We are over two and a half months into the baseball season and by now GMs can make full evaluations of their fantasy rosters.  Injuries are constantly creeping up and wreaking havoc so you must be aggressive and creative when it comes to building depth and addressing specific needs.  Without any further ado, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

Starling Marte (OF-PIT)

Marte was removed from Wednesday’s game against the Mets after getting in the face by a ball. He was out of the Pirates’ lineup on Thursday and it is not known whether he will return immediately when Pittsburgh begins a series in Chicago over the weekend.  Keep a close eye on this because Marte is a borderline elite outfielder with a .332 batting average and 19 stolen bases thus far.

Gerrit Cole (SP-PIT)

Cole suffered a strain of his right triceps during his last start against St. Louis and was subsequently placed on the disabled list.  An MRI did not reveal any damage which is good news, but it is unknown how long Cole will be out right now.  He is a top-flight starting pitcher despite only winning five games thus far.  His absence and other pitching issues in the Pirates’ rotation have opened up opportunities for rookie phenom Jameson Taillon who should be snatched up if he is still available for some reason.

Yu Darvish (SP-TEX)

Just a few starts into his return from Tommy John surgery, Darvish has landed back on the disabled list with neck and shoulder pain.  An MRI did not reveal any structural damage but the Rangers understandably are being cautious with their ace.  Darvish looked good in his first couple starts but now will be on the shelf for a couple weeks.  You managed the first two months of the season without him so this shouldn’t feel like anything new.

Jonathan Papelbon (RP-WAS)

Papelbon has been placed on the disabled list for the first time in his career as he deals with a right intercostal strain.  This is the kind of injury which could linger beyond two weeks because it can easily be re-aggravated.  Shawn Kelley is likely going to receive the save opportunities but we all know what Dusty Baker can do to bullpens.  Stash Papelbon on your bench or DL and place a bid for Kelley on the waiver wire as a short-term replacement.

Vincent Velasquez (SP-PHI)

Velasquez is on the disabled list with a strain of his right biceps but he has started playing catch and appears to be on the road to recovery.  He has been a pleasant surprise thus far averaging over a strikeout per inning along with a solid 3.65 ERA and 1.26 WHIP.  While it’s reasonable to think he should be back by July, you can expect the Phillies to be very cautious with one of their best young pitchers and not rush him back.

Mark Teixeira (1B-NYY)

Teixeira has been a frequent subject in the injury report over the past few years and 2016 has been no different.  He suffered a cartilage tear in his knee and the thought was that he would be done for the season.  However, he is scheduled to play in some rehab games early next week and is looking to return to the Yankees by next Friday.  Teixeira will rely on injections to help limit the pain, but the fact is that he will be playing injured as long as he can last.  He has been abysmal thus far and there is little reason to think he will elevate his game on a bum knee.

David Wright (3B-NYM)

The Mets captain underwent neck surgery on Thursday and is likely done for the season.  He was diagnosed with a herniated disk but conservative treatments and rest did not alleviate the pain.  The former All-Star has not been fantasy relevant for several years and can be dropped from any rosters he was on.  Wilmer Flores has played well thus far as Wright’s replacement, but he left Thursday’s game against the Pirates with a contusion on his left hand after being hit by a pitch. 

Steven Souza (OF-TB)

Souza injured his hip diving for a ball on Tuesday and was placed on the disabled list.  He received a cortisone injection and is expected to return when he is first eligible.  Souza has displayed solid power with 10 home runs, but his strikeout rate is atrocious and he has not shown much plate discipline thus far in his young career.

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