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Dr. Reuven's (@mlbinjuryguru) fantasy baseball injury updates for Week 8. His medical background helps analyze the injured MLB players and their recoveries.
Injuries are commonplace in all sports. Baseball has seen the rate of injury continue to rise over the past few years. In fantasy, if someone is not in the medical field, it is hard to gauge how long a player will be out and whether they need to be replaced in a lineup. Sometimes this could mean playing a dead roster spot and losing the opportunity to have a full week of stats. Watching a play and watching the mechanism of injury can say a lot about the type of injury that has been sustained. The mechanism of injury is one of the ways of diagnosing the problem.
My name is Reuven Guy. I grew up playing baseball, watching baseball and wanting to go into medicine. I was able to combine both of my loves. I am a practicing physician assistant in the state of New York in the fields of orthopedics and physical medicine/pain management. I have been treating patients with the same type of injuries that have been affecting athletes in a private practice setting for the past 15 years. Having this base of knowledge, it is easier to “predict” what the injury could be and how long a player will be out.
During the course of the season in this weekly article, I will be going over MLB player injuries. I will be hunting down the latest updates and have sources to back me up. I will be highlighting the type of injury it is, try to diagnose an injury that has not been diagnosed yet, discuss the extent of injury, and how long the player will be out. I will also be listing the “next man up” when it comes to playing time if the player will be out. This year, I will also have a listing of all fantasy-relevant players affected by COVID-19 and COVID-19 protocols. Hopefully, this will help you create and manage a more competitive fantasy lineup.
Injury "Guy"de for the Week of September 6, 2020
Aaron Judge (OF, NYY) - Lower Body - Judge is currently on the IL with a calf injury. Judge re-injured the same calf in his first game back from the same calf injury. Yankee manager Aaron Boone said yesterday that the team does not have a timetable for when Judge will resume baseball activities but added that Judge is feeling "pretty well."
Madison Bumgarner (SP, ARI) - Back - Bumgarner was placed on the IL with a mid-back strain. He threw another successful simulated game and was activated off of the IL on Saturday.
Carlos Rodon (SP, CHW) - Shoulder - Rodon has been dealing with left shoulder soreness and was placed on the IL for this reason. Rodon's velocity did drop below 90mph. Rodon threw a 60 pitch three inning bullpen session this week but experienced discomfort on Friday. The White Sox did not make a move for a starter at the trade deadline which may mean something about Rodon’s health and what they expect out of him.
Ozzie Albies (2B, ATL) - Wrist - Albies was placed on the IL with wrist soreness/bone contusion. Albies was able to hit from both sides of the plate but has still not taking batting practice as of August 30th.
Nate Pearson (SP, TOR) - Elbow - The Blue Jays placed Pearson on the IL with right elbow tightness. Pearson was able to play catch from 120 feet this week but there is still no timetable for his return.
Bo Bichette (SS, TOR) - Knee - Bichette is on the IL with a grade 1 sprain of the LCL (lateral collateral ligament of the right knee. Bichette ran sprints, was able to field ground balls and hit in the cage during his on-field workouts this week. Bichette is scheduled to hit off of Ken Giles in a simulated game over the weekend. Until his return, Jonathan Villar should fill in for the Blue Jays.
Ken Giles (RP, TOR) - Forearm - Giles is currently on the IL with a mild strain of the flexor mass in his right forearm. Giles "feels really good" per pitching coach Pete Walker. Giles continues to throw live BP and if Giles has two or three more successful live BP sessions, he could become an option to return from the IL.
Alex Bregman (3B, HOU) - Hamstring- The Astros placed Bregman on the IL with a strained right hamstring. Bregman took batting practice on Thursday and is said to be close to activation.
James Paxton (SP, NYY) - Forearm - Paxton was placed on the IL with a left forearm strain. His MRI did not show any structural damage and he was told that he does not require Tommy John surgery. Paxton began his throwing program this past week.
Gleyber Torres (SS, NYY) - Hamstring - Torres was placed on the IL with a mild left hamstring and left quad strain. MRI showed mild strains only. He was activated on Saturday from the IL.
Keone Kela (P, PIT) - Forearm - Kela was placed on the IL with forearm tightness. Kela played catch from 120 feet this week and could throw a bullpen session soon. Richard Rodriguez or Kyle Crick could continue to fill in as closer for the Pirates.
Giancarlo Stanton (OF, NYY) - Hamstring- Stanton was placed on the IL earlier this month with a hamstring sprain/ strain. According to GM Brain Cashman Stanton "still not all the way there," and there is no timeline for his return.
Andrew Miller (RP, STL) - Shoulder - Miller has been placed on the IL with left shoulder fatigue, retroactive to August 24. There is no word on severity yet. Miller threw a successful bullpen this week. He was activated from the IL on Saturday and is a candidate to close with Giovanny Gallegos.
Nick Anderson (RP, TB) - Forearm - Anderson was placed on the IL with right forearm inflammation. Anderson has thrown a successful sim game and was activated off of the IL on Friday.
