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Fantasy baseball injury updates and injury reports for MLB pitchers as of 7/7/2023, including Shane McClanahan, Framber Valdez, Max Fried, Triston McKenzie, and more.
The MLB All-Star break is right around the corner, it's still important to monitor all the latest injury news for the top fantasy baseball pitchers. A few players on this list will be in action before the break, but others will be absence and affect fantasy lineups. Let's take a look at the top injured pitchers including Shane McClanahan, Framber Valdez, Max Fried, Triston McKenzie, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of July 7, 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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Shane McClanahan Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan (back) threw in the outfield on Thursday before the game against the Philadelphia Phillies, and manager Kevin Cash said the team is very confident that McClanahan will be ready to return to the starting rotation on Sunday, July 16, against the Kansas City Royals.
The 26-year-old southpaw last pitched on June 30 and allowed a season-high-tying four runs in just three innings while being pulled early for the second straight start due to back tightness. Currently on the 15-day injured list, McClanahan is expected to be activated just after next week's All-Star break to start the series finale against the Royals. There will be more risk involved, but McClanahan is a no-doubt fantasy ace when he's healthy, and it will also be a mouthwatering matchup.
Framber Valdez Injury Update
Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (ankle) will make his next start on Saturday against the Seattle Mariners. It was initially reported that Valdez was set to make his return to the rotation from a sprained ankle on Thursday in the series opener against Seattle, but the 29-year-old southpaw will now get a couple extra days of rest before making his final start of the first half of the 2023 season.
Valdez, a two-time All-Star, allowed a season-high-tying four runs on eight hits while walking three and striking out six in six innings his last time out on June 27 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He'll be a bit extra risky this weekend coming off his sprained ankle, but the matchup against the M's is too good to ignore. Plus, Valdez has been great this year with a 2.49 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 110 K's in 105 innings (16 starts).
Max Fried Injury Update
Atlanta Braves left-hander Max Fried (forearm) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. Last year's National League Cy Young runner-up has been on the injured list since May 9 with a left-forearm strain, but he's getting close to returning to Atlanta's starting rotation. The 29-year-old southpaw will take the next step in his recovery after throwing a successful live batting practice session on Tuesday.
As long as he doesn't suffer any setbacks in the minors, Fried should return for fantasy managers later this month. Fried is a fantasy ace when healthy and had a shiny 2.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 25 strikeouts in 26 innings in his first five starts in 2023 before going on the shelf.
Triston McKenzie Injury Update
The Cleveland Guardians moved starting pitcher Triston McKenzie (elbow) to the 60-day injured list on Thursday to make room on the 40-man roster for pitcher Chris Vallimont, who was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations. McKenzie is still hoping to return this year, but he's been shut down an additional three weeks from throwing and will not be eligible to return until the middle of August.
Even if the 25-year-old right-hander avoids any more setbacks, the best bet is that he won't return for Cleveland until September. It's been tough on fantasy managers that invested in McKenzie after his 2022 breakout season, as he's only made two starts so far in 2023 due to injuries.
Brusdar Graterol Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Brusdar Graterol (shoulder), who has been dealing with a sore right shoulder, will not be placed on the injured list. He threw off a bullpen mound on Thursday and was deemed OK. It's good news for the Dodgers bullpen after they learned earlier on Thursday that right-hander Daniel Hudson will miss extended time due to a sprained MCL in his right knee.
The 24-year-old hard-throwing right-hander has been outstanding for the Dodgers and fantasy managers this year, even though he hasn't been the team's primary closer. In 38 appearances (one start), he's posted a strong 1.95 ERA (3.10 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, four saves, six walks and 27 strikeouts in 37 innings. Graterol should continue see the occasional save chance when Evan Phillips needs rest.
Cal Quantrill Injury Update
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Cal Quantrill (shoulder) has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation. This is the 28-year-old's second IL stint this season due to shoulder inflammation. The shoulder likely contributed to his rough Wednesday start against Atlanta as well as he surrendered five runs over 4 1/3 innings in a loss.
It's fair to wonder if Quantrill has been healthy at all this season with a lackluster 6.18 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, and 35:22 K/BB ratio over 62 2/3 innings (12 starts). He missed a little under a month in his previous IL stint, which was caused by right shoulder inflammation, so there's a chance he's held out even longer this time. Starting pitcher Cody Morris has been recalled from Triple-A Columbus in a corresponding move.
Tanner Houck Injury Update
Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck (face) had a "great doctor's appointment" and will begin throwing on Tuesday, July 11, according to manager Alex Cora. Houck is trying to return after having facial surgery on June 27, but there remains no timetable for his return to Boston's active roster. It's probably too optimistic for fantasy managers to expect him to return in July, but he should be ready at some point in the second half of the season.
After serving mostly as a bullpen arm in 2022, Houck has served exclusively as a starter this year and was 3-6 with a 5.05 ERA (4.24 FIP), 1.26 WHIP, 23 walks and 64 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings over 13 starts at the time of his injury. It remains to be seen if he'll remain a starter for the Red Sox once he returns from his injury.
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