RADIO
The 2024 All-Star break is right around the corner, but there are still several games to be played, and many of them will take place without star fantasy baseball players. These bumps and bruises are sure to affect fantasy baseball lineups, so let's take a look at the top injured players including Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Mike Trout, Justin Verlander, Kyle Tucker, J.T. Realmuto, Evan Carter, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of July 5, 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.
Featured Promo: Get any full-season Props Premium Pass for 10% off using code BALLER. Win more with our two new Props Optimizer tools -- one for PrizePicks Props, and one for Sportsbook Betting Props. Find optimal prop bets and get our recommended picks daily! Go Premium, Win More!
Bryce Harper Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that first baseman Bryce Harper (hamstring) is doing drills at about 70-75 percent intensity. Although the All-Star break looms after next week's homestand, the Phillies won't hold Harper back from coming off the 10-day injured list if he's ready to return before the Midsummer Classic.
Rob Thomson said Kyle Schwarber is doing drills at 90% intensity and Bryce Harper/J.T. Realmuto are at about 70-75%.
Though the All-Star break looms after next week’s homestand, the Phillies won’t hold any of them back if they’re ready to go before it.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) July 4, 2024
The 31-year-old All-Star is eligible to come off the IL on July 9 after being put on the shelf as a precaution due to a left-hamstring strain. If Harper doesn't come off the IL before the All-Star break in mid-July, he should be back early in the second half for fantasy managers. The former first overall pick by the Washington Nationals in 2010 continues to be a stud at the plate, batting .303 (87-for-287) this year with 20 long balls, 58 RBI, four steals and 52 runs scored in 76 games.
Kyle Schwarber Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (groin) is doing drills at 90 percent intensity. Although the All-Star break looms after next week's homestand, the Phillies won't hold Schwarber back from coming off the 10-day injured list if he's ready to return before the Midsummer Classic.
Rob Thomson said Kyle Schwarber is doing drills at 90% intensity and Bryce Harper/J.T. Realmuto are at about 70-75%.
Though the All-Star break looms after next week’s homestand, the Phillies won’t hold any of them back if they’re ready to go before it.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) July 4, 2024
The 31-year-old All-Star left-handed slugger is dealing with a mild left groin strain and has a pretty good shot at returning before the All-Star break. The former fourth overall pick by the Chicago Cubs in 2014 should be stashed in all fantasy formats while he's on the IL, as he's an elite power bat and on-base machine atop one of the best lineups in baseball. Schwarber is currently slashing .250/.373/.447 with a .820 OPS, 17 homers, 49 RBI, 60 runs and even four stolen bases in 300 at-bats.
Mike Trout Injury Update
Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout (knee) has started running on a treadmill, according to manager Ron Washington. Trout also hit on the field before the team's Fourth of July game against the division-rival Oakland Athletics on Thursday. Running had been a hurdle that Trout needed to clear in his rehab from surgery in early May for a torn meniscus, so it's a significant step for the three-time American League MVP.
Mike Trout has started running on a treadmill, per Ron Washington.
That had been a hurdle he needed to clear in his rehab. He also hit on the field.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 4, 2024
Trout still has a ways to go before he's able to return to the Angels' lineup, but if he can avoid any setbacks with his knee, he's predicted that he could be ready to come off the injured list in late July. The 32-year-old is obviously still a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's healthy, but injuries have taken a toll on Trout in recent seasons. He was hitting just .220 (24-for-109) before his injury, but with 10 home runs and six stolen bases.
Justin Verlander Injury Update
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada acknowledged on Thursday that right-hander Justin Verlander (neck) will not return to the team until after the All-Star break in mid-July. Neck soreness landed Verlander on the 15-day injured list in mid-June, and he won't return to the team's starting rotation until the second half of the season.
