Fantasy Baseball Injury Reports for Hitters - Updates for Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuña Jr., Jose Altuve, Salvador Perez, Julio Rodriguez

More than a month of the 2023 MLB season is in the books, but baseball season is a marathon, so there will be plenty of more injuries for fantasy managers to navigate moving forward. Keeping up to date with the latest injury news is always paramount for fantasy success -- and this week's list has plenty of star power. Let's take a look at injured hitters including Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuna Jr., Jose Altuve, Salvador Perez, Julio Rodriguez, and more.

This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters as of May 3, 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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Aaron Judge Injury Update

New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right hip strain. The move is retroactive to April 28 while fellow outfielder Franchy Cordero was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding move. The 2022 AL MVP was not scheduled to be in Monday's starting lineup against the Cleveland Guardians but was apparently set to take batting practice prior to the contest.

The superstar hasn't appeared in a game since leaving an April 27 contest against the Rangers after two plate appearances as the club proceeds cautiously with their best player. Judge is hitting .261 with six homers, two stolen bases, and an .863 OPS through 26 games to begin the season while it's unclear if Judge will be able to return from the IL when first eligible May 7
 

Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury Update

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (shoulder) returned to the starting lineup in his customary leadoff spot in Tuesday's win over the Miami Marlins and right-hander Sandy Alcantara. Acuna had an injury scare in his first at-bat in the second game of a doubleheader on Monday when he was hit by a pitch on his left shoulder, but tests ruled out any fractures.

The 25-year-old All-Star is a must-start in all fantasy lineups, so get him back in there immediately.

Jose Altuve Injury Update

Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (thumb) fielded ground balls at Minute Maid Park on Tuesday, his first baseball activities since having surgery to fix a fractured right thumb in late March. He was scheduled to visit with a doctor on Tuesday to gauge the progress on his broken right thumb. There's still no timetable for the 32-year-old All-Star's return to the Astros, but it's a good sign that he's beginning baseball activities.

Altuve needs to remain stashed in all fantasy leagues until he makes his 2023 debut, which will hopefully come in early June, barring any setbacks in his rehab. Mauricio Dubon has been seeing most of the playing time at the keystone and has been hitting leadoff regularly with Altuve on the sidelines.

Salvador Perez Injury Update

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (finger) was removed from Tuesday's game early against the Baltimore Orioles with a left middle-finger contusion, and he's being listed as day-to-day. He was hit on his middle finger on a backswing by outfielder Anthony Santander in the eighth inning and was forced to depart. It doesn't sound like a serious injury for the 32-year-old backstop, but fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he's not in the lineup on Wednesday.

If Perez misses any time, Freddy Fermin will likely fill in behind the plate for the Royals. Before leaving early, Perez delivered for his fantasy managers with two home runs, three RBI, three runs scored and a walk in four plate appearances.

Julio Rodriguez Injury Update

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (back) was scratched from Tuesday's batting order after he was originally included on the lineup card, as his back was still bothering him during warm-ups. The phenom has been out of action since leaving the game early on April 29 with back tightness, and clearly, he still needs more time until he's 100%.

Rodriguez has gotten off to a slow start over 27 games, as he's sashing .239/.301/.442 with five homers, 18 runs, and 13 RBI while stealing six bases in ten attempts. It's disappointing news for fantasy managers, but hopefully, he'll be ready for Wednesday's contest against the Oakland Athletics. AJ Pollock took his spot in the lineup, batting eighth. The 35-year-old is in the midst of another down year with a .188 batting average and .438 OPS and is mostly irrelevant in fantasy.

Josh Donaldson Injury Update

New York Yankees third baseman Josh Donaldson (hamstring) is currently participating in baseball activities. The 37-year-old is hitting, throwing, and has begun a running program. Donaldson is trying to return from a right hamstring strain that he sustained earlier in the season and has kept him out of action since April 5.

Over his five games, he's slashing .125/.176/.313 with one home run. Injuries have been an issue for Donaldson lately, as he hasn't played more than 135 games since 2019. The 13-year veteran's fantasy value has diminished since joining the Yankees, and fantasy managers who don't have room on the injured list can drop him.

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