**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 21ST
MATT ADAMS, 1B, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Adams is out with a 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 additional playing time at 1B. Unless you have him in a keeper league, we would advise you to drop Adams from your roster if you have not already done so.
JOSE ALTUVE, 2B, HOUSTON ASTROS
The Injury: Altuve is day-to-day with a right hamstring sprain.
What It Means: Altuve had to leave Wednesday’s game due to this injury. It appears that the Astros are taking more precaution with this injury going forward. However, it has not yet been indicated whether or not this injury will require a trip to the DL.
NORI AOKI, OF, SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
The Injury: Suffering from a lower leg contusion, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: Aoki is doubtful for today’s game after getting hit by a pitch on Saturday. Justin Maxwell filled in for Aoki and will more than likely get the start today as well if Aoki sits. This looks like it will not need a DL stint but stay tuned.
ADRIAN BELTRE, 3B, TEXAS RANGERS
The Injury: Beltre is on the 15-day DL with a left thumb laceration and could be back in July.
What It Means: The good news is that Beltre has gotten the stitches out of his thumb. The bad news is that he has not progressed enough to the point of being able to grip a bat. Currently, there is no explicit timetable for his return.
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: Cain has already made his first rehab start. Currently, there is no timetable for his return but it appears that he will be making at least two more rehab starts before returning.
PATRICK CORBIN, SP, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The Injury: Corbin is recovering from Tommy John surgery and could be back in June.
What It Means: Corbin is currently working through his rehab assignment and pitched 4 2/3 innings in his latest start. The indicators are that he is closer to returning. However, his rehab assignment progress will need to be monitored carefully.
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.
TRAVIS D’ARNAUD, C, NEW YORK METS
The Injury: Suffering from a hyper-extended elbow, he is currently day-to-day
What It Means: d’Arnaud went for a tag at home after receiving the throw and felt a jolt in his arm which initially looked to be severe, but x-rays have come back negative. Skipper Terry Collins has stated that he can be used in an emergency situation today if needed.
DELINO DESHIELDS, OF, TEXAS RANGERS
The Injury: Deshields was placed on the 15-day DL with a left hamstring sprain.
What It Means: DeShields is the latest Rangers outfielder to find himself on the DL. This opens up additional playing time for Joey Gallo and the Rangers also called up Rougned Odor to replace DeShields on the active roster.
COREY DICKERSON, OF, COLORADO ROCKIES
The Injury: Dickerson is on the DL with Planter fasciitis in his left foot.
What It Means: Dickerson attempted to play through this injury. However, the pain in his foot was too much for him to play at 100%. Currently, there is no timetable for his return.
SEAN DOLITTLE, RP, OAKLAND ATHLETICS
The Injury: Doolittle is currently out with a Left shoulder strain and has been transferred to the 60-day DL.
What It Means: This change on Doolittle’s status was done with the purpose of giving his spot on the 40-man roster to A.J. Griffin. It also indicates that the Athletics indicate that the recovery process for Doolittle is nowhere close to being complete. If you have not already dropped Doolittle from your roster, now would be the time to do so.
JACOBY ELLSBURY, OF, NEW YORK YANKEES
The Injury: Ellsbury is on the 15-day DL with a right knee sprain.
What It Means: If you have Ellsbury in one of your leagues, the news coming out of this week is not good. It has been indicated that his recovery has been going slower than expected and the initial goal of him being back by June 30 is unlikely to occur.
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 had a very impressive rehab start where he struck out 10 batters. Currently, he is scheduled to make two more rehab starts (June 22 & June 27).
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: Feliz has been in Triple-A for his rehab assignment. However, there are no direct indications on when he will return to the Rangers. Since Feliz would not have the closer role upon his return, the only way he would have value going forward is if he gets traded to a team that has an opening in the closer role.
FREDDIE FREEMAN, 1B, ATLANTA BRAVES
The Injury: Freeman is day-to-day with a right wrist sprain
What It Means: Freeman had spent most of the week trying to play through this injury. However, he was out for Thursday’s game against the Red Sox. At this point, there is no indication that this will land him on the DL.
