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The fantasy baseball season has come to a pause as the MLB All-Star break wraps up, but there are still plenty of injury headlines to keep up with. The break from action could allow several players to return from injury and become factors in fantasy lineups. Let's take a look at injured hitters including Luis Robert Jr., Yordan Alvarez, Xander Bogaerts, Jose Altuve, Tommy Pham, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters as of July 12, 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.
Luis Robert Jr. Injury Update
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. (calf) skipped Tuesday's All-Star game in Seattle as a precaution after feeling tightness in his right calf during the first round of Monday's Home Run Derby. Robert had an MRI exam in Seattle and is being listed as day-to-day. He will be evaluated again before the second half of the season starts for the White Sox on Friday on the road against the Atlanta Braves.
Hopefully this doesn't turn into something that will put the 25-year-old on the injured list to begin the second half, but it doesn't sound too serious. The Cuban slugger made the All-Star team for the first time in his career in 2023 by hitting .271 (92-for-339) with a career-high 26 home runs, 23 doubles, 51 RBI, eight stolen bases and 62 runs scored in 375 trips to the plate. He's a must-start in all fantasy lineups if he's ready to play this weekend.
Yordan Alvarez Injury Update
Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (oblique) has been making solid progress over the last week or so. Over the weekend, Alvarez has been able to take batting practice prior to game action. The 26-year-old is planning to be on a rehab assignment shortly after the All-Star break, according to Astros general manager Dana Brown.
He also mentioned that right-hander Jose Urquidy (shoulder) will join Alvarez on his rehab assignment. It's also worth noting that Brown mentioned Jose Altuve is about a week behind both Alvarez and Urquidy, but is healing quickly.
Xander Bogaerts Injury Update
San Diego Padres shortstop Xander Bogaerts received a planned cortisone shot in his left wrist after Sunday's game against the New York Mets. Bogaerts missed a few games in early June with a wrist injury and this appears to be the last step in his recovery process, even though he has managed to play through it for the most part.
Bogaerts told reporters that he doesn't anticipate needing another shot and that he is looking forward to a nice second half. Fantasy managers would also be in favor of that, as the 30-year-old has struggled since a scorching hot April, posting a .224/.307/.332 slash line with just four homers since May 1.
Jose Altuve Injury Update
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (oblique) will not return directly following the All-Star break, according to general manager Dana Brown. The expectation is that Yordan Alvarez (oblique) and Jose Urquidy (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignments right after the break.
Brown said Altuve is healing quickly, but is roughly a week behind them in terms of recovery. It sounds like the return for the veteran infielder is closer to the end of July. Fantasy managers will have to check back for another update on his status.
Tommy Pham Injury Update
New York Mets outfielder Tommy Pham's (groin) MRI exam in New York on Monday came back negative, according to the team. Pham had tests done on his right groin after tweaking it in Sunday's loss to the San Diego Padres, but thankfully it doesn't appear to be too serious of an injury. And with the All-Star break this week, Pham's injury comes at a good time. The second half of the season doesn't kick off until Friday, so the 35-year-old veteran could be ready for this weekend's series opener against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fantasy managers will need to check back on Friday to see if he's active. Pham has had a pretty solid season for the Mets, hitting .277 with nine home runs, 34 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 25 runs scored. He went into the break hot, going 16-for-45 (.356) with two homers, four doubles, five RBI, two steals and seven runs scored in his last 12 games since June 27.
Trevor Story Injury Update
Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story (elbow) is getting closer to making his 2023 debut for the Red Sox and has been throwing from 160-170 feet. Story hasn't played yet this year due to an internal-bracing procedure he had on his right elbow in January. He will continue to work out at Fenway Park over the All-Star break, and he thinks a minor-league rehab assignment could be coming soon.
The 30-year-old veteran should return at some point in August. "I'm almost there," said Story. "I think we'll have a rehab assignment pretty quick after the All-Star break, not exactly sure when. That's exciting that it feels close." Story could stay on his rehab assignment for up to a maximum of 20 days, although if he's feeling well, it probably won't be that lengthy. (MLB.com)
Josh Donaldson Injury Update
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said after Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs that third baseman Josh Donaldson (calf) has been "a little beat up" since the team's previous road trip, which is why he was serving as the designated hitter the last few days. Boone also said it's part of some "normal wear and tear" in Donaldson's lower body.
Donaldson grabbed at his right calf after a swing in Sunday's game and went to the clubhouse to be checked out after, but he remained in the game. The 37-year-old should be considered day-to-day heading into the second half of the season this weekend. Donaldson does have 10 home runs in 31 games played in 2023, but he's gone just 15-for-99 (.152) with 31 strikeouts in 112 plate appearances.
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