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As we head into the weekend, fantasy managers should be aware of which key hitters could be out of action. Injuries complicate fantasy lineup decisions, so it's important to stay in the know. That said, let's take a look at injured hitters
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters, as of April 19, 2024. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will be important in lineups.
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Rafael Devers Injury Update
Boston Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers' (knee) MRI exam showed only a bone bruise, and the Red Sox don't expect him to need a trip to the injured list. Devers was pulled from Tuesday's game against the Cleveland Guardians early with left-knee discomfort and served as the club's designated hitter on Wednesday and went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts before being held out for the series finale on Thursday while he had an MRI exam.
Rafael Devers’ MRI shows a bone bruise. The Red Sox don’t expect an IL stint
— Christopher Smith (@SmittyOnMLB) April 18, 2024
There's thankfully nothing structurally wrong with the 27-year-old's knee, but fantasy managers will need to check back on Friday to see if he's back in there for the series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Devers has started slowly in 2024 and is currently hitting just .188 (9-for-48) with two homers and five RBI.
Tyler O'Neill Injury Update
Boston Red Sox outfielder Tyler O'Neill (concussion) told reporters on Thursday that he hopes to be activated off of the 7-day injured list on Tuesday when he is first eligible. O'Neill was diagnosed with a concussion on Thursday and admitted he has been dealing with dizziness and lightheadedness, but he still seemed confident about a quick return.
Tyler O’Neill just spoke. He has a concussion and has been dealing with dizziness and lightheadedness.
He’s traveling with the team to stay in his routine as much as possible and is hoping to be able to return at the earliest activation date, which would be Tuesday in Cleveland.— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) April 18, 2024
There is no guarantee that O'Neill will be back for Tuesday's series opener against the Cleveland Guardians as head injuries are notoriously finicky. Nevertheless, it seems like fantasy managers will not have to wait too long to get one of the hottest early hitters back in their lineups. He should remain rostered in all formats until that time.
Nathaniel Lowe Injury Update
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that there isn't a firm number of rehab at-bats that first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (hamstring) needs, but said it could be "about 30, could be more." As of right now, Lowe has only had 16 at-bats on his minor-league rehab assignment for Double-A Frisco and Triple-A Round Rock, so the 28-year-old left-handed slugger may not necessarily be ready to return from the 10-day injured list to make his 2024 debut with the Rangers this weekend.
In non-Jack Leiter news: Bruce Bochy said there isn't a firm number of rehab at bats Nathaniel Lowe needs, but said it could be "about 30, could be more."
He's had 12 so far. He homered on Sunday.
"I'm surprised he didn't call and say, 'I'm ready.'"
— Shawn McFarland (@McFarland_Shawn) April 17, 2024
Barring a setback, though, Lowe should be able to make his season debut with Texas at some point next week. When he returns, Lowe will be the team's regular first baseman, pushing Jared Walsh to a bench role. If he isn't already, Lowe should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Vaughn Grissom Injury Update
Boston Red Sox second baseman/shortstop Vaughn Grissom (hamstring) is continuing his minor-league rehab assignment for Triple-A Worcester, playing second base in back-to-back games on Thursday and Friday. Grissom served as the designated hitter in his first three outings, so it's a good sign in his recovery from a strained right hamstring. Since the 23-year-old infielder didn't participate in spring training, he may have an extended stay in the minors until he's ready to make his Red Sox debut.
With that said, Grissom could still be activated from the injured list before April's end. With Trevor Story (shoulder) done for the year, Grissom figures to split his time on the diamond at the keystone as well as shortstop. For his big-league career, Grissom is batting a promising .287 (62-for-216) with 15 extra-base hits, 27 RBI, 29 runs scored, and five stolen bases across 64 outings and is worth stashing in all fantasy leagues for his hitting upside. (BostonHerald.com)
Patrick Wisdom Injury Update
Chicago Cubs third baseman Patrick Wisdom (back) was activated off of the 10-day injured list on Thursday evening. The 32-year-old slugger recently embarked on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa and will be back with the big club ahead of Friday's series opener against the Miami Marlins. Wisdom is a boom-or-bust bat that combines serious home run power with undesirable strikeout numbers.
The #Cubs today activated RHP Jameson Taillon from the 15-day IL and INF Patrick Wisdom from the 10-day IL. In corresponding moves, RHP Hayden Wesneski and INF Miles Mastrobuoni were optioned to @IowaCubs. pic.twitter.com/8H41S8UOpa
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 18, 2024
The Cubs infield is already crowded with Christopher Morel and the recently surging Michael Busch, so it is unclear exactly where Wisdom fits in. He would have slightly more value if he found an everyday role, but until then, he is a waiver-wire option for fantasy managers needing power in deeper leagues.
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