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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series.
Heading into Week 24 and the final month of MLB season, we'll highlight five injured players to stash in your redraft leagues. New to the series? Make sure to check out our previous articles for more options.
Despite there only being a month left in the 2024 season, there are still some injured players set to return who can provide your team with an end-of-the-year boost. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both -- whether you're in a playoff league or not -- these guys can help. Only those rostered in 60% or less of Yahoo leagues are eligible.
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Jordan Westburg, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
Rostered: 56% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
2024 stats: 269/.317/.497 (132 OPS+) / 55 R / 25 2B / 18 HR / 58 RBI / 21:90 BB/SO
Westburg has been out since July 31 with a fractured hand, though he could still rejoin the Orioles roster before the season ends. There may only be a few weeks left when it happens, but stashing him in the meantime could be well worth it.
Through 101 games this year, Westburg has been outstanding for the O's. Production like his is hard to come by on the waiver wire. Also, Baltimore will likely spend the rest of the season battling for the AL East crown. With extra teamwide motivation, Westburg could provide top-notch production once he's back.
Jordan Westburg again taking grounders JJ Hardy style with his right hand fractured. After he was done, he got down and did about 25 sit-ups. pic.twitter.com/fikntoOeVH
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) August 24, 2024
Tyler Soderstrom, C/1B, Oakland Athletics
Rostered: 4% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
2024 stats: .219/.307/.404 (105 OPS+) / 12 R / 6 2B / 7 HR / 20 RBI / 16:45 BB/SO
Over the last few weeks, many articles have included deep dives into Soderstrom (wrist) and his impressive underlying numbers. Though his surface-level stats aren't great, he consistently hits the ball hard (.504 xSLG / 92.7 average exit velocity / 14.7% barrel rate / 52.9 % hard-hit rate).
As of now, it looks like Soderstrom could return before the season ends. With his amount of potential, he's a prime candidate to end the season on a hot streak. It may not be guaranteed, but it's an intriguing risk.
A’s manager Mark Kotsay told reporters Tuesday that Tyler Soderstrom had been making progress in his strengthening program and is nearing a rehab assignment, which could come as early as this week.https://t.co/g6aGFtF0Mm
— Chris Correa (@ChrisCorrea15) August 28, 2024
Brooks Lee, 2B/3B/SS, Minnesota Twins
Rostered: 8% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early September
2024 stats (MLB): .253/.309/.333 / 2 2B / 2 HR / 15 RBI / 3 SB / 9:16 BB/SO
Coming into the season as one of the Twins' top prospects, Lee (shoulder) was promoted in early July. After a month's worth of big league playing time, he's been on the IL since August 7. Fortunately, he's currently on a rehab assignment and should be back shortly.
Lee may only warrant a bench spot in shallower fantasy leagues, but if you're looking for someone with lots of contact-based upside, he could be your guy. Lee has surged through the minor leagues. In 24 games with Triple-A St. Paul this year, he's gone 32-for-100 with seven doubles, eight homers, 24 RBI, and 10:15 BB/SO. He has more talent than his short stint in the big leagues suggests.
"Because of course. Because it's Brooks Lee!"
MLB's No. 16 prospect (@Twins) DEMOLISHES a 447 ft homer in his first rehab at-bat for the Triple-A @StPaulSaints. pic.twitter.com/DOKTFecWs7
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 25, 2024
Heston Kjerstad, OF, Baltimore Orioles
Rostered: 8% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
2024 stats: .261/.370/.420 / 2 2B / 3 HR / 12 RBI / 9:24 BB/SO
Kjerstad (concussion) hasn't had much luck since being promoted to the O's roster this year. After struggling to see consistent playing time, a fastball to the head has resulted in a month's worth of missed opportunities.
This is incredibly disappointing because Kjerstad has a ton of talent and potential. If he's given a solid chance to prove himself when he's healthy, expect him to seize the opportunity.
Outfielder Heston Kjerstad is ramping up baseball activities, Brandon Hyde said, but the timeline is still unclear. Hyde said Kjerstad is doing well, however, as he recovers from his concussion
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) August 29, 2024
Jordan Romano, RP, Toronto Blue Jays
Rostered: 43% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
2024 stats: 13 2/3 IP/ 6.59 ERA / 6.17 FIP / 1.46 WHIP / 13:4 K/BB
Unfortunately, there aren't many productive pitchers set to return in 2024. It's even possible that Romano (elbow) is done for the year. Still, I want to include a pitcher, and he's one of the few whose return is a real possibility, even if not 100% guaranteed.
Since 2020, Romano has thrown just over 200 innings, resulting in a sub-2.50 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 264:79 K/BB. Despite a rough start this season, he's still one of the game's best closers. If he's able to return to the Jays in September, scoop him up.
Jordan Romano: the fine line between closer and psychopath. pic.twitter.com/rdvIFlGzda
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 21, 2024
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