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There are still three days of MLB games before the All-Star break is here, meaning fantasy baseball managers should remain locked-in with setting lineups. There are several key banged-up players heading into Friday's slate, so let's take a look at the top banged-up pitchers and hitters, including Juan Soto, Yordan Alvarez, Zack Wheeler, Kyle Tucker, Jose Altuve, Cody Bellinger, Merrill Kelly, and more
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of July 12, 2024. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, all players should be monitored ahead of the start of the week.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across 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 the top fantasy baseball players.
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Juan Soto Injury Update
New York Yankees outfielder Juan Soto (hand) said that his hand is getting better, although it's something he expects he'll have to deal with over the coming weeks. Soto still plans on playing in next week's All-Star Game, though. The 25-year-old superstar outfielder also went 2-for-3 with a double, home run, and two walks in Thursday's loss to the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays, so his hand can't be bothering him too much. He originally injured his hand back on June 28, but has gone 9-for-36 with two home runs, four RBI, and five runs scored since.
Juan Soto said that his hand is getting better, though it's something he expects he'll have to deal with over the coming weeks. He still plans on playing in the All-Star Game. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 12, 2024
While it's something to watch, fantasy managers shouldn't be too worried as long as it's not costing him any time or negatively affecting his swing. Soto now has 22 home runs on the season in 91 games and was named to his fourth All-Star team this year in his first season in the Bronx.
Yordan Alvarez Injury Update
Houston Astros outfielder/designated hitter Yordan Alvarez (hip) was not in the team's starting lineup on Thursday versus the visiting Miami Marlins. It shouldn't come as a huge surprise after Alvarez was forced from Wednesday's game with right hip tightness. Fantasy managers should consider the 27-year-old All-Star slugger to be day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he's held out multiple games as a precaution with the All-Star break coming next week.
Alvarez is a must-start whenever he's in the lineup with an elite .297/.382/.539 slash line, .921 OPS, 19 home runs, 51 RBI, five stolen bases, and 56 runs scored in 88 games in his sixth season in the big leagues. (MLB.com)
Zack Wheeler Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (back) will not make his next scheduled start on Sunday against the Oakland Athletics after being removed from his outing on Wednesday early against the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers with lower-back tightness. However, manager Rob Thomson said Wheeler will start in his first turn coming out of next week's All-Star break, but it's unclear which day that will fall on.
Zack Wheeler will not start Sunday as previously scheduled. Rob Thomson said Wheeler will start in his first turn coming out of the break. Not sure which day yet.
— Todd Zolecki (@ToddZolecki) July 11, 2024
While fantasy managers would have loved to have used the 34-year-old veteran in a juicy matchup on Sunday in a two-start week, they'd probably prefer that the Phils play it safe and hold him out until the second half. Unsurprisingly, Wheeler has been a must-start for fantasy managers every time he toes the rubber in 2024. He's gone 10-4 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 126 strikeouts and only 35 walks in 116 2/3 innings over his 19 starts in his fifth year in Philly.
Kyle Tucker Injury Update
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) played catch on the field at Minute Maid Park on Thursday before the contest against the visiting Miami Marlins. It's the first time he's done any on-field baseball activities since fouling a ball off his shin way back on June 3. Fantasy managers have to be frustrated by how long Tucker has been out for a seemingly minor injury, but the good news is that he's making progress.
Kyle Tucker is playing catch on the field at Minute Maid Park. First time he's done any on-field baseball activities since fouling a ball off his shin on June 3.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 11, 2024
However, given his long layoff, there's a good chance he's going to need to go on a minor league rehab assignment, which means it's unlikely we'll see him back in Houston's starting lineup next weekend after the All-Star break. The 27-year-old left-handed slugger is an elite fantasy asset when he's healthy, so there's no way he should be available on any waiver wire.
Jose Altuve Injury Update
Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve (hand) will miss next week's All-Star Game, "opting to rest a sore left hand" stemming from being hit by a pitch last Friday against the Minnesota Twins, according to the team. After being hit on his hand last Friday, Altuve sat out Saturday's game before returning to action in Sunday's series finale in Minnesota. The 34-year-old has started each of the last three games since being hit in the hand and should be fine, but the Astros prefer if he gets some extra rest heading into the second half of the season next weekend.
Jose Altuve will miss the All-Star Game "opting to rest a sore left hand" stemming from being hit by a pitch Friday at Minnesota, per the Astros.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) July 11, 2024
The nine-time All-Star has had a fantastic bounce-back season in 2024 after an injury-plagued 2023 campaign and is taking an eight-game hitting streak into Thursday's contest versus the visiting Miami Marlins. He's gone 13-for-34 (.382) with a double and five RBI during his current streak.
Cody Bellinger Injury Update
The Chicago Cubs placed outfielder Cody Bellinger (finger) on the 10-day injured list on Thursday with a left middle finger fracture and recalled outfielder Alexander Canario from Triple-A Iowa in a corresponding move. Bellinger fractured his finger in Wednesday's contest against the Baltimore Orioles when he was hit by a pitch in the seventh inning. He'll now most likely miss more than the required 10 days on the IL, extending into the start of the second half of the season after next week's All-Star break.
#Cubs place Cody Bellinger on the 10-day IL with a left middle finger fracture. Alexander Canario has been recalled.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) July 11, 2024
Although the 28-year-old left-handed slugger hasn't been nearly as good as he was in his first year in Chicago in 2023 when he hit 26 homers, drove in 97, and stole 20 bases, he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy leagues. In the meantime, rookie Pete Crow-Armstrong should become a regular in center field for the Cubbies, with Canario providing outfield depth.
Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez Injury Update
Arizona Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly (shoulder) and left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder) will both throw bullpen sessions again on Friday. Kelly and Rodriguez also threw bullpens on Tuesday, with it being Kelly's first time throwing off a mound since going on the injured list in mid-April. The 35-year-old is a top-of-the-rotation arm for the D-backs when healthy and was 2-0 with a nice 2.19 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 21 Ks in 24 2/3 innings over his first four starts in 2024 before getting hurt.
D-backs pitchers Jordan Montgomery, Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez and Drey Jameson will all throw bullpens tomorrow.
Torey Lovullo said Montgomery could "potentially" be ready for Arizona's road trip out of the All-Star break.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) July 11, 2024
Kelly should be stashed in all fantasy leagues, even though he may not rejoin the rotation until mid-August. Rodriguez, 31, injured his shoulder back in spring training and had a setback along the way, which is why he has yet to pitch in his first year in Arizona. E-Rod is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on July 26 and should be back before Kelly, barring another setback.
Devin Williams Injury Update
Milwaukee Brewers closer Devin Williams (back) will start a minor league rehab assignment with High-A Wisconsin on Saturday, according to the team. Williams threw a live batting practice session on Tuesday and has now been cleared to start a rehab assignment as he works his way back from two stress fractures in his back. The 29-year-old right-handed reliever has been out all year and probably isn't going to rejoin Milwaukee's bullpen right away after next week's All-Star break, but he's certainly getting close to making his 2024 debut.
Closer Devin Williams will begin a Minor League rehabilitation assignment on Saturday with the @TimberRattlers, the Brewers announced.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) July 11, 2024
However, barring a setback, Williams could come off the 60-day injured list in late July and will be eased back into regular closing duties for the Brew Crew. The two-time All-Star should be stashed in all fantasy leagues. In the meantime, Trevor Megill will continue to serve as Milwaukee's fill-in closer.
Jordan Montgomery Injury Update
Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Jordan Montgomery (knee) is around 12 to 14 days away from returning to the team's starting rotation. Montgomery is likely to return in either the series against the Kansas City Royals or Pittsburgh Pirates after next week's All-Star break.
Montgomery helped the Texas Rangers win a World Series championship last fall for the first time in franchise history, but he signed with the D-backs late this spring and just hasn't been right, going 6-5 with a bloated 6.44 ERA (4.44 FIP) and 1.67 WHIP with just 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 65 2/3 innings over his first 13 starts.
Jordan Montgomery is about 12-14 days away from returning to the rotation. Likely return is the KC or Pittsburgh series after the break.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) July 11, 2024
The 31-year-old southpaw threw a bullpen session on Tuesday and felt good, though, as he tries to recover from right knee inflammation. With better health, fantasy managers in deeper leagues will be hoping that Montgomery can right the ship in the second half.
Anthony Rizzo Injury Update
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (forearm) is still seemingly a ways away from rejoining the team. Manager Aaron Boone said before Thursday's game against the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays that Rizzo was doing some work in the weight room but is "still pretty restricted" following his right forearm fracture.
Aaron Boone said that DJ LeMahieu is doing well after his latest "freak" accidents.
Plus: updates on Juan Soto, Jon Berti, Anthony Rizzo, Scott Effross, Nick Burdi and Ian Hamilton. #Yankees @NYDNSports https://t.co/1mpnoUr3gB
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) July 11, 2024
After being placed on the 60-day injured list on June 19, the 34-year-old former All-Star is not eligible to return until mid-August and was batting under the Mendoza Line over his last 30 games before going on the shelf. Rookie Ben Rice has been a decent source of pop and is worth a look in all fantasy leagues in Rizzo's stead, however, slashing .254/.333/.522 with five home runs, three doubles, and 16 RBI through 78 plate appearances.
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