Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!
This roundup is a biweekly article, published on Mondays and Fridays, where I aim to detail approximately five relevant injuries that have occurred over the past few days, or provide an update on the injury of a prominent MLB player. I will try to incorporate the available information as well as my own knowledge and experience to approximate a return date in each case, noting the individual characteristics of the injuries and of the players themselves.
If you have questions regarding an injury not detailed in this article, feel free to comment below, and I will give my best effort to provide a timely update.
Josh James – Right Arm Injury
Josh James appeared to suffer some sort of arm injury Sunday against Texas. James experienced a noticeable drop in velocity prior to being removed from the game. He will likely undergo an MRI on Monday that should give us an idea of his prognosis. It’s quite possible that his 2019 season is over.
Estimated return: Not likely to return this season.
Brandon Woodruff – Left Oblique Injury
Brandon Woodruff hit the IL with a left oblique strain of an unknown grade. Assuming it is a mild one, Woodruff can be anticipated to return in four to six weeks.
Estimated return: Early September.
Ryan Braun – Back Tightness
Ryan Braun was unavailable Sunday due to back tightness. While this seems minor, Braun has had a history of back-related injuries and may require a few days to return to regular play. Braun is not an option Monday, as he is away from the team anyway. He should return in the latter half of this week.
Estimated return: Return to play late this week.
Jean Segura – Left Heel Injury
Jean Segura has missed a few games recently due to soreness in his left heel. This appears to be minor and just something that is lingering. It doesn’t appear he will require time on the IL at this point.
Estimated return: Continued day-to-day, should not end up in IL stint.
Kevin Kiermaier – Left Thumb Sprain
Kevin Kiermaier sprained his left thumb after jamming it on a base. The Rays have stated that his thumb UCL is still intact, and surgery will not be required. Kiermaier hopes to return in approximately two weeks, which is optimistic but possible. A return in mid-August would be more likely.
Estimated return: Early to mid-August.
If there is a player on whom you would like information who I have not detailed in this article, please comment below, and I will reply as I am able.
Featured image by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)
What are your thoughts on a timetable for Andrew Heaney?
Heaney Likely won’t throw for 2 weeks and then will be re-evaluated. There is a chance that he is held from throwing for another 2 weeks following that re-assessment. It will take him approximately 3-4 weeks of throwing to regain strength/form before return to play. There is a chance he returns in late August or early September but monitor his progress and use that rough timetable.
Don’t forget Shaun Kelley..
MRI came back clean, so it just appears to be some biceps soreness/tightness. Likely not out for much more than the minimum. May need a rehab assignment if he is held from throwing for a week.
I need to drop either La Stella, Haniger, Carrasco, Jiminez, or Woodruff. I only have 3 DL spots. Who do you recommend?
I’m in third place comfortably, mostly due to pitching. Ryu, Giolito, Bieber, Gray, and Musgrove are my only SP going forward. (12 team 5×5 H2H)
Carrasco may not return this year. His focus is rightfully on his long-term health.
If you want to hold onto Cookie, Woodruff is likely out for the longest period among the remaining players.
Can we assume Stanton will not be a factor the remainder of the fantasy season/playoffs? Can he be cut in redraft leagues? Enough is enough. Jeter took Cashman to school on that one, huh?
While I’m not sure I agree with the final point, it is looking increasingly likely that Stanton won’t be available for fantasy playoffs. I would wait another week or two for some forward progress and then drop if no news and the roster spot is needed.
Any update on Pablo Lopez?
Roughly 3 weeks away if he continues on his current path and avoids set-backs.
I’ve got a competitive 12 team league that made the mistake of adding IP as a weekly category, leading to a heavy streaming world and premium on roster spots. This has also led to Severino, Carrasco, Woodruff, Weaver, Glasnow, Hill, & Peacock all on waivers. I’ve got a playoff spot locked up (still fighting for bye), and wondering which of these guys might be beneficial to stash now for a playoff run. Any priority you’d give them for likely (SP) contributions in the stretch run? I understand this is an impossible ask!
That is a tough one. While none of these guys are a sure thing I would put Hill a bit before Severino followed by Peacock. The rest are a bit of a longer shot to make a large contribution.