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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another weekly edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series! Heading into Week 15, we'll highlight five injured players worth stashing in your fantasy leagues. New to the series? Check out previous articles for even more options!
Many productive players are nearing a return. If you stash them on your IL, it could pay off in the long run. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both, the guys can help.
Only players rostered in less than 60% of Yahoo leagues are eligible for inclusion. The goal is to spotlight overlooked players. Now, let's get into this week's list.
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Jeffrey Springs, SP, Tampa Bay Rays
Rostered: 19% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early July
For those who follow this series, Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs (elbow) is officially the new Kyle Bradish. I won't stop including him until either 1) he's rostered in over 60% of Yahoo leagues, or 2) he's no longer on the IL. At this rate, it looks like it'll be the latter. He's still available in 81% of Yahoo leagues.
In his last rehab start with Triple-A Durham, Springs' pitches had similar shapes and speeds to what they were pre-Tommy John surgery. While he allowed a run, he struck out three. Overall, he looks good. On top of that, it shouldn't be too much longer before he's back in the Rays rotation. When he is, you'll want him on your roster. If he's still on the waivers in your league, pick him up ASAP. There's a solid chance that he'll be worth it.
Jeffrey Springs made another AAA rehab start yesterday
Velocity is still up at pre-TJS levels, which is great to see pic.twitter.com/QY2HDVpXYJ
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) June 24, 2024
Elias Diaz, C, Colorado Rockies
Rostered: 27% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early July
Colorado Rockies catcher Elias Diaz (calf) has had a solid year at the plate. In 198 at-bats, he's slashing .303/.352/.439 with 12 doubles, five home runs, and 28 RBI. While he's been out since June 11, he could be back within the next few weeks.
There's a strong chance of Diaz being dealt at the trade deadline. As with every Rockies player, there are generally concerns over how they'll play when half of their games are no longer in Coors Field. For Diaz, even though he's been better at home (.820 OPS), he's still been formidable on the road. In 92 at-bats away from Coors, he's slashing .294/.356/.402 with four doubles and two homers. Overall, whether he's playing for the Rockies or a new team altogether, he'll likely be a valuable catcher once he's back.
Considering how Diaz is so widely available, he's a great option to stash. He may not warrant starting in lower leagues, but he makes for a strong backup option. In deeper leagues, he's certainly a productive choice.
Elias Diaz no doubt about it! pic.twitter.com/AkdSqdDKT3
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 30, 2024
Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds
Rostered: 44% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late In The Season
Cincinnati Reds middle infielder Matt McLain (shoulder) was placed on the 60-day IL right before Opening Day. At first, it looked like he'd miss the entire season. But now, it looks like there's a real chance of him returning to the big league roster this year. According to reports, he could start swinging a bat within the next few days.
McLain had an outstanding rookie year in 2023, slashing .290/.357/.507 with 106 hits, 23 doubles, 16 homers, and 14 steals in just 89 games. Going into this season, hopes were high. While he's been out of the picture over the last few months, he could provide a huge boost at the end of the year. Overall, he's a dynamic option and capable of making a big impact once he's healthy again. As far as late-season returns go, he's definitely one of the most stash-worthy.
David Bell on Matt McLain: "His exam with a doctor went really well. Perfect. Exactly where he wants to be. As far as the exact dates, we're still working on what the progression is going to look like between now and August."
McLain hasn't started swinging yet. "He's pretty…
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) June 23, 2024
Robbie Ray, SP, San Francisco Giants
Rostered: 23% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Post All-Star Break
San Francisco Giants starting pitcher and 2021 American League Cy Young winner Robbie Ray (elbow) hasn't been on a big league mound since throwing 3 1/3 innings at the start of last season with Seattle. Fortunately, he's currently on a rehab assignment and doing really well.
Through 9 1/3 innings with Triple-A Sacramento, Ray has allowed four runs, eight hits, and one walk. He's also notched 17 strikeouts. Showing good control is a great sign, as that was an issue with him for most of his career (though, it was much better in 2021 and 2022).
Overall, Ray is an enticing option with a lot of upside. If he weren't doing so well on his rehab assignment, I wouldn't be so bullish. But with how many pitchers have fallen victim to injury, Ray is certainly worth taking a chance on, especially in a pitcher-friendly ballpark like the Giants have.
Robbie Ray threw 2 1/3 scoreless innings in his first rehab appearance with Triple-A Sacramento. Fastball was up to 95 mph. It's been smooth sailing in recovery from Tommy John, but it's likely going to be another 3-4 weeks before he's ready. pic.twitter.com/V4vr4Mc85X
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) June 23, 2024
Lars Nootbaar, OF, St. Louis Cardinals
Rostered: 27% Yahoo
Estimated Return: July 6
St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Lars Nootbaar (oblique) is another guy who's been on this list for the last few weeks. That's because I believe he's one of the most underrated on-base players and run producers out there. He has a lifetime .349 OBP and he scored 74 runs in just 117 games last year.
Nootbaar will begin a rehab assignment today with Double-A Springfield. According to reports, he'll play six rehab games before rejoining the Cardinals roster. If that's true, he lines up to return on July 5, so it won't require stashing him for very long.
Overall, Nootbaar is someone who could definitely have a great second half. Considering his skills, and as long as he's healthy, he should be a more-than productive option. I'm certainly surprised to see that his roster percentage has actually decreased since last week.
OF Lars Nootbaar (oblique strain) will start his Minor League rehab assignment on Friday with Double-A Springfield, he said. He estimates he will need 5-6 games to regain his timing and swing.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) June 27, 2024
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