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The MLB season is moving quickly, and key fantasy baseball pitchers continue to suffer minor or major ailments. To stay competitive in the thick of it all, managers must continue to stay updated on the most recent injury headlines. Let's take a look at the top injured pitchers including Shohei Ohtani, Zach Eflin, Ryan Helsley, Wade Miley, and Josh Sborz.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of July 28, 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 pitchers.
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Shohei Ohtani Injury Update
Los Angeles Angels manager Phil Nevin said that he expects two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani to return to the starting lineup as the designated hitter on Friday for the start of a series against the Toronto Blue Jays after he left the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers due to cramping. The 29-year-old Japanese All-Star threw a complete-game shutout in Game 1 of the doubleheader against Detroit and then homered twice in Game 2 before leaving with cramps, so it was still a pretty amazing day for Ohtani despite dealing with cramping.
The Angels took him off the trade market on Wednesday and then went out and acquired two pitchers from the White Sox, so they are fully invested in making a postseason push in order to try and convince Ohtani to re-sign in the offseason when he hits the free-agent market.
Zach Eflin Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Zach Eflin (knee) received good news after his MRI exam on Wednesday didn't show anything of major concern on his left knee. It's possible that he could just need rest and treatment by the athletic training staff to get back on the mound, possibly as early as next Tuesday on the road against the New York Yankees.
The 29-year-old left his start early on Wednesday against the Miami Marlins with left-knee pain, prompting the team to send him for an MRI. Eflin will be a bit more risky if he's able to make his next start next week against a Yankees team that is getting Aaron Judge (toe) back from the injured list this weekend. Eflin has a league-leading 11 wins in 2023 and has been solid with a 3.64 ERA (3.01 FIP), 1.02 WHIP and 116 K's in 116 1/3 frames over his 20 starts in his first year in Tampa.
Ryan Helsley Injury Update
St. Louis Cardinals relief pitcher Ryan Helsley (forearm) is scheduled to toss a bullpen session on Saturday. The 29-year-old has resided on the injured list since June 12 with a right forearm strain, but this is certainly a step in the right direction. Helsley was redirected to the 60-day IL earlier this week, so he can't return until mid-August at the earliest. The flame-throwing right-hander should assume closing duties upon his return, especially if St. Louis deals away interim stopper Jordan Hicks by the deadline.
Some restless fantasy managers in shallow leagues may have let go of Helsley along the way. However, his 3.24 ERA (2.17 xERA) and 32% strikeout rate over 25 innings this year are too mouthwatering to be left hanging around any waiver wires.
Wade Miley Injury Update
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Wade Miley (elbow) is hopeful that he can return from the injured list on Saturday, according to MLB.com. The 36-year-old veteran has missed time due to left-elbow discomfort, and he has yet to make a start in the second half.
Through 13 appearances this season, Miley has pitched to a 3.06 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 16.7% strikeout rate with a 6-2 record. He only has value in deeper leagues considering his strikeout numbers, so fantasy owners can drop the former 2008 draft pick in standard formats no matter when he returns. (MLB.com)
Josh Sborz Injury Update
Texas Rangers right-hander Josh Sborz (biceps) threw a scoreless inning with Triple-A Round Rock on Wednesday, the first game of his rehab assignment, striking out one and allowing a single hit. The 29-year-old has been out of action since earlier this month after suffering biceps tendinitis.
Over 37.2 innings, Sborz owns a 4.54 ERA but with a 1.09 WHIP, 34.0% strikeout rate, and 10 holds. Fantasy managers can expect the five-year vet to return near the end of July, but he'll only have some value in hold leagues for the remainder of the season. (MLB.com)
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