X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Baseball Injury News and Updates: Jose Altuve, Carlos Rodon, Seiya Suzuki, Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins and more

Jose Altuve - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, MLB Injury News, Draft Sleepers

Dr. Reuven's (@mlbinjuryguru) fantasy baseball injury updates for Week 1 of the 2023 MLB season. His medical background helps analyze injured MLB players and their recoveries.

Opening day of the 2023 Major League Baseball season has just passed us by. The majority of fantasy drafts have been completed and now we get to see how we did.  Injury information has been coming fast and furiously as MLB teams have set their own rosters for the first week of the season and beyond.

There is a lot of information to try to digest to help you manage your teams as they begin their quest for your league championship. I will highlight players on the IL with their hopeful return timeframe and the next man up. So let’s get right to it…but first….

For new readers, my name is Reuven Guy and I am a practicing orthopedic/pain management Physician Assistant. I have been dealing with sports injuries for the past 16+ years and have a knowledge of orthopedic injuries and their recovery times based on my medical experience. I have also been playing fantasy baseball during that same period, which has helped me get an advantage in this aspect of fantasy baseball, which I hope to share with you.  If you enjoyed this weekly article, please follow me on Twitter @mlbinjuryguru for offseason news. Make sure to stay up-to-date on the latest MLB breaking news with our award-winning news desk and our free fantasy baseball mobile app with 24-7 push notification alerts!

 

Injured Hitters for Fantasy Baseball

Jose Altuve (2B, HOU)- Thumb: Altuve has not been placed on the 60-day IL  after undergoing surgery on his fractured right thumb. This means that he can possibly come back in late May instead of June.  This is a possibility but the Astros could transfer him to the 60-day IL at any time. Until then, Mauricio Dubon and David Hensley should fill in at second base for the Astros.

Mitch Haniger (OF, SF)- Oblique: Haniger will start the season on the IL due to a Grade 1 oblique strain. The injury occurred on March 4 and this type of injury keeps players out typically six to eight weeks. Haniger has resumed throwing and hitting and may not require an extended ramp-up period if he can avoid any setbacks during his rehab program. He should be ready for a mid-April return. Until then, Joc Pederson may have less of a platoon in the outfield for the Giants.

Jorge Polanco (2B, MIN)- Knee: Polanco has begun the season on the IL due to a left knee injury. He has begun hitting but has not seen any game action since he had surgery on his knee in mid-March. A mid to late-April return looks to be in the cards for Polanco as he has not had any game action for a while. Nick Gordon could see extended time at second base for the Twins. 

Leody Taveras (OF, TEX)- Oblique: Taveras is on the IL to start the season due to a left oblique strain. He can swing from the left side of the plate but is not ready to swing from the right side yet. Bubba Thompson will get some starts in center field while Taveras is out and the Rangers also figure to use Adolis Garcia in center some days.

Randal Grichuk (OF, COL)- Groin: Grichuk is currently rehabbing from offseason hernia surgery and recently began experiencing renewed discomfort related to scar tissue in his right hip. Grichuk does not consider this a major setback and is aiming to begin appearing in games at extended spring training in the early part of April. Yonathan Daza and Jurickson Profar will benefit from more playing time. 

Bryce Harper (DH, PHI)- Elbow: Harper had Tommy John surgery during the course of the offseason. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said that Harper will not start the season on the 60-day IL. "We're going to keep our options open," Dombrowski said. By not placing Harper on the 60-day IL, it leaves open the possibility that he could return before the end of May. 

Alex Kirilloff (1B, MIN)- Wrist: Kirilloff has not played in a game in the Grapefruit League but the good news is that he has been participating in some minor-league games recently as well as taking live batting practice. The Twins hope this IL stint is a short one. Jose Miranda, Joey Gallo, and Donovan Solano are in the mix to see more playing time.

Harrison Bader (OF, NYY)- Oblique: Bader injured his oblique about two weeks ago and was expected to miss six weeks. Bader has said that he hopes to start swinging a bat "really soon." No date was given for this but there is a possibility he could return sooner than expected. Until then, Aaron Judge should man centerfield, giving Aaron Hicks, Oswaldo Cabrera, and the newly signed Franchy Cordero more playing time.

Adalberto Mondesi (SS, BOS)- Knee: Mondesi continues to recover from ACL surgery that was performed last year. Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom told reporters that there is still no timetable for his return. Because he has not seen any game action yet, mid-May could be the time he could return to the Red Sox starting lineup. Enrique Hernandez and Yu Chang should fill in at shortstop with both Mondesi and Trevor Story out.

Jared Walsh (1B, LAA)- Head: Walsh has been dealing with headaches and insomnia, and he's begun to see a specialist, Doug Padilla of the Los Angeles Times reports. There's no timetable for a return at this point from the IL. Brandon Drury and Jake Lamb should be the first two guys to benefit from Walsh being out.

Max Stassi (C, LAA)- Hip: Stassi is on the IL with a hip injury that occurred this past week in a minor league game. There is no timetable for his return. Logan O'Hoppe and Matt Thaiss will share the catching duty for the Angels.

Seiya Suzuki (OF, CHC)- Oblique: Suzuki is recovering from an oblique injury sustained early on in Spring Training. He has taken batting practice and looked good. The Cubs are being cautious with him and he could be activated from the IL in mid-April. Trey Mancini may see time in the outfield with Suzuki out. 

Michael Brantley (OF, HOU)- Shoulder: Astros general manager Dana Brown said this past week that Brantley is not expected to make his 2023 debut until mid-to-late-April, missing at least three weeks. This is stemming from an injury that occurred last year. 

Elly De La Cruz (SS, CIN)- Hamstring:  De La Cruz suffered a left hamstring strain on March 18 and will miss the start of the minor-league season. There is no word of a timetable for his return.

Rhys Hoskins (1B, PHI)- Knee: Hoskins had left knee ACL reconstruction surgery earlier this week and will most likely miss the entire year. Darick Hall may end up the full-time first baseman for the Phillies with Alec Bohm possibly gaining eligibility as well. 

Carson Kelly (C, ARI)- Forearm: Kelly has a fractured right forearm which occurred when he was hit by a pitch. Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo did not offer an estimated recovery timetable, but this should be a two or three absence. Gabriel Moreno would seem to be in line for something close to everyday playing time with Jose Herrera backing him up.

 

Injured Starting Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Carlos Rodon (SP, NYY)- Forearm: Rodon completed a 30-pitch bullpen session this week and was encouraged by how he felt afterward. He was recently shut down from pitching for two weeks.  Rodon is expected to be on a build-up program that lasts around a month. The best scenario for Rodon to come back, barring any setbacks, is the end of April or the beginning of May. 

Triston McKenzie (SP, CLE)- Shoulder: Mckenzie had an MRI this past week that showed a right teres major muscle strain. He will be shut down from throwing for two weeks and could remain sidelined for up to eight weeks. Hunter Gaddis could fill in for the Guardians until Mckenzie could return. 

Tony Gonsolin (SP, LAD)- Ankle: Gonsolin sprained his left ankle during Spring Training and is hopeful of rejoining the Dodgers rotation in late April. Gonsolin seems to be at the point of rebuilding his stamina and may need a few rehab starts before he returns. Ryan Pepiot is penciled in to start in his place. 

Max Fried (SP, ATL)- Hamstring: Fried left his opening day start with left hamstring discomfort. The severity is not yet known. He injured his leg covering first base in the fourth inning.

Justin Verlander (SP, NYM)- Shoulder: Verlander was placed on the IL with a low-grade teres major strain, a shoulder strain. He will "continue throwing at moderate intensity" before undergoing new scans as the initial MRI was promising. Verlander said he has been dealing with this issue throughout Spring Training and does not feel that it is a big deal. Tylor Megill will take his rotation spot for the Mets.

Ryan Pepiot (SP, LAD)- Oblique: Pepiot was placed on the IL with a left oblique strain. No word as to the severity of the strain. A mild strain could knock him out for two to four weeks while a moderate strain could keep him shelved for six to eight weeks. He was filling in for Tony Gonsolin. Michael Grove will not take his spot in the Dodgers rotation.

Kyle Wright (SP, ATL)- Shoulder: Wright was placed on the IL with right shoulder inflammation. He was given a cortisone injection in January to combat soreness in his right shoulder and ran out of time in ramping up for the season. He is expected to miss only two turns in the Braves rotation with Jared Shuster and Dylan Dodd both being in the rotation while Wright is out.

Garrett Whitlock (SP, BOS)- Hip: Whitlock had hip surgery in September 2022 and is being built up slowly. He is scheduled to start the Red Sox Triple-A home opener on March 30. Whitlock should be activated soon after. 

Tyler Glasnow (SP, TB)- Oblique- Glasnow has begun throwing on flat ground from 75 feet. He suffered a grade 2 left oblique strain about a month ago and was expected to miss six to eight weeks. He appears to be trending toward the long end of the timeframe given he has to fully build up his arm after missing spring training. 

JT Brubaker (SP, PIT)- Forearm: Brubaker was scratched from his last scheduled Spring Training start as he deals with forearm/elbow discomfort. The severity is not yet known and Johan Oviedo seems to be picked to fill the final spot in the Pirates' rotation.

Joe Musgrove (SP, HOU)- Toe: Musgrove is recovering from a fractured big toe that occurred in the weight room during Spring Training. Musgrove threw 65 pitches over four innings in a 'B' game this past week. He is scheduled to pitch in a minor-league game over the weekend and should be activated next week.

Brayan Bello (SP, BOS)- Forearm: Bello threw three innings for the Red Sox Double-A affiliate last week and will continue to ramp up. Barring any setbacks, Bello is expected to join Boston's starting rotation in mid-to-late April.

Luis Severino (SP, NYY)- Lat: Severino has said that he will resume throwing when pain-free and could miss as few as three or four starts to start the season. Severino had a similar injury last year that sidelined him for two months but not in the same location as this year. With Severino and Rodon out, Clarke Schmidt and Jhony Brito could fill in for the Yankees.

Lance McCullers Jr. (SP, HOU)- Forearm: McCullers said last week that he is dealing with a "strain of the forearm muscle, very low grade." McCullers then added that doctors "were hesitant to even call it a strain." This is the same injury that sidelined him most of last year and in 2021 during the playoffs. He seems to be trending to miss at least the first month of the season with Hunter Brown ready to take his spot in the Astros rotation.

Adam Wainwright (SP, STL)- Groin: Wainwright was diagnosed with a groin strain last week and he is expected to sideline him for "several weeks," Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol has said. The injury occurred at the World Baseball Classic. Jake Woodford is likely to be Wainwright's rotation replacement for the Cardinals.

Ranger Suarez (SP, PHI)- Forearm: Suarez has said that he is feeling better but does not know yet when he will have his next bullpen session. MRI of the forearm revealed no structural damage and there is no timeline yet for his return. Matt Strahm could fill in for the Phillies until Suarez is ready to return. 

Aaron Ashby (SP, MIL)- Shoulder- The Brewers placed Ashby on the IL, retroactive to March 27 with a left labrum tear and impingement. Ashby is expected to miss the first six weeks of the regular season while recovering from this injury as he has not yet begun throwing bullpen sessions as of yet.

 

Injured Relief Pitchers for Fantasy Baseball

Daniel Hudson (RP, LAD)- Knee: Hudson continues to rehab from ACL surgery in June 2022. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said that Hudson returning by late April "seems doable." When ready, he will need a rehab assignment and then may be in the mix for the closer role when he returns. Until then, the bullpen by committee for the Dodgers includes Evan Phillips, Brusdar Graterol, and Alex Vesia.

Robert Suarez (RP, SD)- Arm: Suarez is beginning the 2023 season on the IL because of arm stiffness and joint inflammation. An MRI revealed no structural damage but he has not been able to throw since March 12. There is no timetable for his return. 

Raisel Iglesias (RP, ATL)- Shoulder: Braves manager Brian Snitker said last week that he hopes Iglesias will only require the minimum 15 days on the IL. Iglesias was diagnosed with low-grade right shoulder inflammation after feeling off while playing catch. He has been shut down and will then need to ramp up again.  A.J. Minter is the favorite to close games for Atlanta while Iglesias is out.

Edwin Diaz (RP, NYM)- Knee: Diaz underwent successful surgery to repair his patellar tendon and recovery time for this injury is around six to eight months. He seems lost for the year due to this injury that occurred during a celebration on the field after a World Baseball Classic matchup. David Robertson and Adam Ottavino could close for the Mets.  

Liam Hendriks (RP, CHW)- Illness: Hendriks continues to work out with the White Sox and threw a bullpen recently. Hendriks is battling with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and it is encouraging to see him able to throw. The White Sox previously said they didn't expect to have an update on their closer's ability until Opening Day, however, and there's been no suggestion that the bullpen session is part of a typical spring build-up. He was not placed on the 60-day IL which means the White Sox are hopeful he could return earlier than June.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!



More Fantasy Baseball Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Daily Stats & Leaders
All Pitcher Matchups
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
Rookies & Call-Ups
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Alex Bregman

Expected to Return on Friday
Julio Rodríguez

Julio Rodriguez Won't Suit Up for Midsummer Classic
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
C.J. Stroud

Could Sign Multi-Year Deal Before 2026 Season
Kyle Juszczyk

Says Christian McCaffrey Looks Healthy, Explosive
Kyren Williams

Showing Improved Explosiveness
Christian Barmore

"Dominant" this Spring
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Pete Crow-Armstrong

Homers Twice, Drives in Three
Brice Matthews

Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF