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MLB All-Star festivities are in the rear-view mirror, and it's time to get back to action. Unfortunately, the list of key injured players remains lengthy as we head into the second half of the 2024 fantasy baseball season. That said, let's take a look at the top injured players including Zack Wheeler, Julio Rodriguez, Ozzie Albies, Royce Lewis, TJ Friedl, Jose Miranda, Joe Musgrove, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of July 22, 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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Zack Wheeler Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler (back) is listed as the team's probable starter for Tuesday's contest on the road in Minnesota against the Twins. As a precaution, Wheeler had his final start of the first half skipped last Sunday against the Oakland Athletics due to back spasms. The issue is considered minor, though, and the 34-year-old veteran All-Star is ready to roll for his first start of the second half on Tuesday.
It's not the best of matchups on the road, but fantasy managers should feel comfortable rolling Wheeler out there against a Twins team that will be missing star shortstop Carlos Correa (foot). Wheeler was as consistent as they come for fantasy managers in the first half in 2024, going 10-4 with a 2.70 ERA and 0.99 WHIP with 126 strikeouts and 35 walks in 116 2/3 innings over his 19 starts. Roll him out there in Minnesota next week. (MLB.com)
Julio Rodriguez Injury Update
Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez (ankle) was removed early during Sunday's game against the Houston Astros. The 23-year-old suffered an ankle injury when crashing into the wall while making an impressive catch. The Mariners took a cautious approach and immediately pulled Rodriguez from the game.
Scott Servais says X-rays negative on Julio Rodriguez’s ankle. Says he’s day to day for now. Calls it “a little bit of an ankle sprain.”
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) July 21, 2024
The X-rays returned negative for fractures, which is great news for fantasy managers. For the moment, fantasy managers should consider Rodriguez as day-to-day with an ankle sprain. Victor Robles came into the game to replace Rodriguez and he figures to see more time in center field, assuming Rodriguez misses time.
Ozzie Albies Injury Update
Atlanta Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies (wrist) has been placed on the injured list after suffering a fractured left wrist during Sunday's game. The 27-year-old sustained the injury while sliding into second base while attempting to steal a base in the ninth inning. This is a crushing blow to an already banged up Braves roster.
#Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies has a left-wrist fracture and is expected to miss approximately eight weeks.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 21, 2024
The organization said that Albies is set to miss eight weeks of action following the injury. Zack Short should see more chances at shortstop while Nelson Alvarez becomes an intriguing call-up option for Atlanta. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues have a tough decision to make with Albies likely out until late September.
Royce Lewis Injury Update
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (groin), who has been out since July 2 with a strained right groin, resumed running and hitting during the All-Star break this week and took pre-game batting practice before Saturday's series opener against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers. Lewis is on track to start a short minor-league rehab assignment next week. "If it was the playoffs, or if they'd let me, I'd definitely be out there," Lewis said. "I feel that good. I'm ready to go whenever. I'm just waiting for approval, and I think they're doing what's best."
The oft-injured 25-year-old could come off the 10-day injured list by the end of next week, barring any setbacks, and needs to be rostered everywhere. The former first-overall pick in 2017 is nearly hitting .300 in 24 games for the Twins this year and already has 10 home runs in just 99 plate appearances. (The Athletic)
TJ Friedl Injury Update
Cincinnati Reds outfielder TJ Friedl (hamstring) is set to join Triple-A Louisville on Sunday to begin a rehab assignment. The 28-year-old has been sidelined with a hamstring strain since June 24. Friedl has appeared in only 26 games this season due to several nagging injuries and has held a mediocre .216/.315/.361 line with four home runs, 16 RBI, and six stolen bases.
The #Reds today sent OF TJ Friedl (right hamstring strain) to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment. pic.twitter.com/mJicJ7GaGw
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) July 21, 2024
Last summer, Friedl showcased his ability to be a strong five-category contributor with a .279 AVG, 18 home runs, and 27 stolen bases. The outfielder could return as soon as next weekend, depending on how well he does at Triple-A. Friedl will likely see a majority of the starts in center field in Cincinnati during the second half.
Jose Miranda Injury Update
Minnesota Twins infielder Jose Miranda (back) won't be activated off the injured list on Sunday. The organization was hopeful it would be a minimal stay on the IL for Miranda but that's not the case. Manager Rocco Baldelli said Miranda has shown good improvement but Miranda isn't quite ready to play yet.
There is a chance that Miranda will return to the lineup without needing a rehab assignment. Fantasy managers will have to wait and see how Miranda feels over the next few days. (The Athletic)
Joe Musgrove Injury Update
San Diego Padres starting pitcher Joe Musgrove (elbow) threw a successful 30-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. This marks the second bullpen session that Musgrove has thrown since landing on the injured list at the beginning of June. Padres manager Mike Shildt said on Saturday that Musgrove is getting closer to a return. The team hasn't given a timetable for his return but it sounds like Musgrove is making solid progress. (ESPN)
Anthony Rizzo Injury Update
New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo (forearm) is reportedly making slow progress, according to manager Aaron Boone. The lefty slugger has been restricted to mainly weight training since going down in the middle of June. He suffered a right forearm fracture, so it's going to take time to heal.
Rizzo says that he's making progress but there is still pain in his forearm. It doesn't sound like he'll be making an impact in the Yankees lineup anytime soon. Ben Rice has been seeing an increased look at first base while Rizzo is sidelined. (MLB.com)
Adbert Alzolay Injury Update
Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Adbert Alzolay (forearm) struck out each of the three batters he faced in his first rehab outing at the Arizona Complex League on July 19. Alzolay hit the 15-day injured list on May 13 after being diagnosed with a right forearm strain and was eventually moved to the 60-day injured list.
The 29-year-old entered the season as the primary ninth-inning option on the Northside but struggled with a 4.67 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and a 6:13 BB:K ratio across 17 innings. Alzolay will likely need several rehab appearances before returning as he was sidelined for a significant amount of time and could reclaim a high-leverage role when he returns to the big leagues. (MLB.com)
Clarke Schmidt Injury Update
New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (lat) threw a 20-pitch session from a bullpen mound on Saturday and did not have any setbacks, according to manager Aaron Boone. This was the first time the 28-year-old had been on the mound since hitting the injured list in late May. Boone expressed that "everything went well for him" during the session.
This is a great sign, as this was a significant step in the recovery process. Schmidt has held a solid 2.52 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and a 20:67 BB:K ratio across 60 ⅔ innings this season. The right-hander will likely need to log several more bullpen sessions before embarking on a rehab assignment. Fantasy managers should expect Schmidt back in the big leagues sometime in August if he continues to progress well. (MLB.com)
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