For once the injury report is not breaking any catastrophic or devastating injuries have taken place.  Players tend to get banged up and sore during spring training, so it is to be expected that some of them will miss time out of precaution.  You as a GM need to make sure you don’t underestimate or overestimate the significance of these occurrences.  But you need to take them into consideration when deciding where to draft certain players who may present a slightly elevated risk.  So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

Michael Brantley (OF-CLE)

Brantley emerged as one of the top fantasy outfielders in 2014 with production in all five standard roto categories.  The days of drafting him as your third outfielder are long gone.  He is currently sidelined with some tightness in his back, but there does not appear to be any concern now for his status on Opening Day.  Unless something drastic changes, do not hesitate to take him in the second or third round if still available.

Alex Cobb (SP-TB)

Recent reports indicate that Cobb could begin throwing again soon and that he checked out well with team doctors.  That being said, there is still a lot of inherent risk with Cobb who is sidelined with tendinitis in his right forearm.  He will likely begin the season on the disabled list, but there is no exact time frame for when he will be back.  Draft at your own risk, but make sure he is not one of the anchors of your pitching staff.

Justin Verlander (SP-DET)

Kate Upton’s boyfriend was removed from his last spring training start with cramps in his right triceps.  The Tigers and Verlander don’t seem overly concerned right now, and he expects to make his next start.  Verlander’s value has plummeted the past couple seasons, but he could have been a sleeper for a potential rebound.  Any type of injury would only further devalue him, so keep him in your queue as a mid to late teen round option once your primary pitching slots have been filled.

Mike Fiers (SP-MIL)

Fiers had a breakout season last year despite only pitching just over 70 innings.  Expectations have been raised for him, but he was dealing with some weakness in his throwing shoulder which cost him his last start.  Fiers returned earlier this week and appeared to be fine, but the shoulder issue could be something to keep your eye on.  Don’t overpay for him, but also don’t let him slip too far if you are looking for a starter with upside.

Daniel Murphy (2B-NYM)

Murphy is currently out with a hamstring injury and is likely going to begin the season on the disabled list.  He is showing some signs of improvement, but there is not going to be enough time to get him ready for Opening Day.  Murphy may miss up to a week of the regular season if the Mets end up back-dating his injury, so his draft value should not take too much of a hit.  He is a solid option for batting average and some stolen bases, but don’t expect much power or run production.

Brett Cecil (RP-TOR)

I have spoken about Cecil at length on the Fantasy Alarm Podcast because I have drafted him as my third closer in several leagues.  He finally made his debut in spring training this week after recovering from a shoulder injury.  Cecil will be Toronto’s closer and should begin this job on Opening Day assuming he has no setbacks.  Because he does not have a lot of experience closing games and may not be given a long leash, you should only draft him if you have other reliable options for saves.

Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),