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Sprains, strains, and surgeries. These three words make chills run down the spine of even the most hardened fantasy owner. They're the little “what if” clauses hanging over every fantasy season - that thing you just can't ever really predict no matter how much pre-draft research you do. Like it or not, being able to properly deal with injuries is one of the main separators between casual fantasy players and league champions. Below we'll take a look at recent and ongoing injuries for week 2 of the 2015 fantasy baseball season.
A disclaimer before we get started: the sheer size of the fantasy baseball player pool means I won't be able to discuss every injury that might affect teams out there. Furthermore, this article will be tailored towards standard leagues. I'll do my best to cover all the important names, but some guys are going to be inevitably left out. When they are, feel free to bring them up in the comments section below. I'm always happy to chat if there's a player you need to know more about.
Recent Injuries
Losing Gomes to the DL was as big a blow to fantasy owners as it was to the Indians. He reportedly suffered a right MCL sprain during one of last week's games. This is a significant injury for a catcher, one which typically requires 6-8 weeks of rehab time. Assuming no further setbacks, this is expected to keep Gomes out of the Indians' lineup till sometime in June.
In his absence, Roberto Perez and Brett Hayes will be manning catcher for the Indians. Neither have much fantasy significance, however, outside of the deepest of leagues.
Word is breaking that Rios fractured his left hand during yesterday's game. This is a serious blow to the outfielder's 2015 campaign and the many who were counting on him to occupy an important spot in their lineups. According to the Royals, Rios is likely to miss 3-6 weeks of action.
Jarrod Dyson is likely to be the primary beneficiary of Rios' absence. His game-changing speed makes him a constant threat on the basepaths and an interesting pickup for fantasy owners on the hunt for stolen bases. The Royals also have Paulo Orlando on the roster, however, so a platoon is also very much an option. Fantasy owners will have to watch this situation closely as it develops.
Back pain continues to hold Brantley out of the Indians' starting lineup. Manager Terry Francona told ESPN that he doesn't think a DL-stint for the star outfielder will be necessary though.
"We've talked about everything, but I don't think anybody thinks we need to DL him," Francona said. "His back spasms flared up toward the end of the game last night. I probably got a little carried away yesterday when Michael told me he was ready to play.”
Hopefully rest days on April 11th and 12th paired together with a scheduled off day on the 13th will be enough to get Brantley's bat back in the lineup.
The Angels' right fielder is currently day-to-day with tightness in his right calf muscle. This injury, which has cost him the last two days of play, had apparently been bothering him for more than a week. Calhoun expects to be back in the starting lineup on Tuesday, according to the Orange County Register.
King Felix exited Sunday's start early with quad tightness, sending shooting pangs of fear through the hearts of Mariners fans and fantasy owners alike. Thankfully it sounds like the quick pull was mostly precautionary and shouldn't endanger Hernandez's next start against the Rangers on Saturday.
Hamilton was held out of the Reds' starting lineup on Monday after jamming his left index finger on second base the previous day. At this point the injury looks very mild. Fantasy owners can probably expect Hamilton to take his usual position atop the Reds' lineup in the near future.
The young ace was pulled from his start on Sunday after complaining of a right calf cramp. As with Hernandez, the move looks to be more precautionary than anything else. Fantasy owners can breathe a sigh of relief.
As of Monday, April 13th, the Marlins have placed their young righty on the DL with right shoulder inflammation. The Miami Herald has further reported that Alvarez is scheduled to have an MRI on his elbow. Obviously shoulder and elbow injuries of any kind are worrying to hear about, especially if ligament damage is found by the MRI. We will have to wait and see how his condition develops.
Ongoing Injury Updates
All that stands between Garrett Richards and the Angels' starting rotation is one last rehab start in the minor leagues. If all goes well during that outing, you can expect to see the young ace back as soon as April 19th.
After experiencing a setback in his rehab process, Minor was scheduled to see a specialist on April 12th. The examination revealed that swelling had decreased compared to how it was during Spring Training. The Braves shared that they will be monitoring his condition closely over the next week to see how he progresses before deciding on a further course of action. Until then, Minor's status is very much in limbo.
Pence was reexamined by a specialist on April 13th, but there doesn't seem to be much new information to report here. The Giants' outfielder is still a good bet to return to action sometime in mid-April.
Rendon began throwing from 100 feet, taking dry swings with a bat, and hitting off a tee over the weekend. These are all positive signs for fantasy owners expectantly waiting the infielder's return.
“Those are very important milestones,” explained Manager Matt Williams. “The rotation stuff on his knee is good. So now it’s about getting him in baseball shape, so we’ll be able to progress accordingly from that.”
The Nationals are still declining to issue a firm timetable for Rendon's return however.
“I’m pleased with the process and we’re just gonna take it like we said at the beginning,” General Manager Mike Rizzo said. “It’s week to week, and we’ll just see where he’s at.”
Fantasy owners will just have to wait and see when Rendon will begin a rehab assignment. Most are hopeful he will rejoin the team sometime in late April.
Bailey pitched in a simulated game on April 7th. The Reds apparently were pleased with the progress he had made and chose to send him on a rehab assignment with their Tripe A affiliate. Assuming he does not experience any further setbacks, Bailey is still on pace to make his 2015 major league debut sometime in mid-April.
According to the Tigers, Verlander threw a 45 pitch bullpen session on Sunday. Things have not been easy for the struggling former ace, but at the very least his rehab seems to be going well. Mid-April is looking more and more like a realistic return date for Verlander.
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