclusively as the Phillies full-time DH.
Travis d'Arnaud Injury Update
According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Braves catcher Travis d'Arnaud (head) took part in batting practice ahead of Saturday's meeting with the Astros. He hit in the cages on Friday, so he's moving in the right direction after remaining out of the lineup for the last two weeks because of a concussion.
The 34-year-old had played well before going on the shelf, posting a .355/.355/.452 slash line with 11 hits and five RBI in 33 at-bats. But until d'Arnaud is 100%, Sean Murphy will be behind the dish and has played well enough to warrant fantasy consideration.
Mitch Garver Injury Update
Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young said on Friday that catcher Mitch Garver (knee) will be out at least another month. Garver was put on the injured list on April 8 after he injured his left knee. It was initially believed to be a minor injury, but an MRI exam showed a serious sprain.
The Rangers said on Friday that the 32-year-old veteran backstop will now be out five to six weeks, so he probably won't be back with the team until at least the middle of May. Garver had only played in six games before his injury and went 5-for-19 (.263) with two home runs and six RBI. Until he returns, the Rangers will continue to mix and match behind the plate with Jonah Heim and Sandy Leon, with Heim being the better offensive player.
Carlos Rodon Injury Update
New York Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodon (back, forearm) played catch prior to Sunday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, per manager Aaron Boone. The Yankees skipper told reporters that Rodon will continue his throwing program this coming week.
The next step for the 30-year-old southpaw is a bullpen session. Rodon is dealing with back soreness and a forearm strain and has yet to make his 2023 debut. He should join the Yankees rotation sometime around mid-May if he doesn't suffer any setbacks. Fantasy managers should remain patient.
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