With the MLB trade deadline just days away and with most fantasy baseball trade deadlines soon to follow, I thought it best to do another edition of Bumps and Bruises and catch us all up on the recent rash of injuries we’ve seen in lately. On an MLB level, some of the latest injuries are having adverse affects on potential deals in the works and on a fantasy level, some are causing GMs to suddenly make deals when they were planning on just standing pat. It’s an aggravating time to see your players go down, but you have to keep yourself sane and make sure you have all the necessary info to make the right decisions. Here we go…
Arizona Diamondbacks
While Justin Upton is day to day with a bum hip (check their lineups for daily leagues to see if you need to sit him), the bigger story is the impending return of Brandon Webb. Supposedly, he’s due back towards the end of August and some fantasy owners that have just stashed him away on the DL are feeling like he’s going to be some little late-season gift to help your pitching staff fo rthe final month/head to head playoffs. Well, I say think again. Webb is recovering from major shoulder injuries and with the Diamondbacks out of playoff contention, you’re not going to be getting much out of him. Maybe they throw him a couple of starts and maybe they don”t. It’s all going to depend on how hard he wants to push himself. Either way, his return will have very little impact on the baseball fantasy world.
Atlanta Braves
No major injuries to report
Baltimore Orioles
Been a long time since you’ve seen Brian Roberts’ name missing from this list huh? Well, he’s back….for now. We’ll see how his lower back feels after a week or so. Until then, there are no other injuries to report.
Boston Red Sox
Dustin Pedroia, 2B — While we were supposed to be expecting him to return by early August, Pedroia’s timetable has been pushed back by atleast a another week or two. He was told by Dr. Lewis Yocum that he needed to be careful and not return too early as it could cause even further damage resulting in the need to place pins in the foot to prevent the bone from completely breaking off. It sounded as if it were enough to scare Pedroia, so expect him to stay out, in my opinion, to the end of August rather than the middle.
Mike Lowell, 3B — Old Man River here is currently on his Triple-A rehab assignment and is supposed to be returning by the end of this month. Some people still think he can help them out, both on the major league and fantasy level, but personally, I think you’re wasting a roster space. The Sox have been unsuccessfully shopping Lowell since day one, so whether he stays or whether he goes, it’s obvious that no one is really into giving him much playing time.
Jacoby Ellsbury, OF – I never like to relish in someone’s injuries, but the fact that he’s been out for so long gives me added reasons to pat myself on the back for telling you not to invest so much in the former speed demon. Back then I thought he was no more than a 3 category player about to dwindle down to a one or two category guy and you would serve your fantasy team better by going for a cheaper SB option like Juan Pierre (who is currently leading all of MLB in SB, I might add). Well, the fact that he hasn’t played since a three game cameo appearance in late May, should say it all. He’s apparently on a Class A rehab assignment right now and is slated to return in a couple of weeks, but he’s going to need some time to get back into the swing of things at the major league level. You might get a littl ehelp in the speed department in September, but he’s going to have to get on base first to do that. Use with caution.
J.D. Drew, OF — He’s being considered day to day with a hamstring issue, so just check his status each day if you can make daily roster moves. If your lineup changes are weekly, he’ll probably be safe to play next week.
Jason Varitek, C — Slated to return from the DL in mid-August, but let’s face facts…how much value does this guy even have anymore? Maybe if your backstop has a season ending injury and there are no other catchers available on your free agent waiver wire, but even that might not be enough to pick him up.
Chicago Cubs
Geovany Soto, C — He’s day to day with a bruised foot after fouling a pitch off the other day. He missed Tuesday’s contest and there’s a chance he could miss a game or two more. It doesn’t seem serious enough for a DL stint, but the timing couldn’t be worse as Soto was on fire to start the second half.
Chicago White Sox
Mark Teahen, 3B – The broken finger has really kept Teahen on the shelf for a while here, but he’s been working his way back and is hoping to return by the middle of August. His return will certainly open up some things for the South Siders as they’ve been working on a deal to bring in Adam Dunn, and it will likely cost them Dayan Viciedo in the process. Not the end of the world, by any means, but with just Omar Vizquel and Brent Lillibridge as the bench guys, I don’t think the Sox would be so quick to part with Viciedo without knowing Teahen’s return is imminent. Once Teahen is back, he should be getting the bulk of work at the hot corner again, and might be a decent short term option.
Cincinnati Reds
It’s all about a need for healthy pitching in the Queen City as the Reds await the return of Aaron Harang, Homer Bailey and even Mike Lincoln. Personally, I don’t hink any of them are going to give your fantasy team much help when they return, supposedly by mid-August, but perhaps if the matchup is just right…..then maybe. But just a maybe.
Cleveland Indians
Kerry Wood, RP — Today actually marks the official day that Wood can return from the DL, but manager Manny Acta said he would wait to see how Wood was feeling this afternoon before making the decision. Personally, I think you’ve got to be nuts to trust this guy, but if you currently own Chris Perez, then you might as well make sure you have Wood too. The Tribe has been shopping Wood lately, so they may rush him back to showcase him. If that is the case, then the risk for further damage increases and his value drops in my book.
Colorado Rockies
Todd Helton, 1B – It’s the usual for Helton as he tries to make his way back from the DL after another back flare up and a hamstring issue. He’ll likely make a rehab appearance soon and could be back by early August. Definitely not the fantasy performer he once was, but if you’re in need of a corner guy that hits for a decent average, then Helton could help you out. You won’t see much in the world of power, but you probably already knew that.
Eric Young, Jr., 2B — He’s still making his way back from a broken leg and is currently on a Double-A rehab assignment. Tough to see him getting much in the way of playing time, unless the Rockies are going to bench second baseman Clint Barmes. Young may garner a start or two, but it looks like he’ll be used more as a pinch runner and possible defensive replacement. Good speed upside, but minimal value overall right now.
Huston Street, RP — It wouldn’t be the same if Street’s name wasn’t listed here somewhere, right? Well, lo and behold, here he is again, this time with a day to day abdominal issue. Street was hit with a line drive in the lower abdomen, and after fainting a few times afterwards, was taken to the hospital for further tests. They’re taking a day to day approach with it, but it seems to be making the Rockies’ trainers a little nervous. If the Rockies need a ninth inng guy today or tomorrow, expect to see the dreaded Manny Corpas again.
Detroit Tigers
Brandon Inge, 3B — The broken bone in his hand can’t heal fast enough for the Tigers as they are losing players at a rapid rate. Inge is supposed to return in mid-August, but he’ll still need a little time to get his swing back in shape for the playoff push. The Tigers are sticking with Scott Sizemore at the hot corner, but knowing Jim Leyland, he’ll get bumped once Inge returns.
Carlos Guillen, 2B — Another tough loss for the Tigers as Guillen is out until mid-August with a calf injury. No one is saying that it’s serious, so expect to see him back when he’s eligible and say so long to Will Rhymes who has been playing second in his absence. If Inge comes back first, then there’s a chance Sizemore will get a look at second, but Leyland seemed pretty adament about not using him there during this recent call up.
Magglio Ordonez, OF — An injury like this couldn’t have come at a worse time for both the Tigers and Magglio’s fantasy owners. He was having a nice comeback year hitting .303 with 12 HR, but a broken ankle has wiped virtually the rest of his season away. Ryan Raburn is filling in, but I wouldn;t be surprised to see Detroit get a little more active in the trade market. Unfortunately fo rthem though, the market for quality hitting outfielders is starting to tighten up.
Florida Marlins
Chris Coghlan, OF — Chalk up another one for “stupid bonehead injuries” as Coghlan tore the meniscus in his knee while mashing a shaving cream pie into his teammate’s face on Sunday. The Marlins had not fully committed to being either buyers or sellers on the market, but this will certainly affect what they do now. Names like Cody Ross and Jorge Cantu are perpetually floating around in trade rumors, and if the Marlins don’t feel like they’ve go tthe horses to compete now, then the fire sale could begin soon. Logan Morrison was brought up to replace Coghlan on the roster and has been playing left field as well. He could be an interesting sleper, although his power production is not where it should be.
Houston Astros
You know the team is weeak when they’ve got a fairly lenghty list of guys on the DL and the only thing worth reporting is that Jeff Keppinger is day to day with an achey back. Literally, there is no one else out that is even worthy mentioning for fantasy purposes.
Kansas City Royals
David DeJesus, OF — Talk about an injury derailing all your trading plans! DeJesus was a hot commodity on the trade market this season, but after crashing into the wall and doing severe damage to his thumb, he is lost for the season. The Royals were looking to move him and there were plenty of options that woul dhave helped his fantasy value, but alas, all of that is now gone.
Luke Hochevar, SP — The elbow injury that has kept the youngster on th eshelf all this time, might just be healed by mid-August. However, if you plan to use Hochevar at any point in September, I highly recommend that you make a CAT scan appointment for yourself.
Los Angeles Angels
Since the Kendry Morales fiasco, everything else seems minor to the Angels and their injury report. But fo rthe sake of reporting, you should know that Scott Kazmir could be back by early August and that Dan Haren is apparently fine after feeling it in his forearm in his first start for the Halos. For fantasy purposes…Haren good, Kazmir bad.
Los Angeles Dodgers
You’ve got some day to day stuff with pitcher Carlos Monasterios, catcher Brad Ausmus and outfielder Andre Ethier and a suspension for Clayton Kershaw, but outside of that the team is expecting to get both Manny Ramirez and Reed Johnson back in a couple of weeks.
Milwaukee Brewers
A few inconsequential guys are banged up, but none with major fantasy ramifications, with the exception of Corey Hart. The recent wrist injury may not land him on the DL, but it is certainly affecting his trade value for the Brew Crew. Everyone knows how bad a wrist injury can affect your swing and Hart, who was having a power rennaissance, is now being devalued onthe tarde market by everyone except the Brewers. If the asking price remains too high, then he could stand pat which isn’t the worst thing in the world. The problem now is that his fantasy value is proportional to the extent of his wrist ailment.
Minnesota Twins
Justin Morneau, 1B – The Twins are rightfully playing it cautious with their all star first basemen and won’t rush him back from his concussion. There were hopes that he woul dbe back for the upcoming scoring period, but it looks like you’ll have to wait atleast another week. Once healthy, he’s obviously worthy of any lineup.
Orlando Hudson, 2B — Another case of the Twins playing it safe as they prepare for a playoff dogfight with the White Sox and Tigers over the next 2 months. O-Dog is down with an oblique injury and he tried to talk Ron Gardenhire out of putting him on the DL list, but to no avail. He’ll be back by mid-August, so expect to see a little more Danny Valencia and Nick Punto around the infield.
New York Mets
Jason Bay, OF — He’s day to day with a minor concussion after crashing into the wall the other night, so I’d expect him to miss a couple more games this week. No one wants to rush anyone back from any kind of head injury, so expect to see Angel Pagan and Jeff Franceour patrolling the outfield, atleast until the weekend.
Rod Barajas, C — On the DL with a strained oblique, but he’s due back in mid-August. Not that he’s anything to write home about, but he does have some good pop for a mid to lower tier backstop.
New York Yankees
With both Alfredo Aceves and Damaso Marte on the DL until mid August, the Yankees shoul dbe pretty active in the middle relief market. However, aside from that and Jorge Posada being a little banged up, the Andy Pettitte injury is the only major thing. He seems to be a little ahead of schedule, but I wouldn’t expect him back until atleast the middle of August.
Oakland A’s
Just a disaster here as their injury list is longer than Wilt Chamberlain’s “I Slept With Her” list. The ones to watch for fantasy purposes right now are Andrew Bailey and Brett Anderson. Bailey is day to day with a cranky back and Anderson is actually expected to come off the DL this weekend. Both, when healthy, are very viable fantasy options. As for the rest, you’ve got a slew of names, but the important ones are that Ryan Sweeney and Ben Sheets are lost for the season and Conor Jackson and his hamstring issue are likely out until the end of August. If you’re relying on Oakland at all, you can kiss your fantasy championship bye bye.
Philadelphia Phillies
The good news is that Chase Utley could be back by the middle to the end of August which would make fantasy owners very happy. The bad news is that Jimmy Rollins is day to day with a foot issue that had him on crutches and Shane Victorino is out with an oblique strain. J-Roll should be ok and sit for a few games, but the Victorino injury comes at a horrible time for the team who was getting a little more interest in Jayson Werth. If the Flyin’ Hawaiian is out, there’s just no way the team deals Werth if they’re looking for a playoff run.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The team is hoping to have Ryan Doumit return to the lineup when he is eligible on August 8th, but given that his concussion was serious enough to land him on the DL, you”ll just have to wait and see until then.
San Diego Padres
The usual suspects remain on the DL in San Diego as Kyle Blanks, David Eckstein, and Mike Adams are all expected to return by early to mid-August. The real one to weatch though is Blanks as I think the Padres would consider not being so aggressive in the trade market if they know they’re getting him back for their outfield.
San Francisco Giants
The loss of Jeremy Affeldt could disrupt the Giants pen, but I think they were looking for help there regardless of his injury. Still, Todd Wellemeyer is due back very soon and will likely end up in middle relief anyway. So the only real injury to report is utility guy Eugenio Velez who got nailed in the head with a foul ball while sitting in the dugout. He didn;t have fantasy value to begin with, so this isn’t going to kill anyone’s chances. If anything, it keeps the team from using him to replace the guys you already have starting.
Seattle Mariners
No major injuries to report
St. Louis Cardinals
We’re still waiting for David Freese to return from his ankle injury, but that doesn’t seem likely until early to mid-August. When healthy though, so long as he performs the way he did before he got hurt, he’ll be a solid corner option for you again.
Tampa Bay Rays
B.J. Upton is being considered day to day after rolling his ankle last night, so we’re still waiting on full results. There were rumors swirling that he was going to be dealt, bu tthat might have to be put on hold for now. Personally, I think a change of scenery might do him some good.
Texas Rangers
You’ve got Derek Holland and Rich Harden on rehab assignemnts, so they might be options for your pitching staff towards the middle to end of August, but aside from that, the only other real injury is to Matt Treanor who is on the DL and not eligible to return until the middle of August. Still, with Bengie Molina there now, Treanor’s value is low.
Toronto Blue Jays
No major injuries to report
Washington Nationals
Stephen Strasburg, SP — This is the big one for the Nats and fantasy owners. He was scratched at the last minute yesterday with shoulder inflammation and it is more than likely that the team will shut him down for the remainder of the season. About a month ahead of when I thought they’d shut him down and thos owners that were counting on him fro the stretch run are going to have to look elsewhere. The team has zero need to rush him back.
So that’s where we are today. We’ll se how much of all this is going to affect the trade market, but I’m guessign we’ll still se plenty of movement in the coming days. It shoudl be an interesting week in MLB so you better stay on top of things for fantasy sake!
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