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As the first weekend of July continues, the injury scene is heating up. Unfortunately, some notable pitchers found their way to the IL. However, it's not all bad news, as there have been positive developments surrounding some pitchers who have been working their way back to the mound. Let's take a look at some notable injuries for players, including Carlos Rodon, Clayton Kershaw, Shane McClanahan, Liam Hendriks, and more.
Here are some of the top fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of July 2, 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.
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Carlos Rodon
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (back) allowed one hit while striking out eight over 3 2/3 scoreless innings in a rehab start with High-A Hudson Valley on Saturday. He threw 58 pitches, landing 38 pitches for strikes. The 30-year-old made his final rehab appearance and will make his Yankees debut on July 7 against the Cubs.
Rodon has been sidelined all season with a back/forearm injury and is expected to be reinstated from the injured list. Rodon signed a six-year, $162 million with the Yankees this offseason and could be a fantasy ace for the second half of the season if he can avoid the injured list.
Clayton Kershaw
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (shoulder) had a throwing session on Saturday. However, skipper Dave Roberts stated things went "just ok." Roberts also indicated a decision would come on Sunday regarding the left-hander's availability for his scheduled start on Monday versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Kershaw, who is 10-4 with a 2.55 ERA in 16 starts this season, has battled left shoulder inflammation of late. But barring a miraculous turnaround, his prognosis doesn't sound promising, so fantasy managers should brace themselves for a negative update sometime soon.
Shane McClanahan
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (back) has been placed on the 15-day injured list. The left-hander was pulled out early during Friday's start due to back tightness. The 26-year-old will now miss some time due to mid back tightness. The expectation is that McClanahan will return sometime around the All-Star break.
This is certainly a blow to fantasy managers considering how well McClanahan has been pitching this season. Luckily, it doesn't sound like a serious issue, so it should be a minimal stint on the injured list. In the meantime, Jalen Beeks has been recalled from the minors to take the spot on the active roster.
Eduardo Rodriguez
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) will return and start Wednesday's game against the Oakland Athletics. This is excellent news for fantasy managers, primarily since the 30-year-old was sitting on a 2.13 ERA with 67 strikeouts in 11 starts this season before going down.
But Rodriguez's days in Detroit may be coming to an end, with Jon Heyman of the New York Post reporting that the left-hander is a potential trade option for the Tigers moving ahead. Hopefully, Rodriguez will receive more run support from any team he gets dealt to.
Framber Valdez
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (ankle) won't start on Sunday against the Texas Rangers. The 29-year-old has played well this season, amassing a 7-6 record, a 2.49 ERA, and 110 strikeouts in 16 starts.
However, he tweaked his ankle during the June 20 meeting versus the Mets and has been bothered by it since. Skipper Dusty Baker didn't indicate who will be on the bump on Sunday. But the immediate concern is whether or not Valdez will land on the IL.
Liam Hendriks
Chicago White Sox relief pitcher Liam Hendriks (elbow) had a similar issue with a right-elbow injury that cost him three weeks last year, but there is no flexor strain this time like there was in 2022. Structurally, everything is sound for Hendriks, but he's not expected to return until after the All-Star break after receiving a cortisone shot on June 11. He will also receive a platelet-rich plasma injection.
Hendriks began throwing on June 28, but there's no current timetable for his return to Chicago's bullpen. The 34-year-old right-handed Aussie has already overcome a bout with non-Hodgkins lymphoma this year, so he should be able to recover from his elbow injury and return early in the second half of the season. Until he returns from the injured list, Kendall Graveman should continue to operate as the team's primary closer.
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