Freddie Freeman owners may have some cause for concern
The All-Star Break is a time for fantasy players to take stock of their roster and their place in the standings to determine what moves should be made. With significant injuries occurring this week, and with players slated to come off the disabled list after the break, here are the injury notes you need to know.
- Freddie Freeman (ATL 1B) was hoping to be activated from the disabled list immediately after the All-Star Break. However, he has not resumed any baseball activities since he was diagnosed with a right wrist contusion and his return could be delayed. I am concerned by the reports that he is having anti-inflammatory injections every other day for this past week. If he has to battle pain/inflammation for the rest of the season expect his power numbers to go down. If I owned Freeman in redraft leagues I would start to gauge trade interest in him, especially if he has a few solid games upon his return.
- Miguel Cabrera (DET 1B) was placed on the disabled list because of a strained left calf. I discussed the fantasy implications of his injury here.
- Alex Gordon (KC OF) was placed on the disabled list because of a Grade 2-plus strain of his left groin and is expected to miss two months. In redraft leagues it is safe to drop Gordon.
- Jesse Hahn (OAK SP) appeared to be on track to make his last start prior to the All-Star Game but elbow discomfort arose after a bullpen session on Wednesday. An MRI showed he has a strained right forearm and Oakland decided to shut him down for two weeks. He will be placed on the disabled list and, with a history of arm trouble, expect Oakland to be cautious with him. I don’t expect him back until late July, at the earliest.
- Jason Hammel (CHC SP) left his start on Wednesday after experiencing tightness in his left hamstring. An MRI showed no structural damage and a stint on the disabled list is not expected.
- Josh Harrison (PIT 3B) had surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and will be out until late August, at the earliest. Jung Ho Kang will see most of the starts at third in Harrison’s absence, though he is really only fantasy relevant in NL-only leagues. Harrison’s injury could result in Pittsburgh trading for a replacement. Miami’s Martin Prado could be a fit if the Marlins look to rebuild. Jed Lowrie is also coming off the disabled list soon. Carlos Correa is the shortstop now for the Astros so Lowrie could be a trade candidate. If Houston moves Lowrie to third base then Luis Valbuena could be the one on the block.
- Chase Headley (NYY 3B) was out of the lineup for the third straight game on Friday because of inflammation in his right calf. An MRI showed no structural damage so consider Headley day-to-day. His fantasy value is limited primarily to AL-only leagues but this injury, along with the struggles of Yankees’ second basemen, could lead to New York trading for an infielder like Martin Prado or Ben Zobrist.
- Matt Holliday (STL OF) was hoping to return to action before the All-Star Game, especially since he was voted to the game as a starter. However, the Cardinals have decided not to activate him until after the break. General Manager John Mozeliak explained, “We always approach this in a realistic way. He’s an All-Star and we’d love to have him back in the lineup. But I don’t want to have him back for a day or two and then find out he’s going to be out for a longer period of time. I think it makes sense to take the All-Star break and pick up another extra week to let him heal and that’s what he needs.” I agree with this move and, with Holliday not quite comfortable, it makes sense to avoid the temptation of using him as a pinch hitter this weekend. Expect Holliday at full strength when he is activated by St. Louis, hopefully in time for next Friday’s game.
- Scott Kazmir (OAK SP) left his last start against the Yankees after just three innings because of tightness in his left triceps. It appears that dehydration played a role in the cramping and a throwing session on Thursday went without issues. Expect him to be ready after the All-Star break. Kazmir could be one starting pitcher dealt before the trade deadline and his fantasy value could be impacted based on where he ends up if he leaves the spacious confines of the Coliseum.
- Mat Latos (MIA SP) will miss Saturday’s start against Cincinnati because of a foot issue. Consider him day-to-day for now, until Miami releases more information. Latos is being shopped by the Marlins so this decision could be a precaution to avoid any negative impact on Latos’ trade value.
- Starling Marte (PIT OF) has been battling issues in his left oblique area and, after being out of the lineup on Friday, could be a candidate for the disabled list. Unless he shows noticeable improvements this weekend, I expect Pittsburgh to send him to the DL to help him get to full strength heading into the second portion of the season.
- Steven Matz (NYM SP) was placed on the disabled list because of a Grade II strain in his left latissimus dorsi muscle. He will not throw for at least three weeks and, at that point, will be re-evaluated by the Mets’ team doctors. With some controversy swirling because of how the Mets handled Matz when he reported some stiffness, expect them to be especially cautious with his return. As a result, I don’t expect Matz to return until mid-to-late August. While it is too early to jump to conclusions if Matz does not progress as expected, and the Mets fall out of the playoff picture, I could envision a scenario where he is shut down for the season.
- Justin Morneau (COL 1B) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list because of concussion symptoms. If you have not done so it is safe to drop him in all formats.
- Jake Odorizzi (TB SP) will be activated from the disabled list in time to make his start for Tampa Bay on Saturday. Odorizzi has reported no soreness during any of his rehab starts and was focusing more on gaining command of all of his pitches. I think Odorizzi is a solid play, even in his first start from the DL.
- Dustin Pedroia (BOS 2B) will likely remain on the disabled list for his right hamstring strain until after the All-Star break. Red Sox manager John Farrell stated, “Obviously it’s not a chronic thing. But it was a pretty substantial injury at the time and we’re going based on the guidance of the medical staff.”
- Buster Posey (SF C) missed two games because of tightness in his right hamstring. He was back in the lineup for Friday’s contest and should be fine moving forward.
- Martin Prado (MIA 3B) has reported no issues during a rehab assignment for his right shoulder sprain and should return after the All-Star break. Prado’s fantasy value comes because of his multi-position eligibility and he can be a serviceable player on your bench. His trade value could also receive a boost if he is traded to a contending club, if the Marlins turn into sellers before the trade deadline.
- Steven Souza (TB OF) was able to play catch before Friday’s game after being placed on the disabled list because of a deep laceration on his right pinky. Barring setbacks, expect Souza back when he is first eligible.
- Denard Span (WAS OF) was placed on the 15-day disabled list because of back spasms. The move was retroactive to July 7 so Span could miss just five games after the All-Star break. When healthy, Span is a cheap source for stolen bases. Remember, however, that Span did have abdominal surgery during the off-season and this could be related to that. As such, don’t be surprised if this issue pops up again before the season ends.
- Huston Street (LAA RP) will not appear in any of the remaining games before the All-Star break after injuring his groin on his last pitch during Wednesday’s win against Colorado. The injury to his right groin should not result in a trip to disabled list since Street will have a full week off before baseball resumes after the All-Star Game. If you are in need of saves look to see if Joe Smith is available on your free agent wire. He will be first up of the Angels have any save opportunities but he will cede the role to Street upon his return.
- Justin Upton (SD OF) missed a game this week because of oblique soreness but did return to action on Friday. He should be fine heading into the weekend.
- Kolten Wong (STL 2B) passed his concussion tests and was able to pinch-hit in yesterday’s contest. Expect him to be at full speed for the weekend’s games.
Jeremy Tiermini is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from Jeremy follow him @JeremyTiermini.
