**These reports are prepared by Ryan Dumouchel and Jose Maldonado.
Welcome to the Last Word On Sports 2015 Weekly Baseball Injury Report. This will be a series of reports updated every week to give you the insight and advantage you need to make any necessary changes to your fantasy lineup. It can be tough trying to decipher whether a particular injury is serious enough to keep a player off the field for an extended amount of time and we here at LWOS want to provide you with the best up-to-date information available. We will also provide analysis and, at times, bench and Minor League player recommendations that will gain more playing time because of an injury. Be smart and don’t let the injury bug ruin your team and your chance for a Fantasy Baseball Championship.
LWOS BASEBALL INJURY REPORT WEEK OF JUNE 14TH
MATT ADAMS, 1B, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Adams is out with the strained right quad and could possibly be back by late September.
What It Means: Adams officially had surgery for his quad and there is a chance that he may not be back until next season. For the time being, the Cardinals will be giving Mark Reynolds playing time at 1B. While Reynolds is hitting .254 this season, his BABIP is also well above his career total. Adams could technically return before the end of the season, but there is a reasonable chance his season is already over.
JOSE ALTUVE, 2B, HOUSTON ASTROS
The Injury: Suffering from a right hamstring strain, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: Altuve suffered the injury on Friday against the Mariners and was pulled from the game. He sat out of Saturday’s contest and will also sit out Sunday as well. Marwin Gonzalez got the start at 2B on Saturday and will more than likely get the start Sunday as well.
ADRIAN BELTRE, 3B, TEXAS RANGERS
The Injury: Beltre is on the 15-day DL with a left thumb laceration and could be back this month.
What It Means: One thing that sticks out as a concern regarding Beltre is that he is not pleased with the pace of how quickly this injury is healing. However, there has been no official word that there has been an actual setback in his recovery.
ARCHIE BRADLEY, SP, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The Injury: Bradley is on the 15-day DL with right shoulder tendinitis.
What It Means: This is Bradley’s second trip to the DL this season. It is still uncertain how much time he is expected to miss. Robbie Ray was called up to take his roster spot/spot on the rotation. Ray had pitched well in the minors as he had a 3.67 ERA/3.10 FIP and 12.31 K/9 in 9 AAA starts. He also pitched well in his first two starts for the Diamondbacks.
MATT CAIN, SP, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The Injury: Cain is currently on the 15-day DL with a Right flexor tendon strain.
What It Means: There is good news on Cain as he made a step towards his return by starting his rehab assignment. The progress of his rehab assignment needs to be carefully monitored in case there are any additional setbacks.
PATRICK CORBIN, SP, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The Injury: Corbin is recovering from Tommy John surgery and could be back in June.
What It Means: Corbin has completed his extended spring training stint and has started his rehab assignment.
ZACK COZART, SS, CINCINNATI REDS
The Injury: Cozart is out for the season with torn ligaments in his right knee.
What It Means: This injury will require Cozart to have surgery and has ended what was looking to be a bounce-back season.
SEAN DOLITTLE, RP, OAKLAND ATHLETICS
The Injury: Doolittle was placed on the 15-day DL with a left shoulder strain.
What It Means: While Doolittle could be back this month, it appears that his return is still a ways off. With the Athletics stumbling out of contention, it doesn’t make sense for them to rush Doolittle back to action. For the time being, Tyler Clippard will continue to be in as closer.
JACOBY ELLSBURY, OF, NEW YORK YANKEES
The Injury: Ellsbury is on the 15-day DL with a right knee sprain and could possibly be back by late June.
What It Means: Ellsbury has been making progress in his injury recovery but is still not ready to return to action. The plan is for him to train in Florida for some time before beginning his rehab assignment.
JOSE FERNANDEZ, SP, MIAMI MARLINS
The Injury: Fernandez is currently recovering from Tommy John surgery and could possibly be back by early July.
What It Means: Fernandez has begun his rehab assignment. While he did give up some runs in the process, he did indicate that he was feeling good after his first rehab start.
NETFALI FELIZ, RP, TEXAS RANGERS
The Injury: Feliz is currently on the 15-day DL with an axillary abscess on his right side.
What It Means: Even though Feliz has started his rehab assignment, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be back to action soon. The indications are that they may keep him in the minors for a little bit longer than most rehab assignments. Even when he returns, he is unlikely to provide much fantasy value as he was already removed from the closer role prior to getting injured.
DOUG FISTER, SP, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Fister is on the 15-day DL with a right flexor strain and could possibly be back during the first half of June.
What It Means: Fister has started his rehab assignment but didn’t look back to form in his first rehab start. However, there were no signs of a setback during the start and he appears to be getting closer to returning to action. It appears that he will require at least another rehab start before returning.
DAVID FREESE, 3B, LOS ANGELES ANGELS
The Injury: Freese is day-to-day with right hamstring tightness.
