Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25

Wade J. Smith (@wadejosephsmith) highlights five injured fantasy baseball players worth stashing in redraft leagues, as of September 6, 2024 (Week 25).

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

With less than a month left in the 2024 season, fantasy baseball is winding down for the year. Whether you're in a playoff league or roto league, stashing injured players can provide an end-of-the-year boost. Whether pitching, offense, or both, these guys can help. Only those rostered in 60% or less of Yahoo leagues are eligible.

Given how there are just over three weeks left in the MLB season, there isn't a long list of injured players set for a return. As a result, there are some repeat names on this list. Regardless, they're worth some consideration.

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Jordan Westburg, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles

Rostered: 56% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-September

2024 stats: 269/.317/.497 (132 OPS+) / 55 R / 25 2B / 18 HR / 58 RBI / 21:90 BB/SO

Westburg hit the IL on July 31 with a fractured hand, but it looks like he'll be back before the season ends. Even if you only get two weeks of production, stashing him could still be worth it.

Westburg is having a breakout year for the O's. He's talented enough to make a noticeable difference, despite the small amount of games left. Keep in mind that Baltimore is currently battling the Yankees for the AL East crown. With extra teamwide motivation, Westburg will be put in the middle of do-or-die baseball once he's back.

Jordan Westburg (hand) is again doing some light throwing on the field pic.twitter.com/gV8TTonng5

— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) September 4, 2024

Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B, Oakland Athletics

Rostered: 4% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain

2024 stats: .219/.307/.404 (105 OPS+) / 12 R / 6 2B / 7 HR / 20 RBI / 16:45 BB/SO

At long last. After writing about Soderstrom (wrist) for weeks, he's finally beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Las Vegas. If you check some of the previous articles in this series, you'll quickly learn that I am rather bullish on Soderstrom. He's got major power and impressive underlying numbers.

In my opinion, Soderstrom is a breakout waiting to happen. There's a chance we'll get a sneak peek of what's to come over the next few years once he's activated from the IL. If you need a first baseman (or you're just feeling dangerous), get Soderstrom on your squad.

Just in: Tyler Soderstrom has been assigned to Triple-A Las Vegas today for his long-awaited rehab assignment as he works his way back from the left wrist stress reaction he suffered in early July. The #Athletics are hoping to have him back before the end of the season.

— Chris Correa (@ChrisCorrea15) September 5, 2024

 

Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds

Rostered: 39% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-to-late September

2023 stats: .253/.309/.333 / 2 2B / 2 HR / 15 RBI / 3 SB / 31:115 BB/SO

McLain's return from shoulder surgery has been further delayed by rib cage issues, but there's still a chance he'll make an appearance with the Reds in 2024. McLain, like Jordan Westburg, is capable of making a big difference in a small sample size.

If you're in a playoff league, McLain is an especially enticing option. His combination of power and speed can dominate weekly matchups. If your middle infield is lacking, this is a no-brainer.

Reds have not ruled out a return this season for Matt McLain, who is “pain-free” and “progressing back to baseball activities.”
22 games left. Hasn’t played all year. Return seems unlikely at best.

— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) September 5, 2024

Byron Buxton, OF, Minnesota Twins

Rostered: 60% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-September

2024 stats: .275/.334/.528 / 23 2B / 16 HR / 49 RBI / 18:89 BB/SO

When it comes to players who can heat up and take over a weekly playoff series, look no further than Buxton (hip). When he's hot, few players are more productive for a fantasy team.

Over the last few seasons, Buxton has had some high highs and low lows. Needless to say, stashing and playing him in the championship weeks is a risk. But, if he's right, Buxton could be the difference in winning gold or being stuck with silver.

435 feet for Byron Buxton's 13th home run of the year. 🚀 pic.twitter.com/oiXNUbW1DT

— MLB (@MLB) July 31, 2024

 

Kodai Senga, SP, New York Mets

Rostered: 27% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain

2023 stats: 166 1/3 IP/ 2.98 ERA / 3.63 FIP / 1.22 WHIP / 202:77 K/BB

After finally returning to big league action at the end of July, Senga suffered a calf strain that has sidelined him since. Fortunately, it looks like he'll make his return and help the Mets in their pursuit of a postseason berth.

Senga's high-strikeout upside and wideout stuff could result in some dominant outings to end the year. In his only start of the year, he allowed just one run while striking out nine over five innings. If you need another pitcher to push your team over the edge, here he is.

Kodai Senga says the Mets' position in the standings will impact if he will return this season or not:

"Where we are in the standings, I know that the last couple of games are going to be really important. And because it's gonna be important, I need to be at 100% to get back" pic.twitter.com/9NI6ZxSfKy

— SNY (@SNYtv) September 2, 2024

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