CARLOS GOMEZ, OF, MILWAUKEE BREWERS
The Injury: Gomez is day-to-day with right leg soreness.
What It Means: Gomez has missed playing time due to this injury over the last week. It is possible that this injury could eventually lead to a stint on the 15-Day DL.
MIGUEL GONZALEZ, SP, BALTIMORE ORIOLES
The Injury: Gonzalez is on the 15-day DL with a right groin strain.
What It Means: Gonzalez has no set timetable for returning from this injury. However, groin strain injuries do have a tendency to be some of the shortest-term DL injuries.
COLE HAMELS, SP, PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
The Injury: Hamels is currently out due to a right hamstring sprain.
What It Means: At a minimum, this will cost Hamels one start. However, it does not appear that this will likely land him on the DL.
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: Hamilton has made some progress in his recovery. He swung off a tee and has thrown some light tosses. However, he will still not be ready to return for the coming week.
MATT HOLLIDAY, OF, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Holliday is on the 15-day DL with a right quad strain.
What It Means: Currently, there is not much of an indication of how much time this injury will cost Holliday. For the time being, we would recommend stashing him on your roster until there is more clarification on the extent of this injury.
ENDER INCIARTE, OF, ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
The Injury: Inciarte is on the 15-day DL with a right hamstring sprain.
What It Means: While the Diamondbacks were originally hoping that this would only be a day-to-day issue, they decided to play it safer and place Inciarte on the DL. To replace his spot on the roster, they called up Danny Dorn who earned his call-up by hitting .426 in Triple-A.
HISASHI IWAKUMA, SP, SEATTLE MARINERS
The Injury: Iwakuma is out with a right lat-strain.
What It Means: Iwakuma has been making progress towards his return. The past week has seen him throwing in a simulated game and that gets him back on track to begin his rehab assignment.
LANCE LYNN, SP, ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
The Injury: Lynn is currently on the 15-day DL with a right forearm strain.
What It Means: Lynn is the latest Cardinals player to get hit with the injury bug. The current best-case scenario is that he will only miss two starts. However, this scenario does not appear to be set in stone at this point.
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 has begun his rehab assignment and drove in a run in his first appearance. It appears that the Tigers are playing it safe with the rehab assignment and do not appear rushed to get him back to the team.
DEVIN MESORACO, C, CINCINNATI REDS
The Injury: Mesoraco is on the DL with a left hip impingement.
What It Means: It’s finally official, Mesoraco will be under the knife on June 29th to have hip surgery. This news means that Mesoraco will not be available the rest of the season so re-draft leagues can go ahead and drop him if you have not already done so.
ANDREW MILLER, RP, NEW YORK YANKEES
The Injury: Miller is on the 15-day DL with a strained left forearm.
What It Means: It still looks like it will be a while before Miller returns. It appears that he is about 7-10 days away from even attempting to throw.
MATT MOORE, SP, TAMPA BAY RAYS
The Injury: Moore is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
What It Means: Barring any setbacks, it is very possible that Moore could make his return before the end of June.
JUSTIN MORNEAU, 1B, COLORADO ROCKIES
The Injury: Morneau is on the 15-day DL with concussion symptoms.
What It Means: Morneau has made very little progress in his recovery and still has concussion like symptoms. While there is optimism that Morneau will return this season, it appears that he is not close to returning to action.
DANIEL MURPHY, 2B, NEW YORK METS
The Injury: Murphy is on the 15-day DL with a left quad strain.
What It Means: Murphy’s return from injury has been pushed back a few days. It now appears that he will be re-activated on Tuesday.
WIL MYERS, OF, SAN DIEGO PADRES
The Injury: Myers is on the 15-day DL with left wrist tendinitis.
What It Means: Just days after being reactivated, Myers finds himself back on the DL. While there is a possibility that he will eventually need surgery to address this issue, it is still uncertain whether that will occur soon or during the off-season.
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 has been playing catch and is scheduled to throw off a mound on Monday. Oblique stains can be tricky so keep an eye any discomfort he may feel after the bullpen session. A return in early July is still the goal. 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: Paxton’s finger has not been healing as fast the Mariners hoped and he was shut down from doing any throwing this past week. He will be re-evaluated this week and is still looking to return in mid-July. Mike Montgomery was called up to take the vacant rotation spot. 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 on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Pence was placed on the DL and his arm has been in a stint the past week. No timetable on his return but skipper Bruce Bochy suggested it could be after the All-Star break. Gregor Blanco, who returned from the 7-day DL after a concussion, will man RF until Pence returns. He could be a good fill in for you as he is slashing .286/.358/.429 on the year.
MARTIN PRADO, 3B, MIAMI MARLINS
The Injury: Suffering from a shoulder sprain, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Prado suffered the injury last Sunday and was originally expected to miss just a few games, but it was serious enough to shut him down for a couple weeks. X-rays were negative so he should be able to return when eligible. Jhonatan Solano was called up from Triple-A New Orleans but he has no fantasy value in any league.
AARON SANCHEZ, SP, TORONTO BLUE JAYS
The Injury: Suffering from a strained lat, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Sanchez has not done any throwing since being placed on the DL, but skipper John Gibbons is not worried and is confident Sanchez will be good to go once eligible to return. Lat injuries can turn ugly so he will have to be careful if he doesn’t want to risk aggravating the injury. Scott Copeland got the start last Tuesday and will get another start today. Copeland is a high ground ball/low strikeout pitcher.
PABLO SANDOVAL, 3B, BOSTON RED SOX
The Injury: Suffering from a sprained ankle, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: The injury happened to Sandoval as he was attempting a throw to first base during yesterday’s contest. He left the stadium in a walking boot so depending on how severe the injury is, he could be looking at a trip to the DL. Travis Shaw filled in for Sandoval and could be looking at more playing time if Sandoval sits out.
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 suffered a bit of a setback earlier in the week, but took BP on Friday for the first time since hitting the DL. A rehab assignment should be due in a few days if there is no discomfort reported. If not, we could see Soler back in the line-up by this coming weekend.
STEPHEN STRASBURG, SP, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Suffering from neck tightness, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Strasburg had a successful rehab start on Wednesday. He also had a bullpen session yesterday and if he reports no discomfort, will slot back into the starting rotation this week. That will kick Joe Ross out of the rotation and probably back down to Triple-A which has got to sting a bit for him, considering he struck out 11 over 7.1 innings on Friday and has looked really good his first few starts.
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 played in his sixth rehab game yesterday and looks to be on track to possibly return sometime this week, barring any setbacks. Travis will bring more boom to an already dynamite Blue Jays offense, as he has been sensational as a rookie slashing .271/.336/.504 with 7 HR through 146 PA.
YORDANO VENTURA, SP, KANSAS CITY ROYALS
The Injury: Suffering from nerve irritation in his right hand, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Ventura was placed on the DL on Thursday but threw a bullpen session yesterday, suggesting the injury is not too serious if there was no discomfort reported. Danny Duffy will return from the DL on Wednesday and will fill out the rest of the 5-man rotation.
NEIL WALKER, 2B, PITTSBURGH PIRATES
The Injury: Suffering from a stomach bug, he is currently day-to-day.
What It Means: Walker has missed the last four games and was not used as a pinch hitter yesterday, suggesting he is still not well enough to play. Josh Harrison has been starting in his place while Jung-Ho Kang has been starting at third.
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: General Manager Sandy Alderson has stated that he is looking at the All-Star break as a possible return date. Wright has been working with back specialists the last few weeks and this statement suggests positive progress for Wright who hasn’t played in a game since mid-April. Re-draft leagues who have open DL spots can stash Wright if he’s on the waiver wire but shallow rosters can find better value.
RYAN ZIMMERMAN, 1B, WASHINGTON NATIONALS
The Injury: Suffering from plantar fasciitis, he is currently on the 15-day DL.
What It Means: Zimmerman has just been resting since hitting the DL to try and let his foot heal. There is no timetable for his return but Corey Dickerson is dealing with the same injury and he just landed on the DL for the second time after missing almost a month. Stash Zimm if you have space but expect to wait some time, as the Nationals will not want to rush and risk further aggravating the injury.
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