Let’s take a look at the latest news and notes around fantasy baseball. To stay up to date on all of the latest fantasy baseball news, be sure to follow @FantasyProsMLB on Twitter and bookmark the FantasyPros MLB Player News page.
Michael Harris II called up from Double-A by Braves
The Braves have called up top prospect Michael Harris II from Double-A, optioning Travis Demeritte to Triple-A. (Source: Atlanta Braves on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This move is highly unexpected, as Harris is just 21 years old, played in High-A last year, and has just 43 games in Double-A. Atlanta has struggled mightily in its outfield due to injury or ineffectiveness, and Harris has been a force in Double-A this year with five home runs and 11 steals already. But it seems like a stretch to believe that he’ll be able to have immediate success against MLB pitching upon his promotion. Still, he should be added in all formats just in case he’s that rare breed that hits the ground running, in light of his potential upside.
– Dan Harris
Stephen Strasburg to make second rehab start Sunday
Washington Nationals starter Stephen Strasburg is set to make his second rehab start for Single-A Fredericksburg on Sunday. (Source: Jessica Camerato on Twitter )
Fantasy Impact: Strasburg pitched 2 2/3 innings in his first rehab start with Fredericksburg on Tuesday. He had trouble finding the strike zone early but had solid velocity on his fastball. The important news out of each of these rehab starts for the Nationals and fantasy managers is that he exits healthy.
– Jesse Garcia
Jesus Luzardo (forearm) still not throwing
Jesus Luzardo still hasn’t begun a throwing program since being placed on the IL with a forearm strain, according to Don Mattingly. (Source: Christina De Nicola on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: When Luzardo was first placed on the IL two weeks ago, the Marlins downplayed his injury and suggested that they expected him back in about three weeks. That’s obviously not going to be the case now, and the fact that Luzardo hasn’t yet begun a throwing program is worrisome news. As most fantasy managers know, forearm strains often denote elbow issues, so there’s every reason for Miami to be careful with Luzardo, who was in the midst of a breakout season. But, at this point, fantasy managers should expect a lengthy absence.
– Dan Harris
Sixto Sanchez (shoulder) throwing from 105 feet
Sixto Sanchez is throwing from 105 feet now, according to Don Mattingly. (Source: Jordan McPherson on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: This is progress, of course, but Sanchez is nowhere close to returning from his shoulder injury. He’s still doing dry side mound work but not tossing from a mound, so until he takes that step, it’s not worth talking much about his potential return.
– Dan Harris
Carter Kieboom undergoes Tommy John surgery
Washington Nationals third baseman Carter Kieboom underwent Tommy John surgery on Friday. He will remain on the 60-day IL and miss the remainder of the season. (Source: Jessica Camerato on Twitter)
Fantasy Impact: The team is hopeful that Kieboom can heal and return in time for spring training. Since position players do not face as long a recovery time as pitchers who get Tommy John surgery, we could see Kieboom back at the start of the 2023 season.
– Jesse Garcia
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