RADIO
Over two months into the 2024 MLB season, injuries are beginning to pile up. Injuries complicate fantasy lineup decisions, so it's important to stay in the know. That said, let's take a look at injured hitters Pete Alonso, Ronald Acuna Jr., Nolan Jones, Tyler O'Neill, Triston Casas, Masataka Yoshida, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for hitters, as of May 31, 2024. Some players on this list impact fantasy baseball more than others, but with leagues of all shapes and sizes, you never know which guys will be important in lineups.
To keep close tabs on all of the news across 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.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy baseball draft tools and resources:- Fantasy baseball draft kit
- Fantasy baseball rankings
- Team Sync platform and Draft Assistant
- Fantasy baseball mock draft simulator
- Fantasy baseball draft cheat sheets
- Fantasy baseball closer depth charts
- Fantasy baseball prospects
Pete Alonso Injury Update
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso's (hand) CT scan on his right hand came back negative for any fractures, according to a source, and he's considered day-to-day. Alonso was hit by a James Paxton fastball on his right hand in his first at-bat in the loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday and was immediately removed from the game. Initial X-rays came back negative, and now he seems to be in the clear for any kind of significant injury to his hand after his CT scan also came back negative.
Pete Alonso’s CT scan on his right hand was negative, no fracture, per source. He is day to day.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) May 30, 2024
When in the lineup, the 29-year-old Alonso is a must-start in all fantasy lineups for his elite power. He's currently hitting .231 (49-for-212) with 12 homers and 26 RBI.
Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury Update
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) addressed the media on Thursday for the first time since suffering a season-ending ACL tear in his knee on Sunday. Acuna will go under the knife next Tuesday.
"It's another opportunity. Who knows, maybe I can come back and win another MVP," Acuna said.
“It’s another opportunity. Who knows, maybe I can come back and win another MVP.” — #Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr., addressing media for first time since ACL tear diagnosis. He’ll have surgery Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/tr3hl2iHk9
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 30, 2024
Last year's National League MVP became the first player ever to hit 40-plus home runs and steal 70-plus stolen bases in an absolutely amazing 2023 campaign, but now the Braves and fantasy managers will be without him the rest of the way in 2024 after he tore the ACL in his other knee three years ago. The four-time All-Star and former NL Rookie of the Year can be dropped in all single-year fantasy leagues. In Acuna's absence, both Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall are in line for more playing time moving forward in Atlanta.
Nolan Jones Injury Update
Colorado Rockies outfielder Nolan Jones (back, knee) completed his work at Coors Field with a full session of batting practice, fielding, and baserunning ahead of Wednesday's matchup with the visiting Cleveland Guardians. Jones finished by practicing diving back into first base on pickoff moves, and he is scheduled to join Triple-A Albuquerque to resume his minor league rehab assignment on Friday. His original rehab assignment for a strained lower back was halted when he hurt his left knee on May 17.
Barring any setbacks this weekend, expect Jones to return to the Rockies as early as Monday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The 26-year-old slugger was slashing a poor .170/.243/.277 with one home run, seven RBI, 11 runs scored, and two stolen bases through 26 games (94 at-bats) before getting sidelined, but his five-category upside when healthy at a hitter-friendly ballpark makes him worth stashing in all fantasy leagues. (MLB.com)
Tyler O'Neill Injury Update
Both Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora and outfielder Tyler O'Neill (knee) are optimistic that his stint on the injured list will be on the shorter end. O'Neill is nursing inflammation in his right knee after an MRI on Wednesday showed no structural damage, and he's eligible to return from the 10-day IL as soon as Wednesday's game against the visiting Atlanta Braves. The speedy 28-year-old slugger was hitless in his last 15 at-bats before hitting the shelf, and nine of his 11 home runs on the campaign for the Red Sox came back in April.
Both Alex Cora and Tyler O’Neill are optimistic that his IL stint for knee inflammation will be in the shorter end.
— Gabrielle Starr (@gfstarr1) May 30, 2024
O'Neill is also hitting a mere .159 (13-for-82) with two homers, six RBI, and 10 runs scored over his last 22 games, but he's still a fine stash in fantasy for his upside in the power department and everyday role in Boston's outfield when healthy.
Triston Casas Injury Update
Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas (rib) has made significant progress in his recovery from torn cartilage in his left rib cage. Casas was scheduled to be examined on Thursday by the team's medical staff, and the Red Sox should have a better idea of when he'll be cleared to start swinging following that evaluation. He's been doing other baseball activities recently, including taking grounders and throwing. Casas might have a chance to return to Boston when he's first eligible to come off the 60-day injured list on June 21.
Garrett Whitlock is having the internal bracing procedure today.
Masa Yoshida has started hitting off the tee.
Triston Casas is seeing the doctor today and hopes he will be cleared to start swinging soon.
Alex Cora is now open to having his brother Joey coach with him in…
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 30, 2024
The 24-year-old former top prospect was slashing a promising .244/.344/.513 with six home runs, three doubles, 10 RBI, and 12 runs scored through 90 plate appearances (22 games) before going down. He should be stashed in most fantasy leagues with a late-June return being the expectation.
Masataka Yoshida Injury Update
Boston Red Sox outfielder Masataka Yoshida (thumb) started hitting off of a tee earlier this week. The 30-year-old avoided surgery on his thumb, but he had been fully shut down from swinging a bat. It is nice to see him starting to show progress in his recovery.
Garrett Whitlock is having the internal bracing procedure today.
Masa Yoshida has started hitting off the tee.
Triston Casas is seeing the doctor today and hopes he will be cleared to start swinging soon.
Alex Cora is now open to having his brother Joey coach with him in…
— Ian Browne (@IanMBrowne) May 30, 2024
Yoshida has not played since April 28 and is likely still weeks away from returning. He was slashing .275/.348/.388 with two home runs, 11 RBI, and 12 runs scored at the time of the injury. It will be interesting to see what the Red Sox do when he returns as their other outfielders have been relatively productive in his absence.
Geraldo Perdomo Injury Update
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo (knee) is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment early next week. Before that, Perdomo will play in the Arizona Complex League this weekend. The 24-year-old switch-hitter tore the right meniscus in his knee on April 3 against the New York Yankees after previously tweaking his knee in spring training. He's been out ever since after requiring surgery but could be nearing a return after being named an All-Star in 2023 while finishing second on the team in on-base percentage (.353).
After Blaze Alexander got the first shot at the six with Perdomo hurt, veteran Kevin Newman has since taken over and has been a solid replacement. When Perdomo returns, the D-backs have made it clear that he will remain the starter at shortstop. (ArizonaSports.com)
Jordan Lawlar Injury Update
Arizona Diamondbacks shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar (thumb) began his rehab assignment on Wednesday with the team's Arizona Complex League affiliate, going 0-for-2 with a walk in his first game of 2024. The 21-year-old will be eligible to come off the injured list in a couple of weeks but may begin with Triple-A Reno once activated. The former first-round pick hit well enough in Double-A and Triple-A last season to earn a promotion to the big league club but wasn't able to do much with his playing time.
He went 4-for-31 (.129) in 14 games, even picking up a pair of plate appearances during the postseason for Arizona (0-for-1 with a walk). Lawlar ranks as the team's top prospect and ninth overall prospect in all of baseball. Despite the initial showing in the majors, he still has offensive upside and should continue to be stashed where possible. (MiLB.com)
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!
More Fantasy Baseball Advice
