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After witnessing the Angels hand the Rockies a 25-1 beating on Saturday night, we are reminded just how cruel things can get throughout any MLB season. Of course, fantasy managers sometimes feel the pain even more, especially for those with significant voids in the lineup. As we enter the final week of June, the injuries scene is as big as ever. Let's take a look at some notable injuries for players like Marcus Stroman, James Paxton, Jose Urquidy, and Nestor Cortes.
Here are some of the top fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of June 25, 2023. 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.
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Marcus Stroman
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (hand) left Sunday's game against the division-rival St. Louis Cardinals in London early with a trainer with one out in the fourth inning. Stroman appeared to shake his right hand after he threw his last pitch, but we'll pass along more information on what is wrong with him once we have it. In 3 1/3 frames before departing, Stroman had been shellacked for six runs on nine hits, and he walked one and struck out two to raise his season ERA to 2.74.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the 32-year-old could need a trip to the injured list, but fantasy managers will want to check back for more details. Coming into Sunday's start, Stroman had been one of the best pitchers in baseball with a 9-4 record, 2.28 ERA (3.34 FIP), 1.02 WHIP, 34 walks and 83 strikeouts in 98 2/3 innings over 16 starts.
Ryan Helsley
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (forearm) was eligible to be activated off the injured list on Sunday, but is far from returning at this time, per manager Oli Marmol. The 28-year-old was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 12 with a right forearm strain and it appears like his absence extends into July at this point.
Fantasy managers stashing the flame-throwing Helsley will have to hang tight in the meantime. Jordan Hicks has perhaps emerged as the interim Cardinals closer after picking up three straight saves last weekend, but Giovanny Gallegos remains in the mix.
Nestor Cortes
According to Yankees manager Aaron Boone, left-hander Nestor Cortes "is about a week away" from throwing from a mound. The 28-year-old has been battling shoulder inflammation, an injury that landed him on the injured list nearly a month ago.
Cortes, who is 5-2 with a 5.16 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 2023, has some hurdles to clear before he's ready to return. But in the meantime, fantasy managers should keep him stashed, especially since he could turn things around once he's 100%.
James Paxton
Boston Red Sox left-hander James Paxton (knee) believes he'll be able to make his next scheduled start next Thursday on the road against the Toronto Blue Jays. The 34-year-old was forced to exit early during Saturday's game against the Chicago White Sox due to right knee soreness.
Paxton has been terrific this season, posting a 3.19 ERA, 1.02 WHIP, and a 54:11 K: BB across 42 1/3 innings in 2023. The veteran has dealt with various injuries throughout his career and has been limited to 39 2/3 innings over the last two seasons. Paxton is considered day-to-day, and fantasy managers should continue to monitor the situation before setting their lineups for Week 14.
Jose Urquidy
Houston Astros starting pitcher Jose Urquidy (shoulder) was able to throw a 25-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. The right-hander has been on the shelf since early May due to right shoulder inflammation. The plan is for Urquidy to throw two more bullpen sessions before advancing to face live hitters.
That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Urquidy back until around the All-Star break. This season, Urquidy holds a 5.20 ERA and 1.55 WHIP through 27.2 innings.
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