There are several players scheduled to return from injuries in the next few days, so that should help soften the blow of some other star players who are dinged up and could miss some time. This dichotomy epitomizes why fantasy baseball can be so grueling over the course of six months. The pendulum is constantly swinging which makes it all the more important for GMs to stay ahead of the curve and accumulate roster depth and flexibility. So, without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy baseball emergency room.
J.D. Martínez (OF-BOS)
J.D. Martínez was taken out of Thursday’s game against Detroit with some tightness in his back just a few days after experiencing similar issues. He will probably need a couple days off to rest and recover because this is now the second time this week his back issues have flared up. The Red Sox can ill afford to lose Martinez for an extended period of time as he has put up MVP-type numbers with a .314 batting average along with 20 home runs and 52 RBI thus far.
Carlos Correa (SS-HOU)
Correa was removed from Wednesday’s game against Texas with an injury to his side and then was out of the lineup on Thursday as well. He had an MRI on Thursday which did not reveal any structural damage, so that is obviously good news for fantasy GMs. Correa is an elite shortstop despite his pedestrian .264 batting average along with ten home runs, 39 RBI, 36 runs scored and two stolen bases. He should be back on the field within the next day or two so plan on having him back in your lineup. If he does need to miss another game or two, then you can expect Marwin González to fill in for him at shortstop.
Noah Syndergaard (SP-NYM)
The good news is that Noah Syndergaard is on track to return from the disabled list this Sunday. The bad news is that he will have to face the Yankees and their thunderous lineup. Thor has been on the disabled list with a finger injury but appears ready to go after missing a couple starts. His numbers are solid with a 4-1 record along with a 3.06 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 11 starts. However, he has not been as dominant as he was in 2016 which means he has plenty of room to improve assuming he is able to stay healthy. Fantasy GMs should be wary that his win total could be limited given the Mets offensive woes and bullpen issues.
Chris Archer (SP-TB)
It comes as no surprise that Tampa Bay has placed Chris Archer on the disabled list with a strained left abdominal muscle. He was removed from his last start over the weekend when he started suffering from tightness in his abdomen and now will be shut down to allow sufficient time to recover. The Rays starting rotation has already been decimated with injuries and the loss of Archer likely means more days of starting a relief pitcher which should drive fantasy GMs insane. Archer struggled early this season but rebounded to lower his ERA to 4.24 and has 76 strikeouts in 76.1 innings. Keep him stashed and hope he does not need a lengthy stay on the disabled list.
Shohei Ohtani (SP-LAA)
Two-way star Shohei Ohtani has lived up to the hype with his pitching as he is 4-1 with a 3.10 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in nine starts. Unfortunately, he was taken out of his last start on Wednesday with a blister on his right middle finger. His ability to make his next start is dependent on when the blister heals, so right now his status is up in the air. It is commonplace for teams to place pitchers on the disabled list when a blister issue arises because sufficient time is needed to ensure the blister heals and does not come back.
Zach Britton (RP-BAL)
The closer carousel will see the return of a friendly face possibly as soon as next weekend with Zach Britton almost ready to make his season debut. He has been out recovering from surgery on his torn Achilles tendon but is a couple steps away from being activated. Britton was one of the most dominant closers between 2014-2016 racking up 120 saves and then saving another 15 games in an injury-shortened 2017 season. He will take over the closing duties but the problem is that the Orioles have been atrocious this season so his save opportunities could be few and far between. That being said, he is absolutely worth adding in any league format if he is still available on the waiver wire.
Álex Reyes (SP-STL)
Terrible news out of St. Louis as prized rookie pitcher Álex Reyes has sustained another season-ending injury. He had returned from Tommy John surgery to start for the Cardinals a couple weeks ago but was taken out due to a lat injury. It turns out he tore a tendon and underwent surgery which could take up to six months to recover from. Reyes will obviously miss the rest of the year and now has to look towards 2019. He is still worth holding on to in keeper leagues, but he can be dropped in all redraft formats.
Adam Eaton (OF-WAS)
The Nationals soon may have a dilemma in their outfield with the return of Adam Eaton upon us. He has missed almost the entire season with an ankle injury but is eligible to be activated on Friday. Washington has gotten tremendous production from 19-year old Juan Soto and Michael Taylor has suddenly gotten hot. Eaton’s return will have an impact on several players so Soto owners should hope that Taylor goes back to the bench to allow the youngster to keep shining.
Andrelton Simmons (SS-LAA)
Fantasy GMs who had Andrelton Simmons on their rosters were reaping the benefits of a late round draft pick or a waiver wire acquisition. He has blossomed into a very productive hitter batting .330 with four home runs, 34 RBI, 32 runs scored and five stolen bases thus far. GMs will now be without him for a couple weeks after he sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain so the Angels will want to be cautious with him before bringing him back too soon. Simmons has always been one of the best defensive shortstops in the league, but he has become a very good hitter as well making him a great fantasy asset.
Julio Teherán (SP-ATL)
We reported a few days ago that Teheran had suffered a contusion on his right thumb so the Braves placing him on the disabled list should come as no surprise. Teheran has been very inconsistent this year so perhaps this break will help him get back on track when he returns. He still has value at the back end of a fantasy pitching staff, but you should not feel obligated to hold onto him if you are limited in your roster flexibility.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (3B-TOR)
Fantasy GMs are clamoring for the Blue Jays to promote top prospect Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. who has been tearing it up in Double-A with a .407 batting average along with 11 home runs and 55 RBI. It made even more sense recently with Josh Donaldson on the disabled list. However, Toronto seems content letting Vlad, Jr. continue to thrive in the minor leagues. This thought process will likely be adhered to even more for the foreseeable future after Guerrero was placed on the disabled list with an injured left knee. The injury does not appears serious, but the Blue Jays are going to be extra cautious and conservative with their prized prospect. Keep him stashed in a minor league slot if your league permits it and absolutely hold onto him in all keeper leagues.