Anthony Rendon’s latest setback keeps him in the “Bust of the Year” conversation
This week has been another active one from an injury standpoint. Minnesota’s top prospect hit the DL, two players who just returned to action headed back to the disabled list and hamstring injuries continue to impact key fantasy performers.
- Anthony Rendon (WAS 3B) is keeping pace with Puig in the fantasy “Bust of the Year” race, as he was just placed on the disabled list because of a strained left quadriceps muscle. Rendon has appeared in just 18 games for the Nationals this season. Washington has not yet announced a timetable for his return, but I don’t expect him back until after the All-Star Game.
- Nori Aoki (SF OF) was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of a fracture in his right fibula, which is the thin bone on the outside portion of the lower leg. He will be in a cast for at least two weeks before he will be re-evaluated to determine how much bone healing has taken place. I expect Aoki to miss at least one month of action.
- Byron Buxton (MIN OF) was sent to the disabled list when he sprained his left thumb while attempting a stolen base during Tuesday’s game. He is expected to miss at least a month of action.
- Lorenzo Cain (KC OF) is day-to-day with a hamstring injury. Check out his fantasy prognosis here.
- Travis d’Arnaud (NYM C) made his second trip to the disabled list in 2015, this time with a sprained left elbow. The injury occurred on a tag play against Atlanta when A.J. Pierzynski scored on a sacrifice fly. The contact forced d’Arnaud’s elbow to hyperextend. I don’t expect him to return until after the All-Star break.
- Jose Fernandez (MIA SP) is scheduled to make his final rehab start this weekend and, barring a setback, will return to the Marlins rotation on July 2, against the Giants. He has demonstrated solid control during his rehab assignment, with a 25/4 strikeout-to-walk ratio but don’t be surprised if that changes when he finally faces major league hitters. If you own him you have to get him in your starting lineup.
- Dexter Fowler (CHC OF) has been out of the starting lineup since Monday because of a sprained left ankle. He was able to pinch-hit on Thursday and remained in the game to play the outfield. These are both positive signs and should be at full speed by early next week, at the latest.
- Freddie Freeman (ATL 1B) did not make progress in his recovery from a wrist injury and was placed on the 15-day disabled list. He also had a PRP injection to help speed up the healing process. I discussed his outlook here.
- Carlos Gonzalez (COL OF) is expected to return to action this weekend from a sprained left hand. He was finally starting to hit well so if you own him, get him active.
- Josh Hamilton (TEX OF) has not experienced any issues during his rehab assignment and is slated to return to the Rangers’ lineup next week. Monitor his progress throughout the weekend if you are planning on using Hamilton next week.
- Adam Jones (BAL OF) continues to struggle with shoulder issues and his return to the lineup is uncertain. He injured his right shoulder on June 15 when he attempted to make a diving catch. Despite this absence, Jones still doesn’t think he needs to go on the disabled list. In the Baltimore Sun, Jones was quoted as saying, “I don’t think I’ll go on the DL. I don’t like the DL. But can’t play, it’s uncomfortable. I can hit, but throwing hurts. I can move it. It’s just certain actions, lifting it. The throwing motion is not too comfortable.” This is a situation that you need to watch closely if you play in weekly leagues. Wait until the last possible second to make a decision on Jones’ status based on updates over the weekend.
- Dustin Pedroia (BOS 2B) dealt with knee inflammation last week and was placed on the DL this week because of a hamstring strain. I discussed the significance of his injury here.
- Yasiel Puig (LAD OF) continues to have a frustrating season, as he is now battling an open callus/blister on his left hand. Until he can grip a bat and swing without pain, expect him to be on the bench. Puig will return when the skin toughens, which I would expect by Monday or Tuesday.
- Hanley Ramirez (BOS OF) is still day-to-day after being hit on the wrist by a Xander Bogaerts‘ line drive while running the bases in Wednesday’s contest. A CT scan and X-rays revealed no structural damage so Ramirez should be able to return once his pain subsides enough for him to be functional. Again, in weekly leagues, monitor Ramirez’s progress before setting your roster for next week.
- Devon Travis (TOR 2B) was activated from the disabled list (left shoulder inflammation) and will return to Toronto’s lineup on Friday despite struggling at Triple-A Buffalo, hitting just .250 (7 for 28) with one extra-base hit. In weekly leagues, if you have other options at second base, you might consider keeping him on the bench because of his struggles in the minors.
- Chase Utley (PHI 2B) was sent to the disabled list because of inflammation in his right ankle. He indicated that his ankle has been bothering him all season, which could explain his .179 batting average. With Ryne Sandberg stepping down, it appears that the rebuilding plan is starting in Philadelphia so you can safely drop Utley if you rostered him.
- Yordano Ventura (KC SP) is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. I expect him to need two rehab starts before he returns to Kansas City, so look for him to return early in July, barring setbacks.
- Justin Verlander (DET SP) was scratched from his last start because of back stiffness but is expected to make his next regularly scheduled start.
As always, don’t hesitate to contact me on Twitter with any questions or if there any players you want me to discuss.
Jeremy Tiermini is a correspondent at FantasyPros. Follow him @JeremyTiermini.
