As we head towards the end of Week 3 of the fantasy baseball season, I am already feeling overworked handling the injury report.  It goes without saying at this point that injuries happen every day and all fantasy GM’s are equally susceptible.  But what separates those who succeed from those who don’t is the way a GM manages those injuries with roster depth and waiver wire acquisitions.  So without further adieu, here is the next installment of the walking wounded.

Matt Harvey (SP-NYM)

The Mets and fantasy GM’s high a slight heart attack on Wednesday when Matt Harvey went to the doctor to get his ankle checked out.  He apparently suffered a sprain in his left ankle during spring training that has been bothering him, but you would never know based on how well he has pitched since coming back from Tommy John surgery.  But fear not as Harvey will make his next scheduled start on Saturday against the Yankees.

Jose Bautista (OF-TOR)

The Blue Jays seem optimistic that Bautista will not need a stint on the DL after injuring his shoulder while making a throw from right field to first base.  He was out of the lineup on Thursday and will test his shoulder while swinging on Friday.  This is good news for fantasy GM’s who were bracing for the worst.

Starling Marte (OF-PIT)

Marte was hit by a pitch in his hand on Wednesday and was given the day off on Thursday against the Cubs.  X-rays did not reveal any fractures which is good news.  Marte got off to a very slow start but has been red hot lately, so this injury came at a bad time for fantasy GM’s.  He should be back in the lineup for the weekend assuming there is no lingering pain.

Carlos Carrasco (SP-CLE)

After being hit in the face last week, Carrasco returned to the mound on Tuesday night much to the delight of fantasy GM’s.  While he did pick up the win, he was taken out of the game after just five innings and 60 pitches because of tightness.  It wasn’t specified what exactly was tight, but the Indians expect him to make his next start.  Check back in over the weekend for a further update on Carrasco’s status so you have a better idea what to do with him next week.

Jonathan Lucroy (C-MIL)

Catchers have been dropping like flies during the early part of the season and you can now add Lucroy to the list.  He was a heavily sought after fantasy option but will now be sidelined approximately four to six weeks with a broken toe.  At least he didn’t sustain this injury while packing his suitcase.

Ben Zobrist (2B/OF-OAK)

Zobrist has been dealing with a knee injury that has already cost him a few games.  He pinch hit in Thursday’s game but said afterwards that his knee still didn’t feel right.  While he is improving, it will still likely be a few more days before he returns to the lineup. 

Adam Ottavino (RP-COL)

Ottavino was unavailable on Thursday due to soreness in his triceps.  He has pitched well since being anointed as the Rockies’ closer so this is a disappointing setback.  John Axford picked up the save in his absence so he will be first in line to close games if Ottavino misses an extended period of time.

Joe Nathan (RP-DET)

The Tigers’ bullpen has been their Achilles heel over the past several years, and now they will be tested again in 2015.  Incumbent closer Joe Nathan was already injured when he felt a pop in his arm during a rehab outing and has been diagnosed with a torn UCL.  He will need season-ending Tommy John surgery which means Joakim Soria will be the full-time closer for the year (at least until he loses the job).

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),