With a new week of MLB set to begin, it's a perfect time to check in on key injured players around fantasy baseball. That said, let's take a look at the top injured hitters and pitchers, including Christian Yelich, George Kirby, Joe Musgrove, Evan Phillips, Nick Pivetta, Chas McCormick, and more.
This is the next edition of this year's fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters and pitchers as of May 6, 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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Christian Yelich Injury Update
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Christian Yelich (back) has reportedly been progressing well throughout the weekend. The veteran outfielder has been able to swing a bat, throw, and run without issues. The 32-year-old recently had a setback with his back issue but appears to be back on track now.
Brewers injury updates:
-Joey Wiemer looking at 2 to 3 weeks with the knee injury. No surgery needed.
-Christian Yelich is progressing well this weekend. He’s been swinging the bat as well as throwing and running.— Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) May 5, 2024
The hope is that Yelich will be back in the lineup around mid-May. In the meantime, Jackson Chourio will cover left field and bat ninth during Sunday's game against Javier Assad. The rookie outfielder figures to continue seeing more at-bats with Yelich sidelined. Both Blake Perkins and Sal Frelick will see more playing time as well.
George Kirby Injury Update
Seattle Mariners right-hander George Kirby (knee) had an MRI on his right knee on Saturday as a precaution. Mariners manager Scott Servais is optimistic Kirby won't miss any time and will make his next start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins. The 26-year-old was pulled from Friday's outing against the Houston Astros after just 88 pitches.
George Kirby had an MRI on his right knee this morning as a precaution. No details from Scott Servais yet, but he’s optimistic Kirby will be able to make his next start.
— Adam Jude (@A_Jude) May 4, 2024
Kirby's knee injury doesn't sound serious, and the MRI results should confirm the severity of his issue. He owns a 3.76 ERA, 1.04 WHIP, and a 41:4 K:BB across 38 1/3 innings in 2024. Fantasy managers should continue to roll with Kirby as long as he's cleared for his next scheduled start on Thursday.
Joe Musgrove Injury Update
San Diego Padres starter Joe Musgrove (triceps) has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right triceps tendinitis. The 31-year-old pitched great in his last start on Wednesday, but it appears as though something came up during the outing. The decision to place him on the IL is reportedly precautionary, so hopefully he can return to the team after two weeks.
Not all good news happening for Padres.
Joe Musgrove (right elbow inflammation) has been placed on the 15-day IL. Said to be a "precationary" move. The issue is triceps tendonitis.
Randy Vasquez has been recalled, presumably to start Tuesday in Chicago.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) May 5, 2024
Randy Vazquez was recalled from Triple-A El Paso to join the rotation in Musgrove's absence. Vazquez owns a 3.38 ERA across 13 career appearances in the majors and will be a matchup-dependent streaming option in fantasy.
Evan Phillips Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers closer Evan Phillips (hamstring) was placed on the injured list earlier on Sunday afternoon, and it has been revealed that he is dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain. The Dodgers are hopeful that Phillips can return after his 15-day stint of being sidelined.
#Dodgers Dave Roberts said that Evan Phillips has a grade 1 hamstring strain. They are hopeful he will be back after this 15-day stint.
— Kirsten Watson (@kirsten_watson) May 5, 2024
The 29-year-old has been the primary ninth-inning option for manager Dave Roberts so far this year and he has already notched eight saves. In his absence, expect the Dodgers to adopt a committee approach, featuring Daniel Hudson, Alex Vesia, and Joe Kelly, among others.
Nick Pivetta Injury Update
Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (elbow) is expected to come off the injured list and start on Wednesday. The right-hander will draw a tough assignment against the Atlanta Braves. Pivetta has been sidelined since early April due to a flexor strain in his elbow. The 31-year-old looked good during a recent rehab start. The organization believes he's ready to return but he won't be a recommended streaming option during his first start back.
