It’s always important to stay on top of all the latest news regarding MLB injuries when it comes to setting up your fantasy baseball lineup each week. If you can make daily roster moves, then it’s even more vital to your success. Fortunately, this week didn’t see the usual swarm of injury bugs biting players, so that’s something to appreciate. Sure, there are a couple of names you’d rather not see theere, but all in all, this was a pretty tame week for the baseball triage unit. Here’s how things are looking lately…
Arizona Diamondbacks
No new injuries to report
Atlanta Braves
Brian McCann, C – A strained quad will likely put the Braves backstop on the shelf for a game, maybe too, but obviously that’s better than the alternative. The removal from yesterday’s game was more precautionary than anything else, so his fantasy owners shouldn’t be without him for too long. Good thing too as he was in the process of really heating up, hitting safely in 6 of his last 7 games (10 of his last 12) with 2 of his 5 HR coming in his last 6 games. Keep an eye in fantasy baseball leagues with daily moves, but expect him to be fine for the weekend.
Troy Glaus, 1B — Another day to day injury here, which is a relief considering Glaus’ history. A sore foot will likely keep him out for a game or two, but apparently it’s not very serious. It may have been the reason for his recent 0-13 skid, but he managed to get off the schnide last night with a hit and 2 RBI, so perhaps the worst is behind him. Fantasy leaguers should feel comfortable using the big guy over the weekend.
Baltimore Orioles
Alfredo Simon, RP — A real shame for those that were savvy enough to snag Simon from the waiver wire as the O’s were still sorting out their closer situation as He hurt his hamstring covering first on a routine ground ball to the right side of the infield. He’s on the 15 day DL and will likely be activated in mid-June. It was almost going to be a problem as he would have been returning around the same time as Mike Gonzalez, but apparently a setback in rehab could push Gonzo out for even longer than originally expected. I see Simon reclaiming the closers job when he returns in mid-June, but for now…if you’re really desperate for saves, then Will Ohman might be worth a look. Possibly Cla Meredith too, but Ohamn seems like the favorite.
Kojii Uehara, RP – The favortie for saves could have been Uehara, but a strained forearm has landed the Japanese reliever on the 15 day DL yet again. He’ll be back around mid-June as well, but don’t expect him to be anything more than a set-up guy with low upside.
Luke Scott, DH/OF — He’s listed as questionable with a sore shoulder, but the O’s expect him to be able to play regardless. Keep an eye on the situation because, with the hot streak he is on, you’ll want to make sure he’s active if he’s in the lineup.
Boston Red Sox
No new injuries to report, but Jacoby Ellsbury (side), Victor Martinez (toe), and J.D. Drew (hip, calf) are all banged up and considered questionable for the next game or two. Just keep tabs on the Sox lineup over the next day or so, but all three should be active for the weekend.
Chicago Cubs
Aramis Ramirez, 3B — The disappointment continues as now Ramirez has been out of the lineup for 6 of the last 7 games with a sore thumb. The Cubs haven’t said DL yet, but Ramirez received a cortisone shot the other day and could continue to miss time. I’d keep him on the bench until he strings together a few good games, which could be a while, and if there’s someone in your league trying to buy low on him…..SELL!
Chicago White Sox
I’d say Randy Williams (reliever), but if you have him on your fantasy roster, then you’re an idiot.
Cincinnati Reds
Joey Votto, 1B – Just day to day with a stiff neck is all, so don’t go freaking out here. Votto was out of the lineup yesterday and is being called questionable for today’s game as well, but I think he’ll play if he’s feeling better. Keep a watch on it today, but you’ll most certainly have him back for the weekend. Votto and his fantasy owners should continue to enjoy this fantastic season he is having.
Homer Bailey, SP — Bailey was apparently surprised the team put him on the DL as test results revealed nothing but inflammation in his right shoulder. Perhaps they’re just being cautious or perhaps they just want to mix things up for the kid and get him some rest. His 5.51 ERA isn’t doing anyone much good right now, so hopefully he’ll use the time off to get things straightened out.
Cleveland Indians
No new injuries to report
Colorado Rockies
No new injuries to report, but apparently RP Franklin Morales will be starting his rehab stint today which could put him back in time to jump back into the saves mix early next week.
Detroit Tigers
No new injuries to report, but Carlos Guillen could be back as early as Sunday where he will take over at second base. His fantasy value will get a nice boost with the added position eligibility.
Florida Marlins
No new injuries to report
Houston Astros
No new injuries to report
Kansas City Royals
Yuniesky Betancourt, SS — After a collision at home plate the other day, Betancourt was held out of the lineup with a mild concussion. It doesn’t appear to be serious, but it might keep him out for another game or two. Mike Aviles makes the move back over to short.
Also worth noting that OF Rick Ankiel should be starting his rehab assignment over the weekend and could be back sometime late next week if all goes well.
Los Angeles Angels
Brandon Wood, 3B — He went on the 15 day DL with what is being reported as a strained hip flexor. Personally, I think it’s his sub-.200 batting average that landed him on the DL as Maicer Izturis is now back in action, so don’t expect him to be gone for more than the allotted time…unless of course he gets demoted after his 15 days are up, which is a very strong possibility.
Los Angeles Dodgers
No new injuries to report but it’s worth mentioning that they have already welcomed back SS Rafael Furcal and will have Andre Ethier starting his rehab assignment this weekend. Ethier is eligible to return on the 30th of May. Also worth noting that SP Vicente Padilla is expected to start his rehab sometime late next week.
Milwaukee Brewers
Gregg Zaun, C — After diagnosing Zaun with a torn labrum in his shoulder, the Brewers are going to wait another 2 weeks and re-evaluate. Chances are though that surgery is in his future which will not only put thi sseason in question, but his career as well. At 39 years old, Zaun is no spring chicken and could be forced into retirement. George Kottaras should take over primary duties and could be worth a look in leagues that require starting two catchers.
Minnesota Twins
Nick Punto, 2B/3B — A sore knuckle has apparently made it more difficult for Punto to swing a bat…not that it was an easy thing for him to begin with…and is being listed as questionable for today’s game. He’s available for pinch running duties, but should be fin in a couple of days.
New York Mets
John Maine, SP — Rotator cuff tendenitis puts Maine on the shelf, but he should be ready to go on June 6th against the Marlins when he is eligible to come off the DL. No one seems too concerned about this, so the move was likely just to give him a few extra days off while getting some roster flexibility.
Jonathan Niese, SP — The 23 year old lefty shoul dbe back around the 4th of June when he is eligible to come off the DL. It was a hamstring issue, but so far, Niese has been throwing without any real problems, so it appears to be minor.
New York Yankees
No new injuries to report, but it’s definitely worth noting that OF Curtis Granderson is making his way back, finishing up his rehab assignment and coul dbe back in the lineup for the upcoming series against Cleveland (May 28th).
Oakland A’s
Travis Buck, OF — On the 15 day DL with a strained oblique, Buck is nothing more than a reserve outfielder fo rthe A’s, let alone your fantasy squad. I wouldn’t be too concerned about when he will be back.
Coco Crisp, OF — If it’s not one thing, it’s another with good ol’ Coco. He’s now on the DL with a rib injury, just a few games after returning from his previous DL stint. I can’t imagine that too many people are worrying about his return date anymore, but we’re now looking at mid-June.
And just to note that SP Brett Anderson should be making his start on May 29th at Detroit once he is eligible to return from the disabled list.
Philadelphia Phillies
Jimmy Rollins, SS — After only a short time back, Rollins ends up back on the DL with a strained calf. It’s been a very disappointing season for the Philly shortstop, but hopefully he can turn things around when he comes back in mid-June.
Brad Lidge, RP — Another returnee to the DL after a short stint back with the club. Lidge may start a rehab assignment down in Class A this weekend and could come back around late next week. With Jose Contreras as their primary closer right now, Lidge should be back in the saves mix as soon as he’s ready.
Pittsburgh Pirates
No new injuries to report
San Diego Padres
Scott Hairston, OF — A sore hammy puts one of the Hairston brothers on the shelf, but it looks like he’ll only need the minimal time off. He’s swinging a bat right now and could jump back into the platoon mix in the Padres’ outfield sometime around mid-June.
Everth Cabrera, SS — He’s day to day with a sore hamstring and is considered doubtful for today’s game and maybe even tomorrrow. If you own Cabrera, this is something you should watch. If his hamstring isn’t 100%, he coul dfind himself on the DL soon. A guy who makes his living with his legs could be in trouble if he doesn’t take the proper amount of time to heal.
San Francisco Giants
Edgar Renteria, SS — And just like that, Renteria is right back on the DL with his hamstring problems. Probably came back too soon which has now bitten him and his fantasy owners in the ass…again. He’s eligible to come back sometime in the middle of June, so it looks like Juan Uribe gets a little more action at short now.
Jeremy Affeldt, RP — This is a big blow to the Giants bullpen as Affeldt has been one of their best this year and last. He’s not officially on the DL yet, so there’s hope, but a hamstring problem could shelf him soon. Leagues that count holds is where this will hurt the most for fantasy.
Seattle Mariners
No new injuries to report
St. Louis Cardinals
Brad Penny, SP — The lower back has long been an issue for Penny, so it’s not totally out of the blue that the Cards were forced to put him on the DL and give him some much needed time off. He’ll be back around mid-June and should be fine to slot right back into your rotation when he does.
Kyle Lohse, SP — A move to the DL hasn’t been made official just yet, but it looks imminent. Apparently, he is suffering from extreme compartment syndrome, a condition affecting the sheath covering a muscle in his forearm. The disorder is commonly found in motocross riders, but had never been found in a baseball player. Surgery seems likely which would put him on the shelf for a considerable amount of time. Expect to drop him from your roster.
Tampa Bay Rays
No new injuries to report
Texas Rangers
Nelson Cruz, OF — He hasn’t been placed on the DL just yet, but Cruz is once again having hamstring problems. The issue kept him out for a couple of weeks earlier in the season, and this one is starting to look about the same. Consider him day to day for now, but expect him to be sidelined for a game or two while the Rangers’ doctors re-evaluate him.
Toronto Blue Jays
Travis Snider, OF — The move to the DL was precautionary by the team, but it doesn’t look like the wrist injury is too serious. Snider fouled a ball off his wrist the other day against Texas and was experiencing stiffness and discomfort. However, team officials expect him to be ready to go when his 15 days are up.
It’s also worth noting that it appears as if SP Brian Tallet will be ready to go for a start on June 1st after coming off the DL with a minor forearm issue.
Washington Nationals
Ivan Rodriguez, C — Just a matter of time before the injury bug caught up to the elder statesman in Washington. Rodriguez’ cranky back has landed him on the 15 day DL, but the team expects to have him back by June 8th when they take on the Pirates.
Scott Olsen, SP — After dealing with shoulder inflammation, Olsen was put on the DL to give him some much needed time off. He’ll play catch today and then be re-evaluated to see if he’ll be ready to go as soon as he is eligible to come off the DL. Figure around mid-June for the earliest return, late June if there are any setbacks.
So that’s it for this week. Not too bad actually. Sure, there are some that hurt a little, but considering the injuries we’ve seen throughout MLB this season, this week’s report seems pretty mild. As always, if you don’t see a name listed, check out the previous editions of Bumps and Bruises and you’ll probably find what you’re looking for.
Remember, for the best in free fantasy baseball advice, insights, tips and analysis, stick with The Fantasy Baseball Buzz and I’ll have you at the top of your standings in no time. And, as always, for all questions, thoughts and/or comments related to the baseball fantasy world or not, you can reach me through the comments section below or at rotobuzzguy@gmail.com.
Good luck and I’ll see you all in the money this year!
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