RADIO
Sprains, strains, and surgeries. These three words make chills run down the spine of even the most hardened fantasy player. They're the little “what if” clause 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. Given the importance of this aspect of the game, I'll be devoting a weekly column to discussing the latest injury updates pertaining to the fantasy community.
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
George Springer: Springer was placed on the 15-day DL on July 2nd because of a right wrist fracture. The Astros are hoping to have their promising outfielder back by the end of July.
Sonny Gray: While he is back in the clubhouse, it seems that Gray is likely to miss his next scheduled start on July 5th thanks to an unfortunate case of gastroenteritis. He should be ready to go next week, however.
Buster Posey: Thankfully Posey passed his concussion test on July 1st and does not seem to be suffering any long term affects from the nasty-looking foul ball tip he took off his facemask. He is expected to rejoin the Giants any day.
Ongoing Injury Updates
Freddie Freeman: Freeman is still working his way back from a painful right wrist sprain. He is expected to return to the Braves sometime soon after the All-Star Break.
Matt Holliday: Holliday was able to take batting practice on July 2nd. Only a day after the Cardinals cleared him to resume light jogging activities, this is an excellent indication that his recovery is progressing well. Holliday is expected to rejoin the team in early July.
Jorge Soler: Soler began a Triple-A rehab assignment on June 29th. He is expected to return to the team within the week.
Patrick Corbin: After over a year on the shelf because of Tommy John surgery, Corbin is almost ready for action. Unless a last minute setback occurs, he is expected to be activated from the disabled list on July 4th. Set your lineups accordingly.
Hunter Pence: While there is still no timetable for Pence's return to the Giants, the star outfielder cleared an important milestone in his recovery process this week. For the first time in weeks Pence was able to swing a bat. Fantasy owners will have to monitor his status closely as we move through July.
Hisashi Iwakuma: Iwakuma began a Triple-A rehab assignment on June 25th. He is expected to rejoin the Mariners in early July.
Giancarlo Stanton: Stanton underwent successful surgery on his left hand on June 28th. Although fantasy owners will sorely miss the much feared slugger, he shouldn't be gone too long. Expect Stanton back in your lineups by the end of the month.
David Wright: The Mets are hoping that Wright could begin limited baseball activities as soon as July 6th. There is still no timetable for his return to the team, however.
Anthony Rendon: So far, Rendon has been able to take batting practice, but weakness in his left quad has kept him from running the bases or taking grounders. The Nationals are still hoping to have him back before the end of the month, but more improvement will need to be shown for this to become a reality.
Wil Myers: No good news here. According to a July 27th update, Myers is not expected to resume baseball activities for another four to six weeks. This would push his return date to mid-August at the earliest if true. Fantasy owners may be in for a long wait in this case.
Martin Perez: Perez began a Triple-A rehab assignment on June 27th. After undergoing Tommy John surgery last year, he could be back before the end of the month.
Dustin Pedroia: Now cleared to resume batting practice, Pedroia is one step closer to returning from a painful right hamstring strain. While some are hoping he could be back soon, the Red Sox have so far declined to issue an official timetable for Pedroia's return.
Devin Mesoraco: In a disappointing end to a frustrating season, Mesoraco underwent season ending surgery on his left hip on June 29th. He will look to rebound to better numbers in 2016.
Yordano Ventura: Ventura began a rehab assignment on June 26th and is progressing well so far. The Royals are hoping he will be ready to rejoin the team before the start of the All-Star Break.
Jacoby Ellsbury: Ellsbury began a Class-A+ rehab assignment on June 29th. He's had a hard road back from an unfortunate LCL sprain in his right knee, but the Yankees are hopeful he will be ready to resume his leadoff duties in early July.
Andrew Miller: Miller could be ready to return to the Yankees before the start of the All-Star Break, according to team officials. He is next scheduled to begin playing long-toss on July 3rd.
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