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In the first week after the MLB All-Star break, injury headlines continue to pile up. This week's list of injured pitchers has no shortage of star power, so fantasy managers should be sure to stay informed. Let's take a look at the top injured pitchers including Framber Valdez, Kevin Gausman, Max Fried, Nestor Cortes, Jon Gray, and more.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of July 20, 2023. We'll be covering all positions throughout the week, so stay tuned. 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 force fantasy managers to search waiver wires in hopes of finding adequate replacements.
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 pitchers.
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Framber Valdez Injury Update
Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker said that left-hander Framber Valdez (calf) will make the start on Friday against the Oakland Athletics. Valdez was cleared to start this weekend after throwing a successful bullpen session on Wednesday. The 29-year-old southpaw won't have to miss a turn through the starting rotation after he was pulled from his last outing early with a left-calf cramp.
He allowed a season-high five earned runs in 6 1/3 innings in his last start against the Los Angeles Angels, but he also managed a career-high 13 punchouts. Valdez is an absolute must-start in an excellent matchup this Friday against the A's. He's gone 7-6 with a strong 2.76 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 129 strikeouts in 117 1/3 innings over 18 starts in 2023.
Kevin Gausman Injury Update
Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Kevin Gausman (side) threw a bullpen session on Wednesday and remains on track to start against the Seattle Mariners this weekend, although the exact date is to be determined. The Blue Jays played it safe with the 32-year-old All-Star and scratched him from his last start due to a left-side issue, but Gausman appears to be OK and should be available for fantasy managers this weekend in a solid matchup against Seattle on the road.
He'll be a bit more risky because his last start came on July 8, but it's tough to recommend benching him since he's been so good in 2023. Gausman is currently 7-5 with a 3.03 ERA (league-low 2.47 FIP), 1.13 WHIP, 29 walks and a league-leading 153 strikeouts in 115 2/3 innings over 19 starts for Toronto.
Max Fried Injury Update
Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said that left-hander Max Fried (forearm) is scheduled to throw five innings in his minor-league rehab start on Thursday for Triple-A Gwinnett. It increases the possibility that Friday could be activated from the injured list to start one of next week's games against the Boston Red Sox.
The 29-year-old southpaw has looked good so far in his first two rehab starts, tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings with four starts, so as long as everything goes well on Thursday, fantasy managers should expect to get him back next week. Fried has been out since early May with a left-forearm strain, but he's a fantasy ace when he's healthy.
Nestor Cortes Injury Update
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that left-hander Nestor Cortes (shoulder) will make his first minor-league rehab start on Sunday, not Saturday, and Boone expects Cortes to need three starts before rejoining the team's starting rotation. Barring a setback in the minors, Cortes should be able to come off the injured list when he's first eligible on Aug. 3.
The 28-year-old Cuban southpaw will be looking to get back to his All-Star form of 2022 when he returns in the second half for the Yanks. He has a disappointing 5.16 ERA (4.61 FIP) and 1.29 WHIP in 11 starts in 2023, he's also walked only 19 and struck out 59 in 59 1/3 innings, and there will be time for him to finish off the year strong if he can avoid getting hurt again.
Jon Gray Injury Update
Texas Rangers right-hander Jon Gray (shin) said he expects to make his next start after X-rays came back negative on his left shin. Gray was forced to leave his start on Wednesday early against the Tampa Bay Rays after 4 1/3 frames after being hit in the left shin by a comebacker.
The 31-year-old is just dealing with a bruise, though, and should be available for fantasy managers his next time through the starting rotation early next week in a tough matchup against the division-rival Houston Astros. Before leaving Wednesday, Gray allowed no runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out four in a no-decision to drop his season ERA to 3.31.
Chris Sale Injury Update
Boston Red Sox left-hander Chris Sale (shoulder) will throw another bullpen session this weekend, according to manager Alex Cora. Sale is expected to progress to likely two live batting practice sessions and will then go on a minor-league rehab assignment.
The 34-year-old southpaw threw his first bullpen on Tuesday since going on the injured list with a stress reaction in his left scapula. Sale's return isn't right around the corner, but he's making good progress right now. Barring a setback, he should be able to return to the starting rotation early next month. It's been one injury after another for the seven-time All-Star since 2020, but he's still worth stashing in all fantasy formats for his strikeout upside when he's healthy. He's fanned 71 hitters in 59 innings this year in 11 starts.
Dustin May Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Dustin May (elbow) underwent elbow surgery on Tuesday, as scheduled, to fix his flexor muscle. May also had UCL reconstruction to revise the Tommy John procedure he had back in May of 2021. He's projected to return in around 12 months. It's a more invasive procedure than previously expected, so fantasy managers shouldn't expect him back for the Dodgers until at least some point in the second half in 2024.
The 25-year-old hard-throwing hurler should have already been dropped in redraft leagues. Although he had only 34 strikeouts in 48 innings over nine starts before his injury this year, May was in the middle of a breakout campaign with a 2.63 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 0.94 WHIP.
Jose Alvarado Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies lefty Jose Alvarado (elbow) played catch from 60 feet on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. The 28-year-old received a cortisone shot on July 10 and is feeling little pain, but there is still no timetable for his return. Alvarado has been sidelined since the beginning of July after experiencing left-elbow inflammation.
Before the elbow issue, he was dominant, pitching to a 1.38 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 36.4% strikeout rate with six saves across 26 innings. It looks like Craig Kimbrel has taken control of the closing duties, so when Alvarado does return, he may be limited to a set-up role. (MLB.com)
Seranthony Dominguez Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies reliever Seranthony Dominguez (oblique) threw live batting practice on Monday and could begin a rehab assignment this weekend, according to MLB.com. The right-hander has been on the shelf since the middle of June after straining his left oblique.
Across 27 innings this year, Dominguez owns a 4.33 ERA and 1.56 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks. After saving nine games in 2022, he has zero this season, and it'll likely be the same story when he returns, probably by the end of the month. Dominguez has earned 10 holds, though, and should be a factor late in games moving forward. (MLB.com)
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