Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 20

Wade J. Smith (@wadejosephsmith) highlights five injured fantasy baseball players worth stashing in redraft leagues, as of August 2, 2024 (Week 20).

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We've got the Week 20 edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series!

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, we'll highlight five injured players to stash in your redraft leagues. New to the series? Check out previous articles for more options!

Plenty of productive players are nearing a return or worth a somewhat long wait. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both, these guys can help. Only those rostered in less than 60% of Yahoo leagues are eligible.

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Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds

Rostered: 45% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late August

Losing McLain to shoulder surgery right before Opening Day was a crushing blow to the fantasy baseball community. After an outstanding rookie campaign that saw him slashing .290/.357/.507 with 106 hits, 23 doubles, 16 home runs, 50 RBI, and 14 stolen bases in just 89 games, we were all excited to see how he'd perform in his sophomore season. It's been a long wait, but it looks like we may not have to wait for much longer.

McLain is set to begin a rehab assignment within the next two weeks. Considering how long he's been out, he'll likely need a while in the minor leagues before making his season debut with the Reds. However, if he's anything like he was in 2023, stashing him will be more than worth it. If you're in a playoff league and looking for help in the middle infield, there aren't many better options, and certainly not on the waivers in 55% of Yahoo leagues.

"I'm focused on playing as soon as I can."

Matt McLain is getting closer to returning to the team, and he joined @JimDayTV to give the latest updates. #Reds pic.twitter.com/Gd9t83l01L

— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) July 23, 2024

Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B, Oakland Athletics

Rostered: 6% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain

In last week's article, I went into great detail regarding Soderstrom's outstanding potential. Unfortunately, he's been out since July 11 with a bone bruise on his right wrist, and there isn't a clear timeline for his return. But when he ultimately rejoins the A's roster, he could put on an impressive display of power. Soderstrom's expected slugging percentage, average exit velocity, barrel rate, and hard-hit rate are all rather impressive. While he does strike out more than one would like, his immense pop nonetheless makes him an attractive option.

The hardest part about stashing Soderstrom is the uncertainty surrounding his return. There's been almost a month without any word on his recovery. Still, if you've got a free IL spot and need a first baseman, you'd be hard-pressed to find a waiver option with more power upside. Even if he doesn't come back in 2024, his raw potential alone should put him on your radar for the foreseeable future.

Tyler Soderstrom's blast ties it back up 💥 pic.twitter.com/2PvmVWjrs8

— A's on NBCS (@NBCSAthletics) June 29, 2024

Kerry Carpenter, OF, Detroit Tigers

Rostered: 38% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-to-Late August

Before a back injury put him on the shelf in late May, Carpenter was having another phenomenal season in Detroit. In 50 games, he slashed .283/.342/.572 with 10 doubles, eight home runs, 29 RBI, and 11:38 BB/SO. These are the kind of numbers that would help almost any fantasy team right now, especially in the shallower-than-usual outfield.

The only caveat with Carpenter is that he's heavily restricted to a platoon role with the Tigers. He hits almost exclusively against right-handed pitching. While that may hinder his overall production (especially in weekly leagues), he'd still make for a great platoon option in daily leagues where you can switch him out with a righty who crushes lefties. Even though it's slightly tedious, his production speaks for itself, and he'll be well worth it.

AJ Hinch said Kerry Carpenter will have to pass the running test one more time to check that box. He and Riley Greene will hit live off Casey Mize sometime this weekend.

— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) August 1, 2024

Jacob deGrom, SP, Texas Rangers

Rostered: 59% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early September

I imagine that deGrom won't qualify for this list next week, considering he's one percentage point away from 60% in Yahoo leagues. Simply put, a healthy deGrom is one of the best pitchers the game has ever seen. And, as of right now, he's confident that he'll contribute to the Rangers' season in 2024.

As soon as he takes the mound, you'll wish you had him on your fantasy team if you already don't. There aren't many players who can do what he can, even if he's only at 80% (there's no indication that he'll be below 100% healthy when he's called up, I'm just saying). My advice is this: add him, monitor his performance during his rehab assignment (which should start soon), and reap the benefits once he's back on the mound in Arlington.

If you're in a playoff league and deGrom is sitting on the waiver wire, there's no reason not to stash him. Even if you're not in a playoff league, he's still a must-add.

Jacob deGrom threw 45 pitches, three sets of 15 in the STL heat today.
He's confident he'll contribute in 2024. pic.twitter.com/KnBpBVeWOk

— Stefan Stevenson (@StefanVersusTex) July 30, 2024

Eduardo Rodriguez, SP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Rostered: 33% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early August

Rodriguez may not have the same upside as deGrom, but there are plenty of benefits to stashing him. For one, you won't have to stash him for long; the 31-year-old lefty is set to return within the next week or two. Second, he's been a reliable pitcher for quite a while. He may not carry your team, but he should be a constant contributor from here on out. For the most part, you know what you're getting with him. Rodriguez isn't the most flashy or gaudy pitcher, but he's a fantastic option if your pitching staff could use some help over the last third of the season.

The Arizona Diamondbacks sweep the Nationals, go MLB-best 17-8 in July.
They are getting awfully dangerous with starter Eduardo Rodriguez scheduled to make his 2024 debut next week and starter Merrill Kelly soon afterwards.
They are now tied for 2nd wild-card spot, 1 out of top…

— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 31, 2024

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