This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
I usually spend a portion of my injury column focusing on a major injury or two before breaking down multiple issues in a section know as Check Swings. However, I thought I would change things up this week with the fantasy postseason quickly approaching and rosters set to expand at the end of the month. Instead of going in-depth with a player or two, I'm providing an all Check Swings column focusing on as many different players as possible. Let's get right to it.
Jose Altuve: The reigning American League MVP remains limited by his right knee injury and was unable to begin running over the weekend. He remains limited to specifically designed rehab exercises and is not expected back before the end of the Astro's current homestand that concludes on Wednesday.
Nolan Arenado: Colorado's starting third baseman "tweaked" his shoulder while turning a double play on Friday and was limited to a pinch hitter role for the remainder of the weekend. A "tweak" is far from a definitive diagnosis, but the Rockies have downplayed the severity of the injury. Look for Arenado to see action this week after an off day on Monday.
Trevor Bauer: The Cleveland right-hander was forced out of last week's start after being struck by a line drive on his right ankle. X-rays did not reveal any substantial structural damage, though Bauer was still limping over the weekend. The Indians are confident he will make his next start on Friday, although fantasy
I usually spend a portion of my injury column focusing on a major injury or two before breaking down multiple issues in a section know as Check Swings. However, I thought I would change things up this week with the fantasy postseason quickly approaching and rosters set to expand at the end of the month. Instead of going in-depth with a player or two, I'm providing an all Check Swings column focusing on as many different players as possible. Let's get right to it.
Jose Altuve: The reigning American League MVP remains limited by his right knee injury and was unable to begin running over the weekend. He remains limited to specifically designed rehab exercises and is not expected back before the end of the Astro's current homestand that concludes on Wednesday.
Nolan Arenado: Colorado's starting third baseman "tweaked" his shoulder while turning a double play on Friday and was limited to a pinch hitter role for the remainder of the weekend. A "tweak" is far from a definitive diagnosis, but the Rockies have downplayed the severity of the injury. Look for Arenado to see action this week after an off day on Monday.
Trevor Bauer: The Cleveland right-hander was forced out of last week's start after being struck by a line drive on his right ankle. X-rays did not reveal any substantial structural damage, though Bauer was still limping over the weekend. The Indians are confident he will make his next start on Friday, although fantasy owners may want to scale back their expectations until Bauer proves he's not limited.
Brandon Belt: Belt expects to return from the DL on Tuesday when the Giants face the Dodgers. Belt has been sidelined by a bone bruise on his knee. He's currently on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Sacramento and showed no signs of functional limitation. Still, the team may opt to provide him with more frequent rest days over the next few weeks to insure his long-term health.
Andrew Benintendi: The Red Sox outfielder was given the day off on Sunday with what was described as "heavy legs." Manager Alex Cora linked the issue to the unyielding artificial turf of Toronto. With a scheduled day off Monday, Cora wanted to buy his star outfielder an extra day of recovery. Benintendi should be fresh for Tuesday's matchup against the Phillies, but consider him day-to-day for now.
Xander Bogaerts: The Red Sox shortstop also sat out Sunday, missing the game with an injured left pinkie finger. X-rays were negative for a fracture, and he was available off the bench. Look for Bogaerts to return to action with Benintendi on Tuesday.
Kris Bryant: The Cubs infielder is reporting improvement during his rehab protocol for left shoulder inflammation. He recently began swinging a bat but has not hit in a batting cage. The team is slowly building up the muscle surrounding the joint as an attempt to alleviate the problem. Unfortunately, this drawn out rehab process is wearing on fantasy owners, as Bryant remains without a definitive timeline. A return this month is looking unlikely.
Robinson Cano: While this isn't exactly injury-related, Cano did begin his suspension with a fractured hand. Fortunately, the time away from baseball allowed the broken fifth metacarpal to adequately heal and he should be healthy upon his return. The Mariners will likely move him around the diamond to keep Dee Gordon at second base, making him an even more valuable addition at this point of the season. Gordon did miss time over the weekend with a minor shoulder issue but isn't expected to miss an extended amount of time.
Yu Darvish: Like his teammate Bryant, Darvish is progressing though he remains without a firm timetable. Darvish has been throwing bullpen sessions over the last few weeks and is expected to throw a simulated game on Tuesday. Despite the improvement, Darvish's injury woes have been substantial and he remains a gamble for the remainder of the season.
Kenley Jansen: A scary injury will sideline the Dodgers closer for at least a month. Jansen has been placed on the DL with a heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. This condition can occur due to a multitude of factors, some more significant than others. Minor issues like fatigue, stress and a variety of metabolic problems can result in an irregular heartbeat, though some life-threatening problems can also produce the condition. Fortunately, Jansen's situation doesn't appear to be that severe, though the Dodgers are rightfully treating the issue as significant. Jansen has experienced similar problems in the past and has been examined by multiple cardiologists. The team will not allow him to perform any baseball-related activities until he receives clearance for his doctors. There is optimism he will return in September. Los Angeles has shifted Ross Stripling and Kenta Maeda to the bullpen in response to the injury.
Nomar Mazara: The Rangers expect their starting outfielder to return on Thursday when they begin a series against the division rival Angels. Mazara hasn't played in nearly a month after sustaining a sprained thumb. Concerns about grip strength generally accompany this type of injury, though Mazara has performed well during his rehab assignment. Those in weekly formats may want to wait until next week to activate him, but it appears as though the Big Chill will be back in a starting role soon.
Eduardo Rodriguez: Rodriguez reportedly looked good throwing off a mound on Friday and could be back in the Boston rotation by the end of the month. He has not played since spraining his ankle in the middle of July. So much of a pitcher's force is generated from the lower extremity, meaning they have to have a stable base. Fortunately, Rodriguez's ankle appears sound, and he's expected to move forward in his rehab plan. He hopes to throw a bullpen session soon, followed by a simulated game. If all goes accordingly, he could be sent on a rehab assignment in roughly 10 days.
Chris Sale: The Boston ace looked sharp in his return from the DL, striking out 12 in a win over the Orioles. Sale hadn't played since July 28 due to left shoulder inflammation. Fortunately, the injury does not appear to have had any lasting effects, and Sale should be activated in all formats.
Luke Weaver: The Cardinals right-hander was supposed to be a two-start pitcher last week but a run-in with an aluminum food container changed those plans. Weaver sliced his right index finger opening food in the clubhouse and was unable to take the mound on Sunday. The laceration was closed with super glue but the Cardinals opted to give Tyson Ross his first start with the club. Weaver is expected back for his next start in the rotation.
