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Fantasy baseball injury updates and injury reports for MLB hitters and pitchers as of 8/19/2024, including Freddie Freeman, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Riley, Ketel Marte, Ha-Seong Kim, Pete Fairbanks, Yandy Diaz, and more.
September is just ahead, meaning the MLB and fantasy baseball playoffs with be here before we know it. With several key studs dealing with injuries, let's take a look at the top injured players, including Freddie Freeman, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Riley, Ketel Marte, Ha-Seong Kim, Pete Fairbanks, Yandy Diaz, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of August 19, 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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Freddie Freeman Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman (finger) is out of the starting lineup ahead of Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. The veteran slugger will take the day off after jamming his finger on his throwing hand during Saturday's contest.
Freddie Freeman’s middle finger continues to swell, Dave Roberts said. Will get a CT scan when the team is back in Los Angeles, but Roberts said the concern level is still low.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) August 18, 2024
Manager Dave Roberts said Freeman will get a CT scan on his hand when the team heads back to Los Angeles. The team doesn't seem too concerned but will get extra testing to determine the severity of the issue. For now, fantasy managers should consider Freeman as day-to-day. Kike Hernandez will cover first base and bat seventh versus right-hander Sonny Gray on Sunday.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. Injury Update
New York Yankees outfielder/infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (elbow) expressed on Friday, August 16, that he expects to swing a bat in a "day or two." The 26-year-old further noted that he has not experienced any pain since suffering a sprained UCL. Chisholm hit the 10-day IL last week and could return much sooner than expected, given his current progression.
Fantasy managers should continue to pay close attention to how Chisholm feels after swinging a bat, as he could return to game action before the end of the month.
Prior to the injury, the 26-year-old was riding a six-game hitting streak with a .391/.417/.826 line and three long balls. While sidelined, Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza should continue to split time at the hot corner in the Bronx. (MLB.com)
Austin Riley Injury Update
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (hand) was forced to exit early during Sunday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. The young slugger was removed from the contest after getting hit by a pitch in the hand during the first inning. Braves' manager Brian Snitker told reporters that Riley will undergo further evaluation after X-rays were inconclusive.
For now, fantasy managers should consider Riley as day-to-day. There should be more information on his timetable to return once the testing is done.
X-rays and other tests inconclusive on Riley. Braves will need to evaluate him more when they’re back home.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) August 18, 2024
Luke Williams took over at third base during Sunday's game. He'll likely see increased playing time until Riley is back in the mix. Williams doesn't offer much upside with the bat to warrant rostering in most fantasy formats. Whit Merrifield could also be an option at third base, but he hasn't been much better than Williams with the bat. Fantasy managers will need to check back for another update on Riley's status.
Ketel Marte Injury Update
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte appeared to re-aggravate his ankle injury during Sunday's game and was forced to leave the game early, according to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic. Marte was pinch-hitting when he appeared to feel something on a check swing and had to be helped off the field.
Ketel Marte appears to have re-aggravated his ankle injury. He came on to pinch hit but felt more pain on a check swing. He was helped off the field.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) August 18, 2024
Marte is hitting .298/.370/.560 with 30 homers and 81 RBI this season. It's been a great year for Marte as he has established himself as one of the top fantasy second basemen, so this injury is frustrating for fantasy managers.
Ha-Seong Kim Injury Update
San Diego Padres infielder Ha-Seong Kim (shoulder) is set to undergo an MRI after exiting early during Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies. Kim injured his right shoulder while diving back into first base on a pickoff attempt. The organization is uncertain about the severity of the injury, which is why they'll need additional testing done on Monday.
Mike Shildt says that Ha-Seong Kim jammed his shoulder, and he'll get some imaging done tomorrow. He's sore, and they'll have a better feel for his status after he gets more work done tomorrow. It's uncertain if he'll have to miss any time at this point.
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) August 18, 2024
Tyler Wade took over at shortstop over Sunday's game. The assumption is that he'll see increased playing time until Kim is back in the mix. Wade is hitting .241 with eight RBI this season, so he'll be fine for a few games, but isn't a long term solution if Kim is forced to miss an extended period of time.
Pete Fairbanks Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Pete Fairbanks (lat) is expected to miss time after suffering an injury during Sunday's game. Rays' manager Kevin Cash said Fairbanks is likely to be placed on the 15-day injured list following Sunday's contest.
Rays injury update: Pete Fairbanks will likely head to the IL with a lat strain.
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) August 18, 2024
The right-hander appears to have suffered the injury during his rough outing, where he allowed three runs on three hits during Sunday's win. If Fairbanks misses time, the Rays are expected to go with a closer-by-committee approach.
Garrett Cleavinger or Colin Poche are likely the favorites for save chances out of everyone, but they aren't must-add fantasy options, given the Rays will probably use multiple pitchers in the ninth inning.
Yandy Diaz Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Yandy Diaz (arm) left Sunday's game early after being hit by a pitch in his left arm. The infielder was seen being checked out by a trainer before exiting the game. Diaz was replaced by Christopher Morel, who then shifted to the hot corner as Junior Caminero moved over to first base.
Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Rays' lineup on Monday evening ahead of their game against the Oakland Athletics, as the 33-year-old may need a few days off.
Yandy Diaz has to leave the game after being hit on the arm pic.twitter.com/SQF39eqEUU
— Bally Sports Sun: Rays (@BallyRays) August 18, 2024
Diaz was enjoying another nice as season as he sits with a solid .273/.329/.396 line with 10 long balls. He holds a strong 15.7% K rate and an excellent 49.7% hard-hit rate. If Diaz were to miss an extended period of time, Caminero could see time at first base more often, or second baseman Brandon Lowe could shift over as well. UPDATE: Diaz was diagnosed with a left forearm contusion.
Ronel Blanco Injury Update
Houston Astros starting pitcher Ronel Blanco (finger) is set to return to the bump on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. The 30-year-old was dealing with some general finger soreness after being hit by a comebacker in his previous start, but the injury does not seem serious, as Blanco will not miss a turn in the rotation.
Justin Verlander is tentatively scheduled to make his return on Wednesday against the Red Sox, Joe Espada said. Yusei Kikuchi pitches tomorrow and Ronel Blanco goes on Tuesday.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) August 18, 2024
The right-hander has enjoyed a nice campaign so far as he sits with a solid 2.89 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and a 51:130 BB:K ratio. Since allowing a high 4.40 ERA through July, Blanco has settled down through the start of August, holding a much-improved 2.40 ERA. Blanco should remain in all starting lineups and will be a popular play in DFS on Tuesday evening, given his recent stretch.
Justin Verlander Injury Update
Houston Astros starting pitcher Justin Verlander (neck) is currently scheduled to take the ball against the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. The 41-year-old has been sidelined since mid-June due to a neck issue. Verlander looked good during his most recent rehab start at Double-A Corpus Christi on Thursday.
If Justin Verlander is feeling good after today’s bullpen, he will start Wednesday against the Red Sox.
— Julia Morales (@JuliaMorales) August 18, 2024
It sounds like Verlander is ready to return after his bullpen session on Sunday went well. He holds a 3.95 ERA, 1.21 WHIP, with 51 strikeouts across 10 starts this season. Verlander isn't the same pitcher he once was, but he should still be an asset in most fantasy formats.
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