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Just like that, it's the final full week of May. As usual, injuries continue to cause chaos around Major League Baseball. As a result, fantasy managers remain without some of their top performers. Fortunately, some players are progressing and preparing to return. However, other players aren't as fortunate, with many still facing an uphill climb before making it back to the field. Let's take a look at the latest updates surrounding Julio Urias, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Cody Bellinger, Eloy Jimenez, and Dustin May, among others.
For those not yet familiar, this is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates as of May 22, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others. With leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will force fantasy managers to search waiver wires in hopes of finding adequate replacements.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across the MLB, make sure to favorite or bookmark the fantasy baseball player news page and download the free RotoBaller fantasy baseball mobile app with push notification alerts on all the latest news. Let's look at the injury updates for hitters.
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Julio Urias
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias (hamstring) went on the 15-day injured list Saturday with a hamstring strain. The 26-year-old did not show well in his display on Thursday versus the St. Louis Cardinals, allowing six runs in the lopsided 16-8 defeat. It's fair to wonder now if the injury impaired his performance in that one.
This move comes as a bit of a surprise with no public knowledge of the ailment reported in advance. In any event, Urias will take a 4.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP to the sidelines. Fantasy managers should keep their fingers crossed that the former ERA title holder isn't on the mend for much more than the minimum stay, but he will miss at least two weeks of action.
Liam Hendriks
Chicago White Sox closer Liam Hendriks is headed back to Chicago this week following his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Charlotte less than six months after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. The plan is for him to throw live batting practice on Friday. If it goes well, he should be back on the big-league roster soon thereafter.
The 34-year-old right-hander isn't expected to return this weekend, but it's possible he'll come off the injured list early next week. Hendrik hasn't looked all that great so far in the minors, so fantasy managers shouldn't just expect him to return to the team's primary closer role immediately. Still, Hendriks should be rostered in all fantasy formats.
Max Fried
According to Braves manager Brian Snitker, starting pitcher Max Fried (forearm) has been lifting weights. The left-hander has been on the 15-day injured list after suffering a strained forearm. There was talk he'd miss a few months. However, the fact he's at least doing something is a positive sign.
Fried had played well before going down with the injury, compiling a 2-1 record (five starts) with a 2.08 ERA and 25 strikeouts in 26 innings. Without a doubt, plenty of fantasy managers are waiting for the 29-year-old to return, so he's worth a stash until that happens.
Ian Hamilton
New York Yankees right-hander Ian Hamilton (groin) is heading to the 15-day injured list on Wednesday after suffering a right groin injury in Tuesday night's game against the Toronto Blue Jays. In a corresponding move, the Yankees are bringing up pitcher Nick Ramirez from the minors.
The 27-year-old Hamilton will now miss at least the next two weeks of action. He's been very impressive in 16 appearances out of the bullpen so far in 2023, allowing three runs on 15 hits while walking nine and striking out 30 in 22 innings pitched for the Yanks. Hamilton also picked up his first career save on May 6 on the road against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Dustin May
The Los Angeles Dodgers placed right-hander Dustin May (forearm) on the 15-day injured list with a right forearm strain on Thursday and recalled right-hander Andre Jackson and left-hander Justin Bruihl from the minors in corresponding moves. The Dodgers also designated right-hander Dylan Covey for assignment.
May's IL placement shouldn't come as much of a surprise after he left his start Wednesday against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning with a forearm strain. The hard-throwing 25-year-old is expected to miss at least a month of action, but hopefully he won't need to have season-ending surgery on his right arm. With May sidelined, Gavin Stone is likely to take his spot in LA's starting rotation.
Cody Bellinger
Chicago Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger (knee) was placed on the 10-day injured list on Friday. The left-handed slugger hyperextended his left knee while making a catch during Monday's game versus the Houston Astros.
He missed a couple of games, but the Cubs have ultimately decided to place him on the injured list. In a corresponding move, outfielder Mike Tauchman has been recalled from Triple-A. He won't be in the lineup on here as Christopher Morel covers center field versus Ranger Suarez on Friday.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Miami Marlins outfielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (toe) is dealing with a turf toe and was placed on the injured list on Tuesday. Initial reports said he'll miss about four to six weeks. However, the 25-year-old is optimistic and planning to return for the June 9-11 series against the Chicago White Sox.
Hopefully that's the case as Chisholm Jr. is one of the more electric players in the game and was batting .229 with seven bombs and 14 stolen bases over 39 games. Garrett Hampson will still get the majority of time in center in his place, but his fantasy value was always limited to his speed. He only has a pair of steals so far through 29 contests.
Justin Turner
Boston Red Sox third baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner (knee) is out once again for Sunday's series finale against the San Diego Padres. The veteran third baseman will miss his second straight game after he exited Friday's contest early with left knee soreness.
The Red Sox are hoping a few days off will remedy the issue so he can avoid a stint on the injured list. Masataka Yoshida is filling in as the team's designated hitter on Sunday against Michael Wacha and the Friars.
Tyler O'Neill
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O'Neill (back) hasn't progressed enough with his baseball activities in order to be cleared to begin a minor-league rehab assignment this weekend, according to manager Oliver Marmol. The Cardinals aren't rushing the 27-year-old back and will slow play things a little longer.
O'Neill is currently on the injured list with a lower back strain, and he hasn't played since May 4. Along with the injury, it's been a disappointing season so far for O'Neill's fantasy managers, as he's hitting just .228 (21-for-92) with four doubles, two home runs, six RBI, and 12 runs scored in 99 plate appearances and 29 games. O'Neill's power/speed combination has left a lot to be desired in the last two years, and injuries haven't helped.
Eloy Jimenez
Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez (abdomen) is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery, according to manager Pedro Grifol. Jimenez underwent an appendectomy procedure several weeks ago, so it's nice to hear that he's progressing ahead of his timetable.
On Wednesday, Jimenez told reporters that he hopes to return to the lineup next weekend around May 26-28. Fantasy managers should keep a close eye on his status over the next few days to make sure he sticks to this new optimistic timeline.
Jorge Polanco
Minnesota Twins second baseman Jorge Polanco (hamstring) has been placed on the 10-day injured list. He was pulled from Wednesday's game due to a left hamstring strain. Polanco hasn't been able to play since then, so the team decided to place him on the injured list.
The expectation is that he'll return after his minimal stay on the IL. In a corresponding move, infielder Edouard Julien has been recalled from Triple-A St. Paul. The 24-year-old did fairly decent during his short stint with the big league club earlier in the season.
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