It was a disastrous weekend for fantasy GM’s who sustained injuries to several big names.  This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but it doesn’t lessen the severity of the circumstances when it actually happens.  Now is the time to be creative with your roster management to overcome the losses and adversity.  So without further adieu, here is the next installment of the walking wounded.

Adam Wainwright (SP-STL)

Fantasy GM’s who drafted Adam Wainwright will be submitting petitions to incorporate the designated hitter in the National League.  Wainwright sustained an Achilles injury while running the bases this weekend and is now likely done for the season.  This is clearly a devastating loss for the Cardinals and fantasy owners who need to be creative in replacing that production. 


Max Scherzer (SP-WAS)

It seems like most pitchers who sign enormous free agent contracts don’t live up to expectations either through poor performance or injuries.  Max Scherzer has been spectacular thus far in a Nationals uniform despite poor defense and run support behind him.  But he is now another proponent of requiring the DH throughout baseball as he has swelling in his thumb and is unlikely going to make his next scheduled start.  Tanner Roark would be his replacement, but the question is how many replacement starts will he need to make?  You should plan on being without Scherzer this week at the very least.

Yasiel Puig (OF-LAD)

Puig has been dealing with a hamstring injury for a few weeks and re-aggravated it this past weekend running out a groundball.  The Dodgers have placed him on the DL so hopefully he will have sufficient time and rest to allow the injury to heal.  Look for Andre Ethier to see regular playing time in Puig’s absence.

Jacoby Ellsbury (OF-NYY)

Ellsbury was held out of Sunday night’s game against the Mets with a hip injury.  However, he is expected back in the lineup on Monday so this does not appear to be problematic.  Check in again on Monday for a status update, but for now assume he will be playing.

Jason Heyward (OF-STL)

Heyward is considered day to day with a groin injury he suffered on Sunday while running to catch a fly ball.  The injury doesn’t appear serious at this point, but it would not be surprising if he is given a day or two off to be sure.

 

Corey Dickerson (OF-COL)

Rockies outfielder Corey Dickerson was removed from Saturday’s game with a foot injury.  He has had plantar fasciitis so this isn’t anything new, but Dickerson hasn’t missed any time thus far.  The Rockies were rained out on Sunday so we don’t know what his status would have been.  Check in for an update on Monday before lineups lock.  He’s a must-start if he is playing, but foot injuries can be tricky.

Christian Yelich (OF-MIA)

Marlins outfielder Christian Yelich is on the DL with a back injury and may not be back when he is eligible to return.  Yelich has been dealing with this injury for awhile now so it made sense that the Marlins shut him down.  The concern will be whether this injury has any lingering effects on him when he returns because Yelich is a solid source for stolen bases and batting average.

Ben Zobrist (SS/OF-OAK)

Zobrist has been dealing with a balky knee for quite some time and has now officially been shut down and will undergo arthroscopic surgery.  He will miss at least four to six weeks which is a tough blow to fantasy GM’s who love drafting Zobrist for his eligibility at multiple positions.  He is worth stashing if you have the roster flexibility.  Look for Eric Sogard to get additional playing time if you are desperate for a middle infield replacement.

Jake Peavy (SP-SF)

Peavy has been an unmitigated disaster thus far which has done nothing to remedy his status as fantasy irrelevant.  He was placed on the DL with a back injury which will keep him sidelined at least through the middle of May.  He should not be on your roster unless you are in deep league with lots of available DL slots.

Brandon McCarthy (SP-LAD)

McCarthy will most certainly be placed on the DL with an elbow injury that appears to be tendinitis right now.  However, he is scheduled to undergo an MRI which will let us know whether it is more severe than that.  Either way, plan on being without him for awhile.  Feel free to cut him loose if you are limited in your bench or DL slots.

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),