Welcome back to the next edition of the fantasy baseball injury report.  We are heading towards the end of Week 1 of the fantasy baseball season and thus far there have been no earth-shattering or roster-destroying injuries.  That will inevitably change, so enjoy the moment.  This is not to say that players haven’t been afflicted with various ailments, but five days into the season GMs have avoided the need to jump off a cliff due to a catastrophic loss.  So without further ado, here is the next installment of the MLB walking wounded.

Mookie Betts (OF-BOS)

The star outfielder has been battling the flu the past couple days and will be held out of Boston’s lineup on Friday.  This is not a disabled list situation, but those of you in daily leagues should make adjustments and put him on your bench until the weekend.  Betts is an elite player so just be thankful he only has the flu and didn’t come down with mono.

Ian Desmond (1B/OF-COL)

Desmond suffered a fracture in his hand during spring training and underwent surgery.  He is scheduled for a check-up early next week to analyze the progress of his bones healing.  The expectation is that he will return to the field by the end of April, so barring any setbacks it should only be another couple weeks before you can plug him in your lineup.  Desmond’s draft value slipped significantly due to the injury, but fantasy GMs will reap the rewards for selecting him at such a bargain because he should easily put up 20/20 numbers in Denver this year.

Drew Smyly (SP-SEA)

Smyly suffered a strained flexor tendon and has landed on the 60-day disabled list meaning he will miss at least the first couple months of the season.  He received a plasma injection in his elbow earlier this week and the hope is that he can resume throwing within six to eight weeks.  Expectations were high for Smyly who clearly has talent but has bounced around several organizations thus far in his young career.  It looked like he landed in a good situation pitching in Seattle, but fantasy GMs will have to wait at least until June before seeing what kind of production he can provide.  He was projected to have close to 200 strikeouts over the course of a full season but now it is anybody’s guess what can be expected of him when or if he does come back.

Roberto Osuna (RP-TOR)

The Blue Jays closer landed on the disabled list earlier this week with a neck injury but is expected to return when the ten days are completed.  He is scheduled to throw a simulated game over the weekend and then will likely go on a brief rehab assignment before he is ready to rejoin Toronto.  Osuna should be one of the better closers in the league this year so be patient and stash him until he is ready to return next week.

Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA)

Hernandez left his first start of the year with a groin injury but indicated that he will make his next start on Saturday against the Angels.  King Felix is no longer the fantasy stud that he was just a few years ago, but he is still a solid middle of the rotation option in any league format.  It will be interesting to see if there are any lingering effects from the groin injury which could alter his mechanics or make him overcompensate.  Plan on starting him this weekend against a weak Angels’ lineup but don’t expect the King Felix circa 2010.

Denard Span (OF-SF)

Span was held out of the lineup on Thursday nursing a hip injury but is expected back in the lineup on Friday.  He is only useful in deep Roto leagues for his batting average and stolen base contributions.

Keon Broxton (OF-MIL)

The Brewers speedy outfielder was hit in the face by a pitch and sustained a fracture in his nose.  Fortunately he was able to avoid a catastrophe thanks in large part to the fact he wears a flap over his face when at bat.  He will likely miss a couple days but should avoid going on the disabled list.  Broxton is valuable for his speed and stolen bases, so stash him on your bench until he is ready to return.

James Kaprielian (SP-NYY)

Kaprielian is the Yankees top pitching prospect so it is disturbing news that he has been experiencing elbow pain again and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.  He has been pegged as a future star but this is now the second season in a row he is dealing with an injury to his elbow.  Kaprielian should still be rostered in dynasty leagues, but this could spell bad news for him if he does indeed need Tommy John surgery.

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),