Five Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball - Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 21

Welcome back, RotoBallers! We've got another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series.

Looking ahead to Week 21 and the rest of the season, we've highlighted five injured players to stash in your redraft leagues. If you're new to the series, check out our previous articles for some other options.

Over the next two months, many productive players will return from injury. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both, the guys in this article can help. Only those rostered in 60% or less of Yahoo leagues are eligible.

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Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds

Rostered: 44% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Late August

Earlier this week, Cincinnati Reds middