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As always, there are several key fantasy baseball hurlers dealing with bumps and bruises as we head toward weekend MLB action. It's important to stay in the know so you can make informed start-or-sit decisions, so let's take a look at injured pitchers Kodai Senga, Ryan Pepiot, Shane Baz, Taijuan Walker, and Emmet Sheehan.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of May 17, 2024. Whether your top ace is out of action or a depth player is banged up, some players on this list are sure to affect fantasy baseball lineup decisions.
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Kodai Senga Injury Update
New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns said that right-hander Kodai Senga (shoulder) is getting closer to a return and being sent on a minor league rehab assignment.
"We all feel better about it here than we would have 5-6 days ago," Stearns said on Thursday.
The front-office executive also said Senga had a good bullpen session recently where the Japanese hurler felt like he made some strides.
David Stearns says Kodai Senga is getting closer to a return and being sent on a rehab assignment:
"We all feel better about it here than we would have 5-6 days ago" pic.twitter.com/xuqSSx1EOI
— SNY (@SNYtv) May 16, 2024
There's no set date for when Senga will go on a rehab assignment, but that's the next step in his recovery after he took a step back recently in his rehab to deal with some mechanical issues. The 31-year-old looks to have moved past those issues and could be on the cusp of making his 2024 debut, although fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if the Mets want to see him make a handful of minor league starts first. Senga should be stashed in all fantasy leagues.
Ryan Pepiot Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Ryan Pepiot (leg) was placed on the 15-day injured list after being struck by a line drive against the Mets on May 5, but he said he felt good after throwing a bullpen session off the mound on Sunday. Pepiot threw another bullpen on Tuesday and expects to spend "minimal time" on the IL. He made the road trip to Boston and Toronto with the team, and manager Kevin Cash said Pepiot will throw another bullpen session or a simulated game on the road "to simulate some sort of up-down."
If Pepiot comes out of that good, he could return to the Rays' starting rotation. The 26-year-old isn't dealing with an arm injury, so he should return from the IL when he's eligible. He could make his next start at home against either the Boston Red Sox or Kansas City Royals. The former third-round pick of the Dodgers in 2019 out of Butler is currently 3-2 this year with a 3.68 ERA and 0.93 WHIP with 41 K's in 36 2/3 innings over seven starts. (MLB.com)
Shane Baz Injury Update
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane Baz (elbow) made his third minor league rehab start with Triple-A Durham on Thursday, throwing 3 1/3 innings while allowing one run on five hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Baz threw 69 pitches on Thursday as he continues on the road to recovery from Tommy John surgery, and he'll likely need another appearance or two in the minors to sharpen things up before rejoining Tampa Bay's injury-riddled rotation.
Shane Baz tossed another rehab start today, going 3.1 IP with 1 ER, 5 H, 3 K, 2 BB
Baz threw 69 pitches today as he continues his path to the Rays rotation. His velocity and pitch grades understandably remain down from prior to TJS. Glad to see him making progress! pic.twitter.com/9qrFDCrQKe
— Thomas Nestico (@TJStats) May 16, 2024
The 24-year-old former top prospect should be able to return before the end of May at this rate, so he's worth a stash in the majority of fantasy leagues. For his major league career, Baz features a promising 4.02 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while fanning 48 and walking 12 through 40 1/3 frames (nine starts) for the Rays.
Taijuan Walker Injury Update
Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Taijuan Walker (toe) left Wednesday's start after being hit by a liner on the foot, but he is feeling encouraged about making his next start. Matt Gelb of The Athletic has reported that Walker's toe is not broken. He also notes that it is no sure thing that Walker will make his next start, but the club will see how the right-hander is feeling on Friday. Walker got a late start to the season after dealing with shoulder pain and is 3-0 with a 4.91 ERA over his first four starts of the season.
Taijuan Walker’s toe is not broken. Phillies aren’t sure about his next start; they’ll see how he feels tomorrow. Walker was encouraged.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) May 17, 2024
More should be known about his status on Friday, but it does not seem like a long-term injury. If Walker were to miss his next start, Spencer Turnbull would likely draw the spot start.
Emmet Sheehan Injury Update
Los Angeles Dodgers right-hander Emmet Sheehan (elbow) underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on his UCL on Wednesday. The procedure was performed successfully by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Sheehan was cleared to face hitters in late March but then was shut down in the middle of April when he had a setback with his right elbow. The 24-year-old will now miss all of the 2024 season and probably will not be able to return for the Dodgers until around midseason in 2025.
Los Angeles Dodger RHP Emmet Sheehan had season-ending right elbow UCL surgery. Dr. Neal ElAttrache performed a successful surgery in L.A. yesterday.
— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) May 16, 2024
It's a big blow for one of the Dodgers' promising young arms after he made his big league debut in 2023, going 4-1 with a 4.92 ERA (4.85 FIP) and 1.19 WHIP while walking 26 and striking out 64 in 60 1/3 innings over his 13 outings (11 starts). Sheehan can now be safely dropped by any fantasy managers in deeper redraft leagues that were hanging onto him in an IL spot.
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