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

Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 17

Tommy Edman - Fantasy Baseball Rankings, Draft Sleepers, MLB Injury News

Wade J. Smith (@wadejosephsmith) highlights five fantasy baseball players worth stashing in your IL spots in redraft leagues, as of July 12, 2024 (Week 17).

Welcome back, RotoBallers, to this week's edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series! Looking ahead to Week 17, we'll highlight five injured players worth stashing in your redraft leagues. New to the series? Check out previous articles for even more options!

Plenty of productive players are nearing a return. Stashing them on your IL could pay off in the long run. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both, these guys can help.

Only those rostered in less than 60% of Yahoo leagues are eligible. The goal is to spotlight overlooked players. Now, let's get into it.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball lineup tools and resources:

 

Jeffrey Springs, SP, Tampa Bay Rays

Rostered: 26% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-July

How? How is Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) still so widely available? Since last week's article, his roster percentage did jump from 19% to 26%. But I fail to understand how someone with this much upside -- and whose return is so imminent -- is waivered in almost three-quarters of Yahoo leagues.

Seriously, Springs is ready to go. His speeds and pitch shapes look great. Over his last 17 1/3 rehab innings, he has a 3.12 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and 21:1 K/BB. He'll almost certainly make a serious impact once he's back in the Rays rotation. Make sure he's on your squad.

 

Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/OF, St. Louis Cardinals

Rostered: 25% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Post All-Star Break

Over the last few years, St. Louis Cardinals utility player Tommy Edman has been one of fantasy baseball's most reliable sources of contact and speed. However, a slow recovery from offseason wrist surgery has delayed his 2024 debut. It's been a tough loss for the Cardinals; he's one of their most reliable assets.

Source: Baseball Reference

Fortunately, we don't have to wait much longer for Edman's return. He just began a rehab assignment with Double-A Springfield. If all goes well, he could come back shortly after the All-Star break. In the second half of last season, he played in 53 games and slashed .263/.312/.429 with 25 runs, 10 doubles, six homers, 18 RBI, and 13 stolen bases. If he can post similar numbers this year, he'd provide a ton of value. On top of that, his eligibility at multiple positions makes him a great plug-and-play option.

 

Yimi Garcia, RP, Toronto Blue Jays

Rostered: 25% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Post All-Star Break

Toronto Blue Jays relief pitcher Yimi Garcia is having a great season. Through 28 innings, he's got five saves, a 2.57 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and 37:7 K/BB. However, right elbow ulnar neuritis has sidelined him for almost a month. Luckily, he won't be out for much longer. Currently in the middle of a rehab assignment, he should be recalled soon. A slight neck injury pushed back his next rehab outing, but it's reportedly not a big concern.

The best thing about Garcia is that he'll likely get save opportunities. Jordan Romano won't throw for five more weeks, at least. If the Blue Jays make Garcia their interim closer, he'd provide a ton of fantasy value. With how hard it can be to secure consistent saves, this opportunity is too good to ignore.

 

Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Rostered: 31% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early August

Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez has yet to throw a pitch with his new team due to a strained shoulder he suffered in spring training. The 31-year-old lefty is coming off his best season in years. Through 152 2/3 innings with the Tigers, he posted a 3.30 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 143:48 K/BB, ultimately earning a lucrative deal with the D-backs.

According to reports, Rodriguez has been cleared to pitch and will throw a few bullpen sessions. If all goes well, he'll start a rehab assignment. Once he's back, he should be a reliable arm. With how hard it's been to come across good pitching, I'm surprised to see how low his roster percentage is. Between Rodriguez and Jeffrey Springs, I prefer Springs. But there's nothing wrong with adding them both.

 

Robbie Ray, SP, San Francisco Giants

Rostered: 26% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Post All-Star Break

San Francisco Giants starting pitcher and 2021 American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray (elbow) has been out since his first start in the 2023 season. But he's finally back and throwing again. His stuff has looked great through 19 rehab innings. He's got 29 strikeouts and only three walks.