Ryan Yarbrough (SP, TB) - Groin - Yarbrough was placed on the IL with left groin tightness. Yarbrough is scheduled to throw a bullpen session this weekend. There is still no timetable for his return.
Nathan Eovaldi (SP, BOS) - Calf - The RedSox placed Eovaldi on the IL with a "very mild strain" of his right calf, retroactive to August 26. Eovaldi next start has been pushed back until he throws at least one more successful bullpen session.
Elieser Hernandez (SP, MIA) - Lat - Hernandez was placed on the IL with a right lat strain. Severity is not yet known. He was transferred to the 45 day IL and is done for the year. Jose Urena may be activated in time for the next start in the rotation for the Marlins.
JaCoby Jones (OF, DET) - Hand - Jones was hit by a pitch and sustained a fractured left hand. He will miss the rest of the season. In 2019, Jones missed the last month of the season with a fractured left wrist. Cristian Stewart could benefit with more playing time in the Tigers outfield.
Marcus Semien (SS, OAK) - Side - Manager Bob Melvin said that he thinks Semien will avoid the IL though the Semien is not expected to be available until Friday. He was able to swing a bat on Thursday of this past week. The Athletics have not played the last few days due to COVID protocols and may help Semien avoid the IL as well.
Emilio Pagan (RP, SD) - Biceps - Pagan was placed on the IL with right biceps inflammation, retroactive to Aug. 31. He had pitched well during his last appearance on Sunday so it's it's unclear when or how he sustained the injury. Severity not yet known.
Andrew Benintendi (OF, BOS) - Ribs - Benintendi is currently on the IL with a rib injury. According to sources, he may not return to action before the end of the season.
David Fletcher (MI, LAA) - Ankle - Fletcher was placed on the IL, retroactive to Aug. 31, with a sprained left ankle. Manager Joe Maddon said that Fletcher's ankle is still sore. Severity is not yet known. A Sprained ankle usually takes two to three weeks to heal properly. Luis Rengifo and Franklin Barreto could see increased playing time in his absence.
A.J. Puk (SP/RP, OAK) - Shoulder - Puk is on the IL with a shoulder strain. He could join the Athletics bullpen as early as next week. With the Athletics having a few doubleheaders coming up, it's very possible he may be the second pitcher in for a bullpen games.
Yandy Diaz (1B/3B, TB) - Hamstring - Diaz was placed on the IL with a right hamstring strain. He reportedly had been dealing with the injury for a few days before it worsened this past week. and he doesn't expect a particularly lengthy stay on the injured list. Nate Lowe was recalled in a corresponding move and Joey Wendle could see more playing time as well.
Max Kepler (OF, MIN) - Adductor - Kepler was placed on the IL with a left adductor strain. Kepler left Wednesday's game with the injury and it was originally thought to be a groin strain. . Brent Rooker was called up and Jake Cave should benefit with more playing time.
Justin Turner (3B, LAD) - Hamstring - Turner was placed on the IL, retroactive to August 29, with a left hamstring strain. Turner is expected to come off the injured list before Tuesday's game against.
Aaron Judge (OF, NYY) - Calf - Judge is currently on the IL with a calf strain. Judge began baseball activities during the second part of last week. There is still no timetable for his return.
Gio Urshela (3B, NYY) - Elbow - Urshela was placed on the IL with a bone spur in his right elbow. There is no word on the severity or when it flared up. Further testing revealed nothing else besides the bone spur and is expected to miss only the minimum time on the IL. Miguel Andujar was called up and could take the hot corner for the Yankees.
Danny Santana (1B/OF, TEX) - Elbow - Danny Santana was placed on the IL with a right elbow strain. The exact diagnosis is not yet known but it is known that he will not return to the field this year. Ronald Guzman should benefit with more playing time.
Jose Leclerc (RP, TEX) - Shoulder - Leclerc was placed on the IL with a grade 2 teres major strain, a similar injury that Corey Kluber suffered earlier this year. He has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Corey Kluber (SP, TEX) - Shoulder - Kluber was placed on the IL with a grade 2 teres major strain and has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Anthony Santander (OF, Orioles) - Oblique - Santander was placed on the IL with a right oblique strain. He felt something in his oblique during Friday's afternoon game and he could miss the rest of the season after he was diagnosed with the strain. Oblique injuries last year averaged over one month on the IL. DJ Stewart could fill in for the Orioles
Jose Altuve (2B, HOU) - Knee - Altuve was placed on the IL with a knee injury. MRI of the knee confirmed a knee sprain. This is the same knee that Altuve has had surgery on in the past. Aledmys Diaz could fill in at 2B for the Astros.
Kwang-Hyun Kim (SP/RP, STL) - Abdomen - Kim was placed on the IL due to a kidney issues. He was dealing with abdominal pain this past Friday morning and had to be taken to the emergency room and a kidney blockage was discovered. He's reportedly feeling much better and could return as soon as next Saturday.
Niko Goodrum (MI, DET) - Oblique - Goodrum was placed on the IL with a right oblique strain retroactive to September 2. Goodrum had missed three straight games and it was deemed he needed more time to recover. Severity is not yet known. Sergio Alcantara was recalled and Willi Castro could fill the middle infield role for the Tigers.
Updated List of Fantasy-Relevant Players Affected by COVID-19
Please note: Although a player may have returned, they may not be up to game speed yet and may still be on the IL or not ready to play. Also please note that the COVID IL can range from a few days to weeks and symptomatic players with negative COVID testing will miss fewer games.
Alcantara, Sandy (SP, MIA)- Returned
Alvarez, Yordan (DH, HOU)- Returned
Astudillo, Willians (C, MIN)- Returned
Beer, Seth (1B, ARI) - Returned
Bethancourt, Christian (RP, PHI)
Blackmon, Charlie (OF, COL) - Returned
Brito, Socrates (OF, PIT)- Returned
Brinson, Lewis (OF, MIA)- Returned
Cabrera, Genesis (RP, STL)- Returned
Calhoun, Kole (OF, ARI) - Returned
Cano, Robinson (1B/2B, NYM) - Returned
Chapman, Aroldis (RP, NYY)- Returned
Cessa, Luis (RP, NYY)- Returned
Chirinos, Yonny (SP/RP, TB)- Returned
Cooper, Garrett (1B/OF, MIA)- Returned
d’Arnuad, Travis (C, ATL)- Returned
Davidson, Matt- (DH, CIN)- Returned
deJong, Paul (SS, STL)- Returned
DeShields, Delino (OF, CLE)- Returned
Diaz, Elias (C, COL)- Returned
Dietrich, Derek (1B/OF, CHC)- Returned
Dozier, Hunter (3B/OF, KC)- Returned
Drury, Brandon (3B, TOR)- Returned
Elias, Roenis (RP, SEA)- Returned
Engel, Adam- (OF, CHW)- Returned
Flowers, Tyler (C, ATL)- Returned
Freeman, Freddie (1B, ATL) - Returned
Garica, Jarlin (RP, SF)- Returned
Gimenez, Andres (2B/SS/3B- Returned
Glasnow, Tyler (SP, TB) - Returned
Gomber, Austin (P, STL)- Returning
Grichuk, Randal (OF, TOR)- Returned
Guerra, Junior (RP, ARI) - Returned
Hamilton, Billy (OF, SF)- Returned
Haseley, Adam (OF, PHI) - Returned
Hayes, Ke'Bryan (3B, PIT)- Returned
Hernandez, Darwinzon (RP, BOS) - Returned
Hirano, Yoshii (RP, SEA)- Returned
Hunter, Tommy (RP, PHI)- Returned
Jansen, Kenley (RP, LAD) - Returned
Joyce, Matt (OF, MIA)- Returned
Kela, Keone (RP, PIT)- Returned
Keller, Brad (SP, KC)- Returned
Kendrick, Howie (1B/2B/3B/OF, WAS) - Returned
Kingery, Scott (2B/3B/SS/OF, PHI) - Returned
Lauer, Eric (SP, MIL)- Returned
LeMahieu, DJ (1B/2B, NYY) - Returned
Luzardo, Jesus (SP, OAK) - Returned
McKay, Brendan (SP, TB)- Returned
Mahtook, Mikie (OF, DET)- Returned
Margot, Manuel (OF, TB)- Returned
Martinez, Carlos (SP/RP, STL)- Returning. He is expected to return sometime this week.
Mateo, Jorge (SS, SD)- Returned
Mazara, Nomar- (OF, CHW)- Returned
Meadows, Austin (OF, TB)- Returned
Mengden, Daniel (SP, OAK)
Moncada, Yoan (3B, CHW) - Returned
Molina, Yadier (C, STL)- Returning
Neris, Hector (RP, PHI)- Returned
Nido, Tomas (C, NYM)- Returning
Nola, Aaron (SP, PHI) - Returned
Norris, Daniel (SP, DET)- Returned
O'Hearn, Ryan (1B, KC)- Returned
Perez, Salvador (C, KC)- Returned
Pham, Tommy (OF, SD) - Returned
Quinn, Roman (OF, PHI)- Returned
Robles, Victor (OF, WAS)- Returned
Rodriguez, Eduardo (SP, BOS)- Returned but out for the year with COVID complications.
Rojas, Miguel (SS, MIA)- Returned
Ruiz, Keibert- (C, LAD)- Returned
Sano, Miguel (1B/3B, MIN) - Returned
Senzel, Nick- (2B, CIN)- Returning
Smith, Caleb (SP, MIA)- Retruning
Smith, Will (RP, ATL)- Returning
Soto, Juan (OF, WAS)- Returned
Suero, Wander (RP, WAS)- Returned
Teheran, Julio (SP, LAA)- Returned
Toussaint, Touki (SP/RP, ATL)- Returned
Urena, Jose (SP, MIA)- Returning
Urias, Luis (2B/SS, MIL)- Returned
Urquidy, Jose (SP, HOU)- Returning- He is expected to return over this weekend.
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