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The injury report is filling up with names of some top performers from around Major League Baseball. Undoubtedly, this is a concern for many fantasy baseball managers, who could be without their top producers for the foreseeable future. Let's take a look at injury updates for pitchers, including Justin Steele, Chris Sale, Julio Urias, Nestor Cortes, Jose Alvarado, and more.
Here are some of the top fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of June 5, 2023. 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.
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 pitchers.
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Justin Steele
The Chicago Cubs placed left-hander Justin Steele (forearm) on the 15-day injured list on Saturday. Steele was removed from Wednesday's start early with a mild left forearm strain. The 27-year-old will miss the next few weeks as the move was retroactive to June 1. Steele had been terrific this season before landing on the injured list.
He owned a (6-2) record with a 2.65 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, and a 58:16 K:BB across 68 innings in 2023. Chicago recalled catcher Miguel Amaya in a corresponding move. The Cubs will most likely have Hayden Wesneski replace Steele in the Cubs rotation. Wesneski owns a 4.81 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and a 32:11 K:BB across 43 innings in 2023.
Jose Alvarado
Philadelphia Phillies reliever Jose Alvarado (elbow) could return for next weekend's home series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The left-hander had five saves and four holds before going down with elbow inflammation on May 8.
He's been spending time with Triple-A Lehigh Valley and is expected to make one more appearance in the minors. If things go well, he'll be back, which is good news for the fantasy managers who've had him stashed on the injured list.
Chris Sale
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Chris Sale (shoulder) landed on the 15-day injured list on Friday after exiting his last start because of soreness. Unfortunately, the issue could be more severe, with the left-hander indicating he will undergo further testing. "I've got something going on in my shoulder," Sale said.
"I think I have a couple more tests I have to go through until we get a definitive answer. But still, obviously not the situation you want to be in, for sure." The multi-time All-Star has gone 5-2 in 11 starts with a 4.58 ERA this season. However, considering Sale missed plenty of games over the years due to injuries, fantasy managers aren't expecting a positive update when the time comes.
Julio Urias
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Julio Urias (hamstring) was able to throw a successful bullpen session on Saturday. The left-hander continues to work his way back from a lingering hamstring issue.
The expectation is that Urias is going to face live hitters at some point next week. After that, Urias should be ready to rejoin the Dodgers' starting rotation. It sounds like the 26-year-old might not need a rehab start, but we'll wait and see how he responds later in the week.
Nestor Cortes
New York Yankees starting pitcher Nestor Cortes (shoulder) is likely headed to the injured list, according to manager Aaron Boone. The left-hander has experienced trouble with his recovery in between starts. The Yankees have already pushed back his next scheduled start on Wednesday.
The organization will have Cortes undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the issue. The team is hopeful he'll only miss a start or two, but more information should be known soon. Fantasy managers should have a backup plan ready in case Cortes goes to the injured list.
Carlos Rodon
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (back) threw 30 pitches over two simulated innings at Dodger Stadium on Friday. According to skipper Aaron Boone, things went well. Rodon may resume facing hitters once the Yankees return to the Bronx.
The 30-year-old has been on the shelf since March, with New York transferring him to the 60-day injured list on Thursday. However, the Yankees will take things slow with Rodon, who signed a lucrative deal in the offseason. Fantasy managers should remain optimistic, especially if the positive updates continue.
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