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The 2023 MLB postseason is less than a month away, so fantasy baseball managers must lock in down the final stretch. It's important to keep up with the latest injury headlines to ensure your lineups are in good shape. Let's take a look at the top injured players including Shohei Ohtani, Max Fried, Carlos Correa, Luis Arraez, Javier Baez, Riley Greene, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of September 20, 2023. 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 the top fantasy baseball players.
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Shohei Ohtani Injury Update
Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani (elbow) underwent successful elbow surgery on Tuesday. This was not Tommy John surgery, but it will still limit the two-way superstar to designated hitter duties in 2024. Ohtani won't pitch at all next season, but is expected to be able to hit at the beginning of the 2024 season.
At least Ohtani will be able to contribute in some way next season. The expectation is that Ohtani will be able to resume his two-way hitting and pitching during the 2025 season.
Max Fried Injury Update
Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried (finger) is scheduled to make his return to the starting rotation on Thursday against the Washington Nationals. Fried was skipped in the rotation the last time around after developing a hot spot on his left index finger during his start last Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies, but he was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Monday and was cleared to return later this week.
The Braves, who have already clinched the National League East crown, weren't going to take any chances with the 29-year-old All-Star. Injuries have prevented him from a full workload in 2023, but he's been excellent when he's been available with a 7-1 record, 2.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 73 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings across 13 starts. Start him in D.C. on Thursday.
Carlos Correa Injury Update
Minnesota Twins shortstop Carlos Correa (foot) remained out of the starting lineup for Tuesday's game against the Cincinnati Reds. It marked the second game in a row that Correa will miss due to left foot issue. Now, it's being reported that Correa is expected to undergo an MRI.
He's currently dealing with plantar fasciitis in his left heel, but wants to get a better look at it. The Twins are still listing Correa as day-to-day, but that could change once the MRI results come out. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update.
Luis Arraez Injury Update
The Miami Marlins scratched second baseman Luis Arraez (ankle) from their starting lineup on Tuesday against the visiting New York Mets due to a left-ankle sprain and are calling him day-to-day. Arraez suffered the sprained ankle while working out before the game and could need multiple days off as the Fish push for the final wild-card spot in the National League. With Arraez injured, Xavier Edwards entered the starting lineup at the keystone and will hit ninth against Mets left-hander Joey Lucchesi.
The Marlins can ill-afford to lose Arraez for any stretch of games at this critical juncture. He entered the day leading the league with a .354 average (201-for-567) with a career-high 10 homers, 30 doubles, three triples, 69 RBI, three stolen bases and 70 runs scored in 144 games in his first year in Miami.
Javier Baez Injury Update
Detroit Tigers shortstop Javier Baez (back) was scratched from Tuesday's lineup against the Los Angeles Dodgers with lower-back tightness. Zack Short replaced him at shortstop. Until we know more on Baez's condition, consider him day-to-day heading into Wednesday's contest. The 30-year-old Puerto Rican has been a major disappointment in his second season in Detroit, hitting .217/.265/.318 with only nine home runs, 14 doubles, four triples, 58 RBI, 12 stolen bases and 56 runs scored in 130 games (525 plate appearances).
He has only eight hits in 40 at-bats (.200) so far in 12 games (11 starts) in September with a homer, double, four RBI, 11 K's, a stolen base and three runs scored. In another lost season for Detroit, they could opt to shut Baez down with just under two weeks remaining on the schedule.
Riley Greene Injury Update
Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene (elbow) will undergo elbow surgery on Wednesday, according to Cody Stavenhagen of The Athletic. The youngster has been out since early September after experiencing elbow inflammation and will now officially miss the rest of the season. Greene broke out in limited action, slashing .288/.349/.447 with 11 homers, 51 RBI, 37 RBI, and seven steals over 99 games.
The former first-round pick will head into 2024 as a key piece of the Tigers starting lineup, and he has a chance to contribute in all five categories if healthy.
Alex Cobb Injury Update
San Francisco Giants right-hander Alex Cobb (hip) was removed from his start on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks after two pitches in the third inning and was clearly bothered by his left hip. Cobb grabbed at his hip as he walked off at the end of the second inning. Before hitting the showers early, the 35-year-old veteran allowed a whopping five earned runs on five hits while walking one and striking out one in just two innings of work to raise his season ERA to 3.87.
Given the circumstances and where we're at in the season, there's a good chance we won't see Cobb again this season. But until we know more, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day.
Brady Singer Injury Update
The Kansas City Royals have shut down starting pitcher Brady Singer (back) for the rest of the season, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The right-hander started Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians and experienced back tightness afterward.
Following a breakout 2022 campaign in which he registered a 3.23 ERA, Singer struggled over 159 2/3 innings this year, posting a 5.52 ERA, 1.45 WHIP, and 18.9% strikeout rate. Fantasy managers who still own the 27-year-old can easily replace that kind of production with someone on the waiver wire.
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