What It Means: Freese left Tuesday’s game with this injury and has been out of action for a couple days. So far, there are no indications that this will lead to a stint on the DL.
CARLOS GOMEZ, OF, MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Injury: Gomez is day-to-day with leg soreness.
What It Means: This injury has caused Gomez to be out of the starting lineup over the last couple of days. Currently, it does not appear that this injury will land him on the DL.
MIGUEL GONZALEZ, SP, BALTIMORE ORIOLES
The Injury: Gonzalez is on the 15-day DL with a right groin strain.
What It Means: Currently, there isn’t a specific timetable for when Gonzalez would return. Mike Wright was called up to take his roster spot and may possibly make a spot start. Depending on how long the injury lasts; Kevin Gausman may possibly fill this rotation spot depending on when he returns from his injury.
BILLY HAMILTON, OF, CINCINNATI REDS
The Injury: Hamilton is day-to-day with left wrist soreness.
What It Means: This injury has cost him a few games so far and Hamilton is currently considered day-to-day.
JOSH HAMILTON, OF, TEXAS RANGERS
The Injury: Hamilton was placed on the DL with a strained right hamstring and could possibly be back in July.
What It Means: The early indications are that this injury could cost Hamilton a few more weeks. This injury is likely to result in an increase in playing time for Delino DeShields.
MATT HOLLIDAY, OF, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Holliday is on the 15-day DL with a right quad strain.
What It Means: In addition to being out of the lineup, one thing that is currently unknown is how much time Holliday will need to miss beyond the required 15 days.
TORII HUNTER, OF, MINNESOTA TWINS
The Injury: No injury, just suspended for two games.
What It Means: Hunter has dropped his appeal and will serve his two game suspension for his embarrassing tirade against the umpires earlier in the week. He should be back in the lineup by Monday.
HISASHI IWAKUMA, SP, SEATTLE MARINERS
The Injury: Iwakuma is out with a right lat strain.
What It Means: Iwakuma has been making progress towards returning. He has started throwing bullpen sessions and is on track to start his rehab assignment.
MAT LATOS, SP, MIAMI MARLINS
The Injury: Latos is on the 15-day DL with left knee inflammation.
What It Means: Latos is on track to return from the DL, and is tentatively scheduled to start against the Rockies this weekend.
LANCE LYNN, SP, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Lynn is currently out with right forearm tightness.
What It Means: Lynn is currently in St. Louis to get some tests on his right forearm. The results of these tests will give us a better picture of how much time this injury is expected to cost him.
VICTOR MARTINEZ, 1B, DETROIT TIGERS
The Injury: Martinez is on the 15-day DL with left knee inflammation and could be back this month.
What It Means: Martinez continues to make progress in his return from injury. The good news is that he has resumed taking batting practice. However, there is still no timetable for his expected return.
DEVIN MESORACO, C, CINCINNATI REDS
The Injury: Mesoraco is on the DL with a left hip impingement.
What It Means: Currently, Mesoraco is on a rehab assignment to help recover from his injury and to get him acclimated to playing in the outfield.
ANDREW MILLER, RP, NEW YORK YANKEES
The Injury: Miller is on the 15-day DL with a strained left forearm.
What It Means: Miller’s dominant season has been placed on hold for the time being. For the duration of his injury, this should lead to additional save opportunities for Dellin Betances.
MATT MOORE, SP, TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Injury: Moore is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
What It Means: The reports indicate that Moore is very close to returning. His progress is going along well however he will need at least a couple more rehab starts before returning to action.
JUSTIN MORNEAU, 1B, COLORADO ROCKIES
The Injury: Morneau is on the 15-day DL with concussion symptoms.
What It Means: This issue continues to linger for Morneau. Currently, there is no timetable for when he is expected to return.
BRANDON MORROW, SP, SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Injury: Morrow is on the 15-day DL with right shoulder inflammation.
What It Means: Morrow had a setback during his rehab assignment and will be shut down for the next two weeks.
DANIEL MURPHY, 2B, NEW YORK METS
The Injury: Murphy is on the 15-day DL with a left quad strain.
What It Means: Currently, there is no established timetable for Murphy to return to action. With Murphy sidelined, this will likely give Eric Campbell and Ruben Tejada increased playing time while Murphy is out.
JAKE ODORIZZI, SP, TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Injury: Suffering from a strained left oblique, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Odorizzi labeled the injury as “mild to moderate” so it seems he should be able to return when his 15 days are up. However, oblique stains can be tricky so keep an eye on his progress. The Rays recalled Andrew Bellatti to take his spot on the 25-man roster but he was placed on the 15-day DL as well.
JAMES PAXTON, P, SEATTLE MARINERS
The Injury: Suffering from a strained tendon in his middle finger of his left hand. He is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: No speedy recovery here as Paxton will be shut down from any throwing for two weeks. After that he will be re-evaluated but we are looking at a month minimum until he returns to the rotation. Mike Montgomery will continue to start in Paxton’s place and if he continues to pitch well when Paxton is activated, he may very well find himself on the Mariners 25-man roster permanently.
HUNTER PENCE, OF, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The Injury: Suffering from left wrist tendinitis, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: Pence is back on the DL for the second time this year with a bone callous on his forearm, which is related to the broken arm he suffered in Spring Training. He will be inactive for a few days to rest before doing any light baseball activities. Gregor Blanco will man RF until Pence returns. He could be a decent fill in for deep leagues as he is slashing .278/.354/.426 on the year.
PABLO SANDOVAL, 3B, BOSTON RED SOX
The Injury: Suffering from left quad tightness, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: Sandoval left Saturday’s contest with the injury but as of now it does not seem serious. He could possibly sit out Sunday to avoid aggravating the hammy or he could wake up feeling great and get the start. Keep an eye on his status tomorrow.
JORGE SOLER, OF, CHICAGO CUBS
The Injury: Suffering from a sprained left ankle, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Soler is out of his walking boot and should be heading out to a short rehab assignment soon. His 15 days are up on the 18th, but it looks like he might miss that by a few days. Junior Lake has started every game in Soler’s place and is an interesting look for deep leagues, as he possesses legitimate speed and power.
DREW SMYLY, P, TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Injury: Suffering from a torn labrum in his shoulder. He is currently on the 60-day DL.
What It Means: Smyly played catch for the first time on Saturday since being placed on the DL with the injured shoulder. It’s going to take him at least 6-8 weeks to rest and rehab the shoulder before returning so late-July or early August is the likely time for his return. Until then, there’s going to be more opportunities for Nate Karns and Alex Colome to impress the Rays’ front office. Matt Moore is getting closer to a return from the 60-day DL as well.
STEPHEN STRASBURG, P, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Suffering from neck tightness. He is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Strasburg threw his second bullpen session since hitting the DL on Friday. He threw 60 pitches and reported no discomfort. Strasburg has been working on his mechanics with his pitching coach. Strasburg has been unlucky (3.76 xFIP) but players will sometimes change their mechanics to deal with an injury and that tends to lead to poor results. Tanner Roark is already filing in for the injured Doug Fister. Taylor Hill was called up from AAA to take Strasburg’s spot on the 25-man roster, and will probably spot start whenever the Nationals need a fifth starter.
DEVON TRAVIS, 2B, TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The Injury: Suffering from left shoulder inflammation, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Travis should be heading out to a rehab assignment this week but be patient, as he may need some time before getting activated. Shoulder injuries can linger and the Blue Jays are going to be cautious. Travis has been sensational as a rookie slashing .271/.336/.504 with 7 HR through 146 PA.
YORDANO VENTURA, SP, KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Injury: MRI revealed fluid in his right ulnar nerve, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: KC can breathe a little easier as the numbness Ventura felt in his hand is just some fluid build-up in his elbow (sounds bad but it’s easily treatable without surgery). Ventura will have a bullpen session on Monday to test the elbow but as of now he is still scheduled for his next start. Ventura has a rough 4.68 ERA but his 3.75 xFIP shows some light at the end of the tunnel. Standard 10 team leagues may be able to fine better options on the waiver wire though.
JAYSON WERTH, OF, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Suffering from a broken wrist, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: The injury has become more serious for Werth and his owners, as a recent CT scan showed two small fractures in his wrist. The arm will be immobilized for approximately four weeks and if all is healed, Werth will head out on a rehab assignment. A return by the All-Star break is not out of the question. Michael Taylor and Clint Robinson will share duties in LF until Werth returns. Taylor is worth a look in deep leagues, as he has decent power and good speed.
DAVID WRIGHT, 3B, NEW YORK METS
The Injury: Suffering from spinal stenosis. He is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: As you can probably guess there is no new update on Wright as he is still shut down indefinitely with the spine condition. Dilson Herrera fractured his finger and is on the DL so Eric Campbell was recalled from AAA and will slot in at 3B while David Murphy heads back to 2B. Campbell has flashed some good power in the Minor Leagues but it has yet to really blossom in the in New York.
RYAN ZIMMERMAN, 1B, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Suffering from plantar fasciitis, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Zimmerman will be shut down for two weeks (possibly more) as he deals with the injury. Corey Dickerson is also dealing with the same injury and it took him a month to get back. Zimmerman is having the worst season of his career and the foot is definitely affecting his ability. The Nationals recalled Matt den Dekker from Triple-A Syracuse to take Zimmerman’s spot on the 25-man roster. Unfortunately den Dekker he does not have much fantasy value.
Main Photo
