We are in the home stretch of the fantasy baseball season as the H2H playoffs are right around the corner.  Injuries affect fantasy GMs throughout the season, but they are magnified even more right now.  Even players who are missing just a few days could have a huge impact on the standings so it is even more critical now to monitor every situation on a daily basis.  Without further ado, here is the next edition of the walking wounded.

Jose Fernandez (SP-MIA)

Marlins ace Jose Fernandez gave fantasy GMs quite a scare when he limped off the field grabbing his calf on Wednesday against Kansas City.  But everyone can breathe a sigh of relief because it was just cramps so Fernandez will be just fine for his next scheduled start.  He has been elite all season with over 200 strikeouts and has proven to be fully recovered from Tommy John surgery.  You can rely on him down the stretch towards your league’s playoffs.

Stephen Strasburg (SP-WAS)

Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg has been lit up like a Christmas tree over his last three starts and has now landed on the disabled list with an elbow injury.  The Nationals seem confident that there is no structural damage so an MRI is forthcoming.  This is a significant concern because Strasburg underwent Tommy John surgery a few years ago so there are major red flags with this.  We also know the Nationals have not hesitated to shut Strasburg down during a pennant race so it is highly likely they will be overly cautious with their expensive investment.

Nelson Cruz (OF-SEA)

Cruz was removed from Wednesday’s game against the Yankees with back spasms.  The slugger has once again been of the best power hitters in baseball with 32 home runs and 78 RBI so any extended absence would be costly for fantasy GMs.  The Mariners are just being cautious so Cruz should not miss much time, if at all.  He will be an important player for fantasy owners as they make a push for the playoffs.

Jay Bruce (OF-NYM)

Speaking of calf cramps, Jay Bruce also left Wednesday’s game against St. Louis for the same reason as Fernandez.  His right calf cramped up when he was running out a double but all indications are that he will be fine.  Bruce has struggled mightily since being acquired by the Mets so even if he misses a game or two it will not have much of an impact on your fantasy lineup.

Yosmany Tomas (OF-ARZ)

Tomas left Tuesday’s game with back stiffness and was subsequently held out of the Diamondbacks’ lineup on Wednesday.  He has displayed solid power with 26 home runs and 61 RBI, but he has been streaky and still strikes out far too often.  This injury is not considered serious so he should be back on the field in short order.

Andrew Benintendi (OF-BOS)

Red Sox rookie Andrew Benintendi sustained a sprained knee when he was trying to avoid a tag getting back to second base on Wednesday.  He had to be helped off the field so the injury looks serious at this time.  He’s now been placed on the 15-day DL which is unfortunate given he has hit .323 with one home run and ten RBI through his first 65 at bats. The Sox are hoping for an early to mid-September return but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Scott Kazmir (SP-LAD)

The Dodgers placed Kazmir on the disabled list with neck inflammation and the timetable for his return is unknown.  Kazmir has been the epitome of mediocre this season compiling a 10-6 record but with a 4.59 ERA and 1.35 WHIP.  While he has averaged just under one strikeout per inning, he has not been much of a fantasy contributor so don’t feel obligated to waste a DL or bench slot on him.

DJ LeMahieu (2B-COL)

LeMahieu is dealing with inflammation in his left wrist and was not in the starting lineup on Wednesday.  He has been dealing with some discomfort for a short while but this is not expected to be an extended absence.  LeMahieu has been very solid all year batting an incredible .344 to go along with ten home runs and 50 RBI.  Be patient and wait for him to get back in the lineup.

Yulieski Gurriel (DH-HOU)

Gurriel did not take long before making it onto the injury report as he has only been in the big leagues for a few days.  He suffered some discomfort in his hamstring during his first game which has not healed.  It is far too early to pass judgment on Gurriel, but fantasy GMs should be frustrated that they likely spent a significant amount of FAAB dollars on him without much of a payoff yet. 

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).