After witnessing the Angels hand the Rockies a 25-1 beating on Saturday night, we are reminded just how cruel things can get throughout any MLB season. Of course, fantasy managers sometimes feel the pain even more, especially for those with significant voids in the lineup. As we enter the final week of June, the injuries scene is as big as ever. Let's take a look at some notable injury updates on Byron Buxton, Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Sean Murphy, and Max Muncy.
These are some of the latest fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters as of June 25, 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.
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Byron Buxton
Minnesota Twins designated hitter Byron Buxton (back) is missing from Sunday's lineup against the Detroit Tigers. Edouard Julien is DHing in the leadoff spot while super-utility man Kyle Farmer covers second base, batting fifth in this one. Not much of a surprise here as the Twins play things carefully with their oft-injured star after the 29-year-old exited Saturday's game with back spasms.
Buxton was on an 0-for-8 slide on the heels of launching three homers in as many days. Minnesota doesn't have a day off on Monday, so fantasy managers will have to wait and see if the speedy slugger can return for the start of a three-game set against the Atlanta Braves.
Max Muncy
Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Max Muncy (hamstring) will take live at-bats on Sunday and is expected to be activated from the injured list Tuesday. He was placed on the 10-day injured list in June due to a low-grade hamstring strain. "For me right now, I feel confident saying that Tuesday, Muncy will be activated, said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts.
The Dodgers will monitor Muncy and discuss if the veteran will play back-to-back games in their upcoming series against the Rockies coming off a hamstring issue. The 32-year-old is slashing .191/.323/.474 with 18 homers and 45 RBI across 60 games in 2023. Fantasy managers will likely have Muncy for Week 14 but should check back to ensure he is activated ahead of Tuesday's game against the Rockies.
Aaron Judge
New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (toe) told reporters on Saturday that he's dealing with a torn ligament in his toe and not a sprain. This news complicates matters for the Yankees star, who said he still has pain when he walks. He was initially diagnosed with a sprain, but a torn ligament is a greater issue.
There's still no timetable for his return, so fantasy managers will need to stick with their backup plan for much longer than originally anticipated. The Yankees should provide another update next week.
Sean Murphy
Atlanta Braves catcher Sean Murphy (hamstring) has finally returned to the team's starting lineup on Sunday to face the Cincinnati Reds and right-hander Levi Stoudt. He's starting behind the dish and batting fifth in the lineup. Murphy missed the team's last five games, but he was able to get in a pinch-hitting appearance along the way.
Fantasy managers will want to get the 28-year-old backstop back in their starting lineups immediately, as he's been one of the most productive catchers in fantasy so far this year. The former Oakland A's catcher is currently slashing a strong .286/.383/.532 with a .915 OPS, 12 home runs, 14 doubles, 42 RBI and 33 runs scored in 58 games in his first year in Atlanta.
Cody Bellinger
Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Cody Bellinger (illness) is absent from Sunday's lineup versus the St. Louis Cardinals with an illness. The 27-year-old takes a seat in place of Trey Mancini, who is covering the cold corner and batting sixth against southpaw Matthew Liberatore.
Bellinger has looked a bit sluggish at the plate since returning from the injured list, hitting just 3-for-22 with only one extra-base hit and two RBI since June 15. The Cubs aren't back in action until Tuesday, so the southpaw has a extra day off to get back in there for the start of a three-game series versus the Philadelphia Phillies.
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