Joe Espada acknowledged today that neither Justin Verlander nor Kyle Tucker will return to the Astros before the All-Star break.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 4, 2024
The 41-year-old future Hall of Famer has already resumed playing catch, though. Given the fact that Verlander hasn't thrown off a mound in almost a month, fantasy managers will need to expect him to need at least one minor-league rehab start before he returns to Houston's starting rotation. But if he avoids any setbacks, Verlander could be back in the fold before August. The three-time Cy Young winner isn't the dominant pitcher he was in his prime and is currently sorting a 21.3% strikeout rate with a 3.95 ERA (4.98 FIP) and 1.21 WHIP in 57 innings (10 starts).
Kyle Tucker Injury Update
Houston Astros manager Joe Espada acknowledged on Thursday that outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) will not return to the team before the All-Star break in mid-July. Tucker fouled a ball off his leg in early June and hasn't been able to return since. The 27-year-old has started swinging a bat, though, so hopefully he'll be able to go on a minor-league rehab assignment sooner than later and be available to fantasy managers early in the second half of the season.
Joe Espada acknowledged today that neither Justin Verlander nor Kyle Tucker will return to the Astros before the All-Star break.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) July 4, 2024
When healthy, he's one of the best all-around fantasy assets in the game. Through 214 at-bats in 2024, Tucker is hitting .266 (57-for-214) with 19 homers, 40 RBI, 10 stolen bases and 42 runs scored. He must remain stashed everywhere. Until he returns, Trey Cabbage, Chas McCormick and rookie Joey Loperfido will continue to battle for playing time in right field in Houston.
J.T. Realmuto Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies manager Rob Thomson said that catcher J.T. Realmuto (knee) is doing drills at about 70-75 percent intensity. Although the All-Star break looms after next week's homestand, the Phillies won't hold Realmuto back from coming off the injured list if he's ready to go before the Midsummer Classic. Realmuto has clearly made good progress after undergoing surgery on the meniscus in his right knee three weeks ago.
Rob Thomson said Kyle Schwarber is doing drills at 90% intensity and Bryce Harper/J.T. Realmuto are at about 70-75%.
Though the All-Star break looms after next week’s homestand, the Phillies won’t hold any of them back if they’re ready to go before it.
— Corey Seidman (@CSeidmanNBCS) July 4, 2024
The Phillies aren't going to push the 33-year-old All-Star backup, but at worst, he should be ready to go early in the second half of the season if he doesn't return before the All-Star break. Garrett Stubbs and Rafael Marchan will split the catching duties in the meantime. When healthy, Realmuto is a high-end, must-start fantasy catcher with a .261/.309/.411 slash line, seven homers, 20 RBI and 28 runs scored in 207 at-bats in 2024.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (shoulder) is expected to begin playing catch late next week, according to Dodger manager Dave Roberts. The 25-year-old has been doing exercises with a plyo ball in the meantime which has been his first activity since being shut down from throwing in mid-June. Yamamoto was placed on the 15-day injured list on June 16 after experiencing tightness in his throwing arm during a start on June 15, which he was eventually pulled from. While he has yet to face any setbacks in his recovery process, he is still several steps away from getting back on a mound, which leaves his potential return date in question.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto is expected to start playing catch “late next week,” per Dave Roberts. Has been doing plyo work, his first activity since getting shut down.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) July 4, 2024
Before the injury, the right-hander was performing well with a 2.92 ERA and a stellar 1.07 WHIP in his first 74 MLB innings. While he remains sidelined, Landon Knack should be given ample opportunities to stay in the starting rotation.
Brenton Doyle Injury Update
Colorado Rockies outfielder Brenton Doyle (calf) was absent from Thursday's lineup due to a calf injury, according to Patrick Saunders of the Denver Post. Doyle got hit by a foul ball in his calf on Wednesday evening and needed to take a day to recover. He should be considered day-to-day going forward. As a result, Jake Cave started in center field. The 26-year-old has been swinging a hot bat in his past six games with a .375/.423/.1.000 slash line with three doubles, four long balls, seven RBI, and two stolen bases.
#Rockies CF Brenton Doyle not starting today. He fouled a ball off his calf last night and it's still sore.