In 2021 and 2022, Ray was one of the game's best pitchers. Through 382 1/3 innings, he had a 3.27 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and 460:114 K/BB. His stuff had always been there -- he'd just struggled with command. But he's been dominant over the last few years. Based on his rehab numbers, his command should be just as good as it was before, if not better.

It's hard to believe someone only three years removed from a Cy Young Award is so widely available. There's plenty of upside here.



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 Analysis




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

Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
NHL

Dan Vladar Links Up with Flyers on Two-Year Deal
NHL

Andrew Mangiapane Signs Two-Year Pact with Oilers
NHL

Ryan Lindgren Joins Kraken on Four-Year Contract
NHL

Christian Dvorak Heads to Philadelphia
Logan Stankoven

Signs Long-Term Extension with Hurricanes
NHL

Jonathan Drouin Joins Islanders on Two-Year Contract
NHL

Devils Hand Connor Brown a Four-Year Contract
NHL

John Klingberg Lands in San Jose
William Eklund

Signs Three-Year Extension with Sharks
Will Cuylle

Agrees to Two-Year Contract with Rangers
NHL

Vladislav Gavrikov Inks Seven-Year Deal with Rangers
NHL

Tanner Jeannot Moves to Boston
NHL

Corey Perry Joins Kings on One-Year Deal
K'Andre Miller

Hurricanes Pick Up K'Andre Miller
Zac Gallen

Fans 10 in Tuesday's Win
Hunter Goodman

Hits Two More Homers Tuesday
Josh Hader

Stays Perfect In Save Conversion On Tuesday
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Shane Baz

Fans 11 Against Athletics
Grant Holmes

Strikes Out 10 in Scoreless Outing
Houston Rockets

Jeff Green Signs One-Year Deal to Remain in Houston
T.J. Watt

Trying to Become Highest-Paid Non-QB?
Willson Contreras

Doubtful for Wednesday
George Springer

Clubs Two Homers in Seven-RBI Day
Joshua Palmer

Could be a Sleeper
Los Angeles Lakers

Jake LaRavia Lands with Lakers
Laviska Shenault Jr.

on the Bubble
Orlando Magic

Tyus Jones Signs One-Year Deal With Magic
Raheem Blackshear

to Work Mostly As Special-Teamer
Golden State Warriors

Kevon Looney Heads to New Orleans
Rico Dowdle

Trevor Etienne to Split Carries?
Chuba Hubbard

Should See Majority of Touches in 2025
Milwaukee Bucks

Jericho Sims Staying in Milwaukee
Denver Nuggets

Tim Hardaway Jr. Joins Nuggets
Willson Contreras

Avoids Structural Damage on Hand After HBP
Detroit Pistons

Duncan Robinson Lands With Detroit
Charlotte Hornets

Tre Mann Remaining in Charlotte
Josh Naylor

Scratched From Tuesday's Lineup Against Giants
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
San Francisco Giants

Giants Exercise Bob Melvin's 2026 Option
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Josh Naylor

Back in Action on Tuesday
Yordan Alvarez

Suffers Setback
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Nolan Arenado

Dealing with Finger Sprain
ANA

Mikael Granlund Moves to Anaheim on Three-Year Deal
Jacob Wilson

Scratched With Hamstring Soreness
NJ

Jake Allen Signs Five-Year Extension With Devils
VAN

Brock Boeser Remains in Vancouver on Seven-Year Deal
Conor Garland

Signs New Six-Year Deal with Canucks
Thatcher Demko

Signs Three-Year Extension with Canucks
Brandon Woodruff

Ready for Season Debut
Martin Fehérváry

Martin Fehervary Agrees to Seven-Year Extension with Capitals
Garrett Mitchell

Out for the Rest of the Season
MLB

Brewers-Mets Postponed on Tuesday
MLB

Tigers-Nationals Postponed on Tuesday
Zach Neto

Returns to Tuesday's Lineup
Milwaukee Bucks

Gary Harris Inks Deal With Bucks
MLB

Padres-Phillies Postponed on Tuesday
Charlotte Hornets

Mason Plumlee Heading Back to Charlotte
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Hunter Goodman

Back Behind the Dish on Tuesday
Jakob Poeltl

Agrees to a Contract Extension With Raptors
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Jason Day

is a Fine Play With Limited Upside at John Deere Classic
Vasilije Micić

Vasilije Micic Dealt to Bucks on Tuesday
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Luke Clanton

Looks to Have Another Strong Week at TPC Deere Run
Pat Connaughton

Traded to Hornets
Atlanta Hawks

Luke Kennard Lands in Atlanta
Breece Hall

Aiming to Prove He is "Still One of the Best in the League"
T.J. Watt

Steelers Not Planning to Trade T.J. Watt
Sacramento Kings

Dennis Schroder Set to Join Sacramento
Boston Celtics

Luke Kornet Agrees to Contract With San Antonio
Jonas Valančiūnas

Nuggets Trade for Center Jonas Valanciunas
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Signs Massive Extension With Oklahoma City
New York Knicks

Knicks Pick Up Guerschon Yabusele
NFL

Negotiations on 18-Game Season Not Expected Until Next Year
Indiana Pacers

Myles Turner Leaves Indiana, Signs With Milwaukee
Tyler Boyd

Steelers Have Talked With Tyler Boyd
Darren Waller

Coming Out of Retirement to Play for Dolphins
Alexander Romanov

Islanders Retain Alexander Romanov on $50 Million Contract
Jalen Ramsey

Could Move Around in Pittsburgh
Jonnu Smith

to be Used in Hybrid Role
Terry McLaurin

Commanders, Terry McLaurin Not Close on Contract Extension
Michael Mayer

Raiders Not Interested in Trading Michael Mayer
Aldrich Potgieter

Wins Rocket Mortgage Classic
Thorbjorn Olesen

Finishes Tied for 41st at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Denny McCarthy

Finishes Tied For 12th at Travelers Championship
Chris Kirk

Finishes Tied For Second at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Michael Kim

Finishes Tied for 26th at Rocket Mortgage Classic
Pittsburgh Steelers

Rumors Still Swirling Around Potential T.J. Watt Trade
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Tyler Boyd

Interested in Playing for Steelers
Miami Dolphins

Dolphins Now Looking to Acquire a Tight End
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
L'Jarius Sneed

Says he's Healthy
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Minkah Fitzpatrick

Heading Back to Miami
Jonnu Smith

Shipped to Pittsburgh
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
Chase Elliott

Ends Winless Skid With Atlanta Victory
Brad Keselowski

Falls Short of Atlanta Victory
Carson Hocevar

Recovers From Big One to Finish 10th at Atlanta
William Byron

Caught up in Atlanta Big One but Retains Points Lead
Denny Hamlin

Top In-Season Challenge Seed Denny Hamlin Eliminated in Lap 70 Crash
Ty Dillon

Bottom Seed Ty Dillon Upsets Denny Hamlin to Advance in In-Season Challenge
Kyle Larson

Don't Expect Kyle Larson to Win First Drafting Track Race on Saturday
Christopher Bell

Unlikely to Complete Atlanta Sweep
Brad Keselowski

Seeks Another Clutch Win for Hail-Mary Playoff Bid
Chris Buescher

Unlikely to Lead Enough to Have Much DFS Value
Alex Bowman

Qualifies Best Among Non-Fords but Unlikely to Contend at Atlanta
Ryan Preece

Will Probably Run Better Than Usual at Atlanta
Austin Dillon

Consistently Mediocre at Atlanta
Ty Gibbs

Slightly Faster Lately but Unlikely to be a Factor at Atlanta
Erik Jones

a Low-Key Strong DFS Option
Noah Gragson

Could Have DFS Value as One of the Lowest-Qualifying Fords
Riley Herbst

Unlikely to Replicate February Atlanta Finish
Charles Oliveira

Can Become A Two-Time Lightweight Champion
Ilia Topuria

A Favorite At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Alexandre Pantoja

Set For Fourth Title Defense At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Renato Moicano

Returns At UFC 317
Beneil Dariush

An Underdog At UFC 317
Payton Talbott

Looks To Bounce Back
Felipe Lima

Set To Open Up UFC 317 Main Card
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF