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The 2024 MLB All-Star Break is right around the corner, but there are still a chunk of games to be played. As always, injuries are going to play a factor. That said, let's take a look at injured hitters Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker, Royce Lewis, Michael Harris II, Josh Jung, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters, as of July 3, 2024. With leagues of all shapes and sizes, some of these players will affect fantasy baseball lineups more than others.
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 hitters.
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Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (hamstring) and outfielder/designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (groin) both hit in the batting cages on Tuesday at Wrigley Field before the game against the Chicago Cubs. Harper and Schwarber also did some jogging. "They're coming along," manager Rob Thomson said. "I don't think they're too far away. I don't know a date yet but we'll know in the next couple of days I would think."
Harper and Schwarber were put on the 10-day injured list last Friday with minor injuries. They are first eligible for activation on July 9, when the team opens a six-game homestand against the Dodgers and Athletics that leads into the All-Star break. As long as neither left-handed sluggers have any setbacks, they should be back for fantasy managers before the Midsummer Classic. (NBCSports)
Kyle Tucker Injury Update
Houston Astros outfielder Kyle Tucker (shin) "actually turned a corner" while hitting in the cage on Monday, manager Joe Espada said prior to Tuesday's game against the hosting Toronto Blue Jays. The hope is that Tucker will do some on-field work during the Astros' four-game series that wraps up on Thursday at Rogers Centre.
Joe Espada on Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander’s injuries:
-Kyle Tucker is improving: “He is improving at a faster pace than last week… he’s still a few weeks away from joining us in action”
-Justin Verlander played a light game of catch, 60 feethttps://t.co/wkYW2qG5TJ
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) July 2, 2024
After taking a bit longer than expected to bounce back from the right shin contusion that led to a stint on the injured list on June 7, Tucker will still likely need a minor-league rehab assignment before returning to Houston's outfield. After Espada also said that Tucker is still a few weeks away from rejoining them, fantasy managers should still not be expecting the 27-year-old five-category superstar to be activated from the IL before the mid-July All-Star break.
Royce Lewis Injury Update
Minnesota Twins third baseman Royce Lewis (groin) exited Tuesday's game against the visiting Detroit Tigers with left groin tightness. Before being replaced in the lineup by Max Kepler, Lewis went 1-for-2 with a two-run double. The Twins are deeming Lewis day-to-day for the time being ahead of Wednesday's matchup against the Tigers. Considering it's not entirely clear when the injury occurred, there is cause for optimism that Lewis isn't dealing with any type of significant strain.
Royce Lewis exits the game with left groin tightness. #MNTwins
— DanHayesMLB (@DanHayesMLB) July 3, 2024
The oft-injured 25-year-old rising superstar is slashing an MVP-level .292/.354/.685 with 10 home runs, five doubles, 18 RBI, and 18 runs scored over 89 at-bats this year. If Lewis needs to go on the injured list for the second time this season, Edouard Julien would be a candidate to be recalled from the minor leagues to help Minnesota's infield. UPDATE: Lewis will undergo an MRI exam on his left groin on Wednesday. For what it's worth, Lewis said he's "not very optimistic, to be honest with you."
Michael Harris II Injury Update
Atlanta Braves outfielder Michael Harris II (hamstring) has yet to test his hamstring by running, but that could happen soon. As a result, Harris still doesn't have a timetable for his return from the injured list. The 23-year-old center fielder continues to work his way back from a Grade 2 left-hamstring stain and won't be back for the Braves or fantasy managers before the All-Star break in mid-July.
Michael Harris II has yet to test his hamstring by running, but that could happen soon. Still no exact timetable for his return. #Braves
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 2, 2024
Harris deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats in an IL spot while he recovers, though, and Jarred Kelenic will continue to serve as Atlanta's primary center fielder for as long as Harris remains sidelined. After hitting nearly .300 in each of his first two seasons in the big leagues, Harris has disappointed so far in 2024 with a .250/.295/.358 slash line, five home runs, 20 RBI, and eight stolen bases in 278 trips to the plate and 67 games.
Giancarlo Stanton Injury Update
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Tuesday's series opener against the visiting Cincinnati Reds that designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton (hamstring) hit, threw, and did some light running prior to the game. After resuming treadmill activities on Friday amid his recovery from a strained left hamstring, Stanton is keeping himself on pace to return to the Yankees sometime after the mid-July All-Star break before the end of the month.
Boone said that Giancarlo Stanton hit, threw and did some light running today.
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) July 2, 2024
In his last 69 at-bats before going on the injured list, the 34-year-old veteran slugger was slashing a hearty .304/.377/.551 with five home runs and 16 RBI in the month of June. Stanton is worth stashing in all fantasy leagues for his placement in the heart of the batting order of New York's potent lineup.
Josh Jung Injury Update
Texas Rangers third baseman Josh Jung (wrist) said he's just taking everything day by day at this point and hasn't swung a bat since his last minor-league rehab game on June 20. Jung is still sore but everything remains fine structurally in his surgically repaired wrist after he visited with a specialist. While it's good news that Jung doesn't have any structural damage to his wrist, it's also frustrating and worrisome that he's still dealing with pain.
Rangers 3B Josh Jung said he’s just taking everything day-by-day at this point.
He hasn’t swung a bat since his last rehab assignment game on June 20, and is still sore, but everything remains fine structurally in the wrist after seeing a specialist
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) July 2, 2024
At this point, there's no timetable for his return to a minor-league rehab assignment, let alone to the big-league roster. We wouldn't be surprised if Jung isn't back with the Rangers until August. Jung has proven to be injury-prone early in his career, but his elite power in a stacked Rangers lineup makes him stash-worthy in all fantasy formats. Josh Smith will continue to benefit from regular playing time for however long Jung remains on the shelf.
Harrison Bader Injury Update
New York Mets outfielder Harrison Bader (head, neck) hit the wall near the base of his head/neck in the third inning of Tuesday's game against the Washington Nationals and was forced to leave the game. Bader cleared tests and is hoping to play on Wednesday, so it appears that he has escaped a serious injury. Brandon Nimmo (head), who was held out of the starting lineup the last two days due to a laceration on his forehead that he suffered on a fall in his hotel room on Sunday night, took over for Bader in left field on Tuesday and went 2-for-3 with two RBI in the extra-inning victory.
Mets medical updates:
-J.D. Martinez blamed his ankle issue on a delayed shipment of Adidas spikes. He's day-to-day (and doesn't know when the new shoes will come in).
-Harrison Bader hit the wall near the base of his head/neck. He cleared tests and hopes to play tomorrow.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) July 3, 2024
The 30-year-old Bader had cleared the fences twice in his last 10 games entering Tuesday's contest and is valuable in most fantasy leagues for his speed (13 stolen bases). Overall in 231 at-bats entering Tuesday, Bader was hitting .273/.319/.411 with six homers, 31 RBI and 33 runs scored.
Xander Bogaerts Injury Update
San Diego Padres second baseman Xander Bogaerts (shoulder) is ready to embark on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A El Paso later this week. Bogaerts had a "favorable report" on his most recent CT scan, manager Mike Shildt said before Tuesday's game against the defending champion Texas Rangers, and the team agrees that he's just about ready to be cleared for game action.
“I want to be a super utility player.”
Padres notes: Xander Bogaerts ‘ready’ for rehab assignment; Manny Machado getting a break; Ha-Seong Kim being extra choosy; Eguy Rosario eager for more https://t.co/pU8tLU9Uyt
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) July 2, 2024
While Shildt also added that Bogaerts still carries no timeline for a return to the Padres, the infielder is still aiming for a return to the big-league club before the All-Star break, possibly for the team's series against the Atlanta Braves that begins July 12 at Petco Park. Bogaerts will likely spend between a week and 10 days in the minors before rejoining San Diego's infield, but this development in his recovery from a fractured left shoulder is the cue for fantasy managers to make sure the 31-year-old five-time Silver Slugger isn't lingering around any waiver wires.
Tommy Edman Injury Update
St. Louis Cardinals infielder/outfielder Tommy Edman (wrist, ankle) is in St Louis and has been taking swings. The Cardinals would like to get him in live batting practice and then send him out on a minor-league rehab assignment. Edman sprained an ankle on June 24 while fielding ground balls, briefly pausing his rehab from offseason right wrist surgery, but he's on the cusp of finally being cleared for game action.
Tommy Edman remained in St Louis and has been taking swings. The Cardinals would like to get him in a live BP type environment and then send him on a rehab assignment.
— Lynn Worthy (@LWorthySports) July 2, 2024
With a good chance of getting reinstated to the major-league roster shortly after the All-Star break in mid-July, Edman is someone to look for on fantasy waiver wires for rosters in need of speed. Last year, the 29-year-old switch-hitter tallied 25 doubles, 69 runs scored, and 27 stolen bases over 479 at-bats for the Cards.
Ramon Laureano Injury Update
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ramon Laureano (back, oblique) is now a candidate to land on the injured list after his back pain has moved toward his oblique. It's coming up on a week now since Laureano last appeared in a game for the Braves, and he'll likely be out through the All-Star break in mid-July if he lands on the shelf.
Arcia has an abscessed tooth. Laureano’s back pain has moved toward his oblique. An IL stint is now a possibility
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 2, 2024
With Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) out for the season and center fielder Michael Harris II (hamstring) also on the injured list, the Braves signed the 29-year-old veteran for extra outfield depth. He's gone 9-for-35 (.257) with a homer and four RBI in his short stint with the Braves but is hitting .181 (19-for-105) overall in 2024 after beginning the 2024 season with the Cleveland Guardians. With Laureano out, Adam Duvall has seen more regular playing time for the Braves in right field.
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