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) July 4, 2024
Overall on the season, Doyle has been a strong five-category contributor with 10 long balls, 20 swiped bags, and a solid .268/.330/.428 line. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to the Colorado lineup on Friday evening as they open up a three-game set against the Kansas City Royals in hitter-friendly Coors Field.
Evan Carter Injury Update
Texas Rangers outfielder Evan Carter (back) has begun to swing a bat, per Texas skipper Bruce Bochy. Carter was placed on the 10-day injured list on May 28 with lower back tightness. Bochy also expressed that the 21-year-old should be expected to face live pitching in the coming days.
This injury could have been bothering Carter much longer than fantasy managers could have expected as he struggled through the early part of the season. He held a poor .188/.272/.361 line with five home runs in 45 games. Carter will likely need a lengthy rehab assessment due to how long he has been sidelined. However, when he returns to big league action he should time primarily in left field, which could shift rookie Wyatt Langford to a designated hitter role. (MLB.com)
Luis Rengifo Injury Update
Los Angeles Angels infielder Luis Rengifo's (wrist) X-rays showed no break in his right wrist after he was forced from the game early on Wednesday night against the division-rival Oakland Athletics. Rengifo will get an MRI exam on Friday and is out of the lineup on the Fourth of July on Thursday against Oakland. He'll avoid the injured list for now, but he's not out of the woods yet until his MRI results come back. Miguel Sano is starting at third and batting cleanup, while Brandon Drury is at second and hitting eighth on Thursday versus A's left-hander JP Sears.
Angels today. Rengifo is not on the IL.
X-rays showed no break. He is getting an MRI tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/nLLcX1DhU6
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) July 4, 2024
The 27-year-old Rengifo has been one of the bright spots for the Halos this year, so losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow. The Venezuelan infielder deserves to be stashed in fantasy leagues if he does go on the IL, as he's hitting a cool .315/.358/.442 with an .800 OPS, six homers, 25 RBI, 22 steals and 36 runs in 251 at-bats.
Bryan Woo Injury Update
Seattle Mariners right-hander Bryan Woo (hamstring) has been cleared to make his first minor-league rehab start for High-A Everett this weekend. Woo is trying to recover from a mild hamstring injury and could only need one rehab start if all goes well this weekend before rejoining Seattle's starting rotation before the All-Star break.
Bryan Woo will throw a than start with @EverettAquaSox this weekend
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) July 4, 2024
The 24-year-old has been held back by multiple injuries in 2024, but when he's been available, he's been excellent, going 3-1 with a 1.77 ERA (2.72 FIP) and 0.69 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and just three walks in 40 2/3 innings over eight starts in his second major-league season. Woo is sporting only a 18.7% strikeout rate after striking out 25.1% of the hitters he faced in his rookie season, but he's been able to induce plenty of weak contact while showing pinpoint command. He deserves to be stashed in most fantasy leagues while he's on the IL.
Kodai Senga Injury Update
New York Mets right-hander Kodai Senga (shoulder, triceps) will make his next minor-league rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse, probably on Tuesday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. Senga will throw roughly 50 pitches. Things get a little tricky after that with the All-Star break coming, but the Mets want Senga to get to 75 to 80 pitches before making his 2024 debut in the big leagues.
Kodai Senga’s next rehab start will be with Triple-A Syracuse, probably Tuesday, Carlos Mendoza said. He’ll throw about 50 pitches.
It gets a little trickier after than with All-Star breaks and off days, but the Mets want him to get to 75-80 pitches before returning.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 4, 2024
The 31-year-old Japanese hurler went 2 2/3 innings (35 pitches) for High-A Brooklyn on Wednesday in his first rehab start. If everything goes well in his next couple of rehab starts, Senga could rejoin the Mets' starting rotation around the end of July. Although he has yet to pitch this year due to shoulder and triceps injuries, Senga proved last year that he has high-end fantasy potential at the top of New York's rotation.
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
