Every MLB season brings a flurry of injuries to fantasy baseball pitchers. The 2023 season is no different, meaning fantasy managers need to stay diligent and keep up to date with the latest injury headlines. Julio Urias, Eduardo Rodriguez, Carlos Rodon, Triston McKenzie, and Kenta Maeda are among the banged-up pitchers that could affect fantasy lineups. We have the latest update on them all.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of June 22, 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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Julio Urias Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers southpaw Julio Urias (hamstring) is slated to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register.
The two-time Cy Young finalist hasn't pitched since May 18 after suffering a hamstring strain and ultimately landing on the injured list. Across 55.1 innings, Urias posted an uncharacteristic 4.39 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 53 punchouts. He'll aim for 60 pitches during his Sunday start, and he should be back to the big league club in early July if his rehab goes well.
Eduardo Rodriguez Injury Update
Detroit Tigers left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (finger) completed a bullpen session on Tuesday and is scheduled to throw live batting practice on Saturday, June 24. Rodriguez is currently rehabbing from a ruptured pulley in his left index finger that landed him on the injured list in late May. But the 30-year-old southpaw is making progress, and Saturday will be the first time that he has faced live hitters since his injury.
If he has a successful session this weekend, the Tigers could schedule a minor-league rehab assignment for him. E-Rod could be back in Detroit's starting rotation before the end of June. Fantasy managers can't get him back soon enough, as he's been excellent with a 2.13 ERA (3.16 FIP), 0.97 WHIP, 16 walks and 67 strikeouts in 11 starts (67 2/3 innings).
Carlos Rodon Injury Update
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (back, forearm) will make his next minor-league rehab start on Sunday for Double-A Somerset. Rodon is encouraged with how he's feeling on Wednesday after making his first rehab start for Somerset on Tuesday night.
The 30-year-old All-Star southpaw gave up a run while striking out five in three innings in his first rehab start, but he's going to need at least a few more minor-league starts to ramp his arm up before the Yankees feel comfortable allowing him to make his 2023 debut. Fantasy managers should finally get to deploy Rodon as an ace in early July, barring another setback on his rehab assignment.
Triston McKenzie Injury Update
Testing and imaging done on Tuesday on Cleveland Guardians right-hander Triston McKenzie (elbow) confirmed a UCL sprain in his right elbow. He is expected to be shut down from throwing for several weeks as the team gathers more information and potentially a second opinion.
It's a tough break for the 25-year-old, who had just recently made his 2023 debut. At best, McKenzie will probably be ready to return to Cleveland's starting rotation at some point in August. At worst, he may need season-ending Tommy John surgery that would in turn keep him out for most, if not all, of next season. Fantasy managers probably won't know more another couple of weeks, so keep him stashed until then.
Kenta Maeda Injury Update
Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kenta Maeda (triceps) will take the mound versus the Detroit Tigers on Friday. The 35-year-old has been sidelined since late April due to a right triceps strain. Before that, Maeda made four starts and didn't look good at all
That being said, fantasy managers might want to take a wait-and-see approach here. Possibly, he could have some deep league value, but that 9.00 ERA is tough to overlook.
Tanner Houck Injury Update
Boston Red Sox right-hander Tanner Houck (face) will undergo surgery to have a plate inserted into his face next week, according to MLB.com. The 26-year-old was hit in the face by a comebacker during his last start on Friday and suffered a facial fracture. Over 13 starts, Houck posted a 5.05 ERA (4.23 FIP) with a 1.26 WHIP, 64 strikeouts, and a 3-6 record across 67.2 innings pitched thus far.
There's no timetable yet for his return, but manager Alex Cora assured reporters that he'll pitch again this season, and the injury could've been worse. Fantasy managers can drop Houck in shallow leagues after hearing this news, but in deeper formats, managers should stash the former first-rounder if there's enough roster space.
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