We are now less than a week away from Opening Day and fantasy baseball draft season is quickly coming to an end. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be any less stress or angst because several valuable players are nicked up just enough to cast some doubt as to their status for Opening Day. So without further adieu, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.
Corey Dickerson (OF-COL)
Dickerson has become a fantasy darling in a short amount of time, so GM’s are understandably concerned about the tightness in his back that he has been experiencing. Dickerson was scheduled to play on Tuesday, but he was scratched after not making enough progress over the weekend. At this point there does not appear to be concern about his status for Opening Day, but if he fails to show enough improvement later in the week then his season debut could be delayed.
Devin Mesoraco (C-CIN)
Mesoraco has been dealing with some tightness in his left quadriceps since the weekend but may return to the lineup sooner than later. Quad injuries are tough on any player, but especially catchers. Mesoraco emerged as one of the top fantasy catchers in the league after breaking out with 25 home runs and 80 RBI in 2014. Catchers are always more susceptible to injuries and typically miss their fair share of games, but Mesoraco is worth the decreased at bats because of the power and run production he can provide to go along with a respectable batting average. He should be fine for Opening Day.
Justin Verlander (SP-DET)
There is no doubt that Verlander’s fantasy value has plummeted over the past two years, and his recent triceps injury hasn’t done anything to remedy that. The Tigers haven’t committed themselves yet to pitching Verlander in another game during spring training, so it is very possible he begins the season on the disabled list. He is nothing more than a late round gamble at this point, so any production out of him would be a bonus. Take a chance on him later in drafts if you have flexibility with your roster spots.
Daniel Murphy (2B-NYM)
Murphy’s status for Opening Day is questionable at best right now as he continues trying to work his way back from a hamstring injury. He has gotten some at bats in minor league games but hasn’t run the bases yet at full strength. The Mets will likely be conservative with Murphy so expect him to begin the season on the disabled list and miss at least the first week of the season.
Ken Giles (RP-PHI)
The Phillies’ heir apparent to the closer role was taken out of Tuesday’s game with discomfort in his lower back. Right now the injury is not considered serious and he is expected to be ready for Opening Day next week. Giles had a solid rookie season and is expected to emerge as Philadelphia’s closer when or if they are able to trade Jonathan Papelbon.
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),