The 2017 MLB season is just three weeks old and already injuries have forced fantasy baseball managers to scavenge the wire for capable replacements. While some key players will miss some time, there is certainly some good news for others that are expected to return this week. Here is a look at the latest injury updates for key players in fantasy baseball leagues.
2B: Dustin Pedroia, Boston Red Sox
The Red Sox are hoping that Pedroia didn’t suffer a serious injury when Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles slid in to him at second base. However, Pedroia hurt both his knee and his ankle on the play and he is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left leg on Monday in Boston. Pedroia will miss at least a few games but the Red Sox are still hoping they won’t have to put him on the long-term DL. The swelling hasn’t subsided to the extent that the team hoped it would but the MRI should give the club a better idea of a reasonable window for him to be out. The Red Sox are already without Brock Holt and Josh Rutledge so it will be Marco Hernandez that will get the start at second base with Pedroia out.
SS: Troy Tulowitzki, Toronto Blue Jays
There hasn’t been much that has gone Toronto’s way early on this season. It seems as though things could get worse before they get better. Tulowitzki landed on the 10-day DL with a hamstring injury so he won’t be back until at least next week. The Blue Jays don’t believe the injury is serious but they have decided to be cautious with their starting shortstop. Tulowitzki has hit .263 with one home run and 10 RBI so far this season.
SP: Shelby Miller, Arizona Diamondbacks
After failing to last more than 5.1 innings in three of his first four starts, Miller has been shut down by the Diamondbacks. Miller will undergo an MRI on his forearm on Monday to see if there is any serious damage. For now he is considered day-to-day. However, considering his 4.09 ERA and the potential for the injury to linger it might be smart to find another option to replace Miller.
SP: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals
Strasburg isn’t hurt but he will miss one start on paternity leave as he awaits the birth of his child. Strasburg will be eligible to return three days after being placed on the list, which means he should be back in time for Washington’s weekend series with the rival New York Mets. Jacob Turner is expected to replace Strasburg for his scheduled start against the Colorado Rockies early in the week.
OF: Yoenis Cespedes, New York Mets
Cespedes told manager Terry Collins that he will be ready to play on Tuesday against the Atlanta Braves. Ultimately that decision will be up to the Mets staff. However, the fact that Cespedes has said he is ready to return is definitely a good sign after he has dealt with a nagging hamstring injury for close to a week. Cespedes has hit .263 with six home runs and 10 RBI this season so fantasy owners will be happy to have him back in their lineups this week.
OF: Ryan Braun, Milwaukee Brewers
On Monday, the Milwaukee Brewers lost Ryan Braun due to a bruised foot. Originally, it looked like the Brewers were just resting Braun as they had built up a big lead against the Cincinnati Reds and then took him out. However, it looks like he did injury his foot after catching a couple of foul balls off of it. He went for X-rays after the game and the good news is that they came back negative. Consider him day-to-day for now.
OF: Joc Pederson, Los Angeles Dodgers
Pederson is dealing with a strained groin. The injury happened on Sunday when he hurt himself while lunging for first base while trying to beat out a grounder. For now, we’re not sure how long he’ll be out. In the mean time, Enrique Hernandez will probably fill in. The injury doesn’t appear to be serious but groin injuries are always a tricky as they tend to linger.
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