Trade deadlines are coming this week in many leagues so now is the time to strike those deals while you can.  Injuries continue to mount and fantast GMs need to ensure they have sufficient roster depth to sustain them down the stretch.  We have also reached the point in the season where MLB teams who are out of contention are less likely to rush players back from injury.  On the contrary, teams that are in contention may be inclined to rush players back too soon.  Both of these scenarios are tenuous for GMs whose fantasy teams’ destinies are linked to such decisions.  So, without further ado, let’s delve into the next edition of the fantasy baseball emergency room.

Day to Day

Miguel Sano (3B-MIN) – The Twins young slugger has been out since last Friday when he was hit by a pitch on his left hand.  X-rays came back negative and there was no structural damage, so his return is imminent depending on his tolerance for pain and any swelling or discomfort he may feel.  Sano has emerged as a premiere power source with his .270 batting average along with 25 home runs and 71 RBI.  Expect him back in the lineup sooner than later unless we hear something to the contrary.

D.J. LeMahieu (2B-COL) – The Rockies star second baseman is suffering from a bruised triceps and was scratched from their lineup on Sunday.  He was considered day-to-day and could be back as soon as tonight.  Even if he needs additional rest, LeMahieu is not expected to miss much time.  He is a valuable fantasy player with his .319 batting average along with 49 RBI, 68 runs scored and five stolen bases.

On the DL

Felix Hernandez (SP-SEA) – King Felix has had a lost season compiling a mediocre 5-4 record with a 4.28 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and only 69 strikeouts in 73.2 innings.  He has landed on the disabled list for the second time this season, this time suffering from tendinitis in his right biceps.  The move is retroactive to August 2 and Seattle is hoping he can return once eligible after ten days.  The Mariners clearly need him as they make a push towards the playoffs, but fantasy GMs have little use for his pedestrian statistics compiled over only 13 starts this season.  He is droppable depending on your roster limitations and what else might be available on the waiver wire.

Salvador Perez (C-KC) – Perez has landed on the disabled list with a right intercostal strain.  He suffered the injury last week and tried to continue to play, but he was unable to do so.  This is a big loss for fantasy GMs because Perez has been one of the best offensive catchers in the league with his .278 batting average along with 21 home runs and 65 RBI.  Kansas City’s other options of Drew Butera and Cam Gallagher are not viable alternatives so scour the waiver wire for a temporary replacement until Perez can return.

Alex Cobb (SP-TB) – The Rays starting rotation has taken another blow with Alex Cobb now hitting the disabled list as a result of turf toe.  Cobb has had a successful return from Tommy John surgery compiling a 9-8 record with a 3.80 ERA, 1.22 WHIP and 96 strikeouts in 147 innings.  The good news is that the injury does not seem serious and Tampa Bay appears confident that he will only miss one turn through the rotation.  Blake Snell is slated to take Cobb’s place this week but he is not a dependable streaming option given his struggles this season.  Stash Cobb for the week and expect him back once eligible to return.

Addison Russell (SS-CHC) – The Cubs offense has not come close to achieving what it did in 2016, and one of the biggest culprits has been Addison Russell.  The young shortstop has struggled most of the year with a .241 batting average along with ten home runs and only 36 RBI after nearly reaching triple digits last year.  He was placed on the disabled list on Friday with a strain in his right foot but suspects he will be able to return immediately once eligible.  Javier Baez should see most of the playing time at shortstop in Russell’s absence making him a viable alternative arguably even better than Russell.

Matt Holliday (OF-NYY) – It has been a rough couple months for Matt Holliday who missed a few weeks with an illness and now is back on the disabled list with a strain in his lower back.  Holliday’s batting average has tumbled since June as he is down to .229 and stuck on 16 home runs and 51 RBI.  Garrett Cooper has been recalled to take Holliday’s place and could see additional playing time at first base and DH.  Holliday can be dropped at this point as he does not have much to offer even when he returns.

Brandon Belt (1B-SF) – The Giants placed Belt on the 7-day concussion disabled list after he was hit in the helmet by a pitch last Friday against Arizona.  Belt does have a history of concussions so this is even more concerning than usual.  He has shared in the Giants offensive struggles this season batting only .241 with 18 home runs and 51 RBI.  The biggest effect his injury has is the fact that Pablo Sandoval has been recalled reminding fantasy GMs what a complete waste of space he has become.

Aaron Altherr (OF-PHI) – There have been few bright spots for the Phillies this season, but one has been the performance by Aaron Altherr.  The young outfielder has had a solid season batting .285 with 16 home runs, 49 RBI, 47 runs scored and five stolen bases despite missing a few weeks with a hamstring injury.  Unfortunately, he has now landed back on the DL after re-aggravating the hamstring injury.  The Phillies have nothing to play for so they will not rush Altherr back this time.  He can be dropped in redraft leagues because this will likely be an extended absence for him.

Evan Gattis (C-HOU) – Gattis has been placed on the 7-day concussion disabled list after sustaining a head injury last Thursday.  It isn’t known whether he will be activated when first eligible but chances are the Astros will be cautious before bringing him back given they have such a comfortable lead in the AL West.  Gattis has been a solid fantasy catcher with a .278 batting average along with 11 home runs and 45 RBI.  He is worth holding onto given the lack of other options, so ride this out if you can handle not getting any production from the scarce position for a few days.

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).