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The fantasy baseball playoffs will be here soon, and unfortunately, injuries could play a major factor in lineup decisions. That said, let's take a look at the top injured players including Shohei Ohtani, Tyler Glasnow, Michael Harris II, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Yu Darvish, Willson Contreras, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of August 26, 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 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 the top fantasy baseball players.
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Shohei Ohtani Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (forearm) was taken for X-rays after getting hit by a pitch during Sunday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. The good news is that the X-rays were negative, which means Ohtani has likely avoided any serious injuries. Possibly, the Dodgers decide to hold out Ohtani for a day or two, but that depends on how he feels on Monday.
#Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani was hit on the inside of the left forearm. X-rays were negative. He should be OK.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) August 25, 2024
Fantasy managers shouldn't need to worry about Ohtani heading to the injured list. The superstar slugger has 41 home runs and 94 RBI across 127 games this season.
Tyler Glasnow Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers starter Tyler Glasnow (elbow) played catch from 60 feet on Saturday, a key step as he fights to return from elbow tendinitis. Originally, manager Dave Roberts said he expected the ace to miss only the minimum of 15 days, but that will not happen. The timeline now appears to be two to three weeks in total.
Dave Roberts said Tyler Glasnow played catch from 60 feet, but Glasnow’s absence will be longer than they originally thought.
Roberts is optimistic Glasnow will pitch again in regular season. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 24, 2024
Glasnow is 9-6 with a 3.49 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP, and 168 strikeouts in 134 innings. Look for the veteran right-hander to return in the first week of September if he continues to make progress. The Dodgers need him, but they need him more for a potential deep playoff run.
Michael Harris II Injury Update
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (hand) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Washington Nationals. Harris was hit by a pitch in the left-hand area during the first inning of Sunday's contest. Harris attempted to play through the issue, but he was subbed out for Jarred Kelenic.
Kelenic replaces Harris in center. Harris was hit by a pitch in the left hand/wrist area in the first inning
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 25, 2024
The assumption is that Harris will undergo further testing to determine the severity of the injury. The 2024 season has been tough for Harris who has only been able to play in a little over 70 games. Hopefully, it's a minor injury and Harris can get back in the lineup within a few days. In the meantime, Kelenic figures to see increased playing time in the outfield. Kelenic is hitting .237 with 13 home runs and 39 RBI in 115 games this season. He could be worth a look in deep formats if Harris is forced to miss time.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) is scheduled to make a rehab start with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Wednesday. It was already announced that Yamamoto was going to start on Wednesday, but the location was unknown until now. The 26-year-old is only expected to work two innings during his first outing.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s rehab assignment will start Wednesday with Triple-A OKC, Dave Roberts said.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 25, 2024
It sounds like Yamamoto will need at least three starts before he's ready to return to the big league rotation. He currently holds a 2.92 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 84/17 K/BB ratio across 14 starts this season. He'll likely be able to make a few starts in the Dodgers rotation before the end of September. That being said, Yamamoto might not offer much fantasy value in redraft formats depending on when he gets back on the big league mound.
Yu Darvish Injury Update
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Yu Darvish (groin) took the mound for a simulated game on Sunday. The right-hander reportedly looked good as he threw 54 pitches and got 13 outs along the way. Darvish was placed on the 15-day injured list on Saturday. That being said, fantasy managers shouldn't expect Darvish to be back in the big league rotation until some point in September.
Three simulated innings from Yu Darvish against hitters brought in from the Lake Elsinore Storm. He threw 54 pitches. Got 13 outs. Didn’t see anything that would’ve qualified as a hit (although there weren’t any defenders). Unclear what the next step might be.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) August 25, 2024
Before the injury, Darvish held a 3.20 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, and 53/15 K/BB ratio across 11 starts for the Padres. It's uncertain at this point if Darvish will offer much or any fantasy value to managers in redraft formats. The timetable for his return is still unknown, so fantasy managers will need to stay tuned for more updates.
Willson Contreras Injury Update
St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras (finger) took a fastball off the right hand in the fourth inning of Saturday's 6-0 loss to the Twins, and after initially staying in the game to run the bases, has now been diagnosed with a fractured right middle finger. The Cardinals are expected to call up Ivan Herrera to replace him and split time with backup catcher Pedro Pages.
Willson Contreras fractures finger will go on IL. https://t.co/wZAM8MJYLi
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) August 25, 2024
Herrera filled in for Contreras earlier this season during Contreras' first IL stint, slashing .279/.340/.378 with three home runs, a .317 wOBA, and 105 wRC+ over 54 games. No timetable has been given for how long Contreras will be out, but it'd be hard to imagine he'll be back before the regular season ends.
Max Kepler Injury Update
Minnesota Twins outfielder Max Kepler (knee) was scratched from Sunday's lineup due to left knee soreness, according to Dan Hayes of The Athletic. As a result, he was replaced by Manuel Margot. It is still unclear how severe the injury is, so fantasy managers should consider the 31-year-old to be day-to-day for the time being.
Max Kepler was scratched from today's lineup with left knee soreness. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) August 25, 2024
If Kepler were to miss any significant period of time, Margot would be a strong candidate to see the majority of starts in right field, with Matt Wallner occasionally slotting in when he is not serving as the designated hitter. Before the injury, Kepler carried a .236 average this month with an overall .259/.309/.392 slash line this summer.
J.P. Crawford Injury Update
Seattle Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford (finger) started his minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Tacoma on Saturday and went 0-for-3. Crawford started at shortstop and was replaced after playing five innings. Although the 29-year-old didn't play the full game, it's still encouraging that he was able to play on defense in his first game.
Barring a setback after a few more contests in the minors, he could rejoin Seattle's lineup at some point next week. Crawford is unlikely to suddenly boost Seattle's floundering offense when he returns from the injured list, as he was hitting a disappointing .204 (60-for-294) with nine home runs, 32 RBI, and five stolen bases in 77 games this year before getting hurt. Leo Rivas has been serving as the team's starting shortstop in Crawford's absence. (MiLB.com)
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