There is a lot of positive news in this edition of the injury report as several key players are set to make their returns or are at least in the process of getting ready to come back.  At this point in the season, it is huge for GMs when a player is activated off the disabled list because it is akin to making a big trade and infusing some life into a stagnant lineup.  This is why GMs need depth in order to tread water and survive until the star players come back refreshed for the stretch run.  So, without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy baseball emergency room.

Carlos Correa (SS-HOU)

Carlos Correa is expected to return to the Astros for tonight’s game against Seattle.  He has been out for a month and a half with a lower back injury in the midst of a barrage of injuries to his teammates.  Correa has had a solid but not spectacular season thus far batting .268 with 13 home runs, 49 RBI, 46 runs scored and two stolen bases.  His return will be a big boost for fantasy GMs who did not have great options to replace him while he has been out since the end of June.

Aaron Judge (OF-NYY)

The Yankees initially thought Judge would miss three weeks when he fractured his wrist back in late July, but it is evident that he will be out much longer than that.  A recent evaluation showed that the wrist is still fractured and there is no time frame for when he will start swinging a bat again.  Judge was having another solid season batting .285 with 26 home runs, 61 RBI, 70 runs scored and six stolen bases but now GMs will need to replace his power elsewhere because it could be several more weeks before he is able to come back. 

Chris Sale (SP-BOS)

Great news for fantasy GMs as Chris Sale appears ready to make his return this Sunday against the Orioles.  Sale has missed the past couple weeks with a shoulder injury but he had a 50-pitch session in the bullpen on Thursday and did not report any issues.  He will have a great matchup against a putrid Baltimore lineup but it would not be surprising if Boston keeps him on a strict pitch count in his first outing back.

Kenley Jansen (RP-LAD)

We have known for a long time that Kenley Jansen has an irregular heartbeat and even had surgery for it several years ago.  The issue has flared up again and Jansen was put on the disabled list to allow him to treat the condition.  He is expected to miss up to a month which is devastating for fantasy GMs who have come to rely on his proficiency for saves as well as dominant peripheral numbers.  Jansen currently has 32 saves to go along with a 2.15 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 54.1 innings.  Scott Alexander could be first in line to see save opportunities, but the Dodgers may also go with a closer-by-committee approach.  Another possibility is that the Dodgers will pursue a trade for someone who can step in while Jansen is out.

Stephen Strasburg (SP-WAS)

The Nationals have announced that Strasburg will throw a 60-pitch bullpen session on Saturday which will determine whether he can progress to a simulated game and then rehab starts.  Strasburg has been out since mid-July with a neck injury and has been limited to just 14 starts all season.  He does have a lengthy injury history over his career so this should not come as a surprise to anyone.  That being said, he is still a valuable and productive fantasy pitcher so keep him stashed for now because he could be a key contributor down the stretch if he is able to stay healthy.

Kelvin Herrera (RP-WAS)

The Nationals placed closer Kelvin Herrera on the disabled list with right shoulder inflammation as well as a rotator cuff issue.  He underwent an MRI which did not reveal any structural damage so Herrera is expected to miss the requisite amount of time and could be back as soon as eligible.  Sean Doolittle is still out indefinitely so look for Ryan Madson to assume closing duties in the interim.

Leonys Martín (OF-CLE)

The Indians acquired Leonys Martín at the trade deadline to address their outfield situation which has been inundated with injuries.  Now we can add Martin to the list of walking wounded as he has landed on the disabled list due to an intestinal illness.  Cleveland recalled Greg Allen to replace Martin so he should see regular at bats in Martin’s absence.  Martin is currently hitting .255 with 11 home runs, 33 RBI, 46 runs scored and seven stolen bases making him a marginal fantasy option and not one worth holding onto while he is out.

Joakim Soria (RP-MIL)

The Brewers bullpen is in disarray after Cory Knebel had a complete meltdown and then Soria blew a save against San Diego on Thursday.  Soria was acquired at the trade deadline to give Milwaukee some additional depth in the bullpen and another option with closing experience.  Unfortunately, Soria not only was blew the save on Thursday but he also had to be taken out due to a strained right groin.  It is not known how much, if any, time Soria could miss.  The timing is poor because he would be a logical candidate to see save opportunities if Milwaukee opts to take Knebel out of that role temporarily.

Anibal Sánchez (SP-ATL)

Sanchez has had somewhat of a renaissance season with the Braves compiling a 6-3 record along with a 2.89 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 83 strikeouts.  He had to be removed from Thursday’s start against Washington due to a contusion on his left calf.  He apparently had a very difficult time walking afterwards but is still optimistic about making his next start against Miami next Tuesday.  We will have to check back over the weekend for an update on his progress to see whether he will miss any time.