Alex Cora says Kutter Crawford will start Tuesday in Atlanta and “if all goes well” it’ll be Nick Pivetta on Wednesday against…….. Chris Sale.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) May 5, 2024
Chas McCormick Injury Update
Houston Astros outfielder Chas McCormick (hamstring) was seen running prior to Saturday's game and did so again on Sunday, as per manager Joe Espada. Espada emphasized that the team hopes to "get him out playing here soon" in a rehab stint. Espada further stated that McCormick is "feeling better."
The 29-year-old was placed on the 10-day injured list retroactive to April 28 with right-hamstring discomfort. He has struggled at the plate to open the season, but fantasy managers hope he once again showcases the strong power and speed combination he flashed last year with 22 long balls and 19 swiped bags. McCormick should remain rostered in most formats as he is nearing his return. (MLB.com)
Cristian Javier Injury Update
Houston Astros starting pitcher Cristian Javier (neck) tossed 3 1/3 innings in his rehab start with Double-A on Saturday. He allowed three earned runs, three hits, two free passes, and struck out three. He threw a total of 68 pitches. After being scratched from a scheduled start on April 21 and hitting the injured list, Javier seems to be complete with his recovery process and should be expected to rejoin the Astros rotation next week.
As a result, rookie Spencer Arrighetti will most likely lose his spot and be sent back to the minors. The 27-year-old has a 1.54 ERA and 1.11 WHIP across 23 1/3 innings with 18 strikeouts this season and should be rostered in all fantasy formats. (MLB.com)
Wyatt Langford Injury Update
Texas Rangers outfielder Wyatt Langford (hamstring) will be placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday, according to manager Bruce Bochy. The rookie outfielder was forced to exit early during Saturday's game due to a left-leg issue. After further evaluation, Langford has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
Rangers will place Wyatt Langford on IL with a hamstring strain, slightly more severe than Grade 1, Bruce Bochy says. It will be 3-4 week absence
— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) May 5, 2024
The organization believes that Langford will miss three or four weeks of action. Ezequiel Duran started in his place on Sunday and figures to have an increased role going forward. Fantasy managers might want to check the waiver wire to see if Duran is still available.
Steven Kwan Injury Update
Cleveland Guardians outfielder Steven Kwan (hamstring) is heading to the 10-day injured list with the hamstring injury that got him pulled from Saturday's game against the Los Angeles Angels. Kyle Manzardo is expected to be recalled as a corresponding move. It is an unfortunate injury for Kwan, as he has gotten off to a blistering start this season.
Source: The Guardians are expected to add Kyle Manzardo to the roster on Monday, with Steven Kwan landing on the 10-day IL
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) May 5, 2024
The 26-year-old is slashing .353/.407/.496 with three home runs, 11 RBI, 28 runs scored and three stolen bases. Hopefully, the ailment isn't overly severe and he can return in short order. Estevan Florial was batting leadoff for the Guardians on Sunday in Kwan's absence, but he is a fantasy afterthought at this point.
Kodai Senga Injury Update
New York Mets starting pitcher Kodai Senga (shoulder) threw a successful 32-pitch bullpen session on Saturday. The right-hander is progressing well and has faced live hitters twice this week. The organization is likely going to wait a few days before deciding on what to do next. Barring any setbacks, Senga will likely go on a rehab assignment soon.
Kodai Senga threw 32 pitches in live BP yesterday. The Mets will see how these next few days go before deciding whether he needs another live or whether he can start a rehab assignment with a minor league affiliate.
— Abbey Mastracco (@AbbeyMastracco) May 5, 2024
Currently, Senga is on track to return in late May, which means fantasy managers won't have to wait too much longer.
Ryan Pepiot Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Ryan Pepiot (leg) was forced to leave Sunday's game against the New York Mets after taking a 107 mph ball off of his leg, but thankfully, his X-rays came back negative. He is now considered day-to-day and may be able to make his next start. The 26-year-old owns a 3.68 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 41:11 K:BB through seven appearances.
Ryan Pepiot has a left lower leg contusion….x-rays were negative. He is day to day.
He left the game after getting hit with 107 MPH ball off the bat.
— Tricia Whitaker (@TriciaWhitaker) May 5, 2024
Pepiot should remain on fantasy rosters, as it looks like he avoided any significant injury.
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