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The MLB season is fully underway and stud pitchers are beginning to establish themselves as must-start fantasy assets when they're on the mound. However, untimely injuries always play a part in complicating lineup decisions. This week is no different. Today we'll look at injured pitchers including Jacob deGrom, Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodon, Kyle Wright, and Kyle Freeland, among others. Searching the waiver wire for fill-in pitchers is already a key aspect of fantasy baseball, so finding replacements for players out of action isn't too much different.
This is our weekly edition of fantasy baseball injury updates for pitchers as of May 4, 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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Jacob deGrom Injury Update
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (elbow) is scheduled to play catch at some point this week. The stud right-hander was recently placed on the injured list due to right elbow inflammation.
The Rangers haven't given a clear timetable of when deGrom will be able to get back on the field. The fact he's going to play catch is a positive sign, but it doesn't sound like he's close to returning. Fantasy managers should check back later in the week for another update on his status.
Nestor Cortes Injury Update
New York Yankees left-hander Nestor Cortes (throat) will have his next start pushed back to Monday against the Oakland Athletics after he had strep throat for a couple of days. Manager Aaron Boone said Cortes is fine. It's great news for those wondering whether to start the 28-year-old southpaw this week, as he'll go from one of the tougher matchups in the Tampa Bay Rays to one of the best matchups for fantasy in the A's.
Meanwhile, ace Gerrit Cole will be moved from Monday to Sunday against Tampa. Cortes hasn't been all that great so far in his first six starts of 2023, posting a 4.91 ERA (4.70 FIP), 1.18 WHIP, nine walks and 35 strikeouts in 33 innings pitched. As long as he's feeling good, Cortes should be in starting lineups against Oakland to start next week.
Carlos Rodon Injury Update
New York Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon (back) will undergo more testing on Thursday, according to manager Aaron Boone. This could be more bad injury news for the team's prized free-agent acquisition in the offseason. Rodon's left-forearm injury isn't a concern at this point, but he's still being bothered by back problems.
Hopefully, his tests come back positive on Thursday and he won't have to miss much more time before making his 2023 debut for the Yanks. We should get a better timetable for the 30-year-old southpaw's timetable for a return. Fantasy managers can only be patient and continue stashing him in an injured-list spot.
Kyle Wright Injury Update
Atlanta Braves pitcher Kyle Wright was lifted from his start Wednesday against the Marlins following 55 pitches after experiencing shoulder soreness. The righty felt discomfort in the same shoulder that cost him the first few weeks of the regular season.
It's a cause for concern for Wright and fantasy managers alike, who will now have to wait and see if a stay back on the injured list is in the cards. The 27-year-old's night ended after yielding three earned runs in two innings of work, watching his already disappointing ERA exacerbate to 5.79.
Luis Severino Injury Update
New York Yankees starting pitcher Luis Severino (lat) will start his minor-league rehab assignment with High-A Tampa on Thursday. Severino is expected to make two or three rehab appearances on the farm before being activated from the injured list, barring any setbacks along the way.
The 29-year-old two-time All-Star has yet to pitch in 2023 because of his right-lat injury that he suffered in spring training, but he should currently be stashed in all fantasy formats for his impending return to New York's beat up starting rotation. Injuries continue to be an issue for Severino, but he's shown that when he's healthy, he can operate as something close to a fantasy ace.
Garrett Whitlock Injury Update
Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock (elbow) has started a throwing program. He appears to be making a quick recovery from right-elbow ulnar neuritis and could have a minimum stay on the injured list as a result. Whitlock will be eligible to come off the injured list to rejoin Boston's starting rotation as early as May 9. The Red Sox will have one fewer rotation spot available when left-hander James Paxton (hamstring) makes his 2023 debut in the near future, and it remains to be seen who will be pushed out of the rotation as a result.
Before his injury, Whitlock had a 6.19 ERA (5.99 FIP), 1.37 WHIP, three walks and 11 strikeouts in 16 innings over three starts. He has experience working in relief as well, so there's a chance Whitlock doesn't have a starting spot available once he's ready to return.
Jameson Taillon Injury Update
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jameson Taillon (groin) could be activated from the injured list ahead of Thursday's game against the Washington Nationals. Manager David Ross didn't rule out Taillon returning on Thursday when questioned by reporters ahead of Wednesday's contest.
The right-hander recently threw a bullpen session as he works his way back from groin strain. Taillon holds a 4.50 ERA with 16 strikeouts and only four walks in 14 innings this season. Fantasy managers will have to check back on Thursday to see if Taillon gets activated.
Kyle Freeland Injury Update
Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland (neck) aggravated a neck injury during Wednesday's 7-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He allowed three hits while striking out five over five scoreless innings before being replaced in the sixth inning. The southpaw tweaked his neck while lifting weights the day after his last start against the Diamondbacks. It lingered and flared up during the fifth frame of Wednesday's start.
The 29-year-old is expected to make his next scheduled start on the road against the Pirates. Freeland has been solid this season, posting a (3-3) record with a 3.76 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 26:8 K: BB across 38 1/3 innings.
Adrian Houser Injury Update
Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Adrian Houser (groin) is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against the San Francisco Giants. According to Adam McCalvy of MLB.com, Houser is the leading candidate for Sunday if he's not needed earlier.
The 30-year-old has been sidelined this season due to a groin injury. He owned a (6-10) record with a 4.73 ERA, 1.46 WHIP, and a 69:47 K: BB across 102 2/3 innings for the Brewers in 2022. Fantasy managers might want to see how Houser performs in his first start before picking him up and inserting him into their starting lineups for Sunday's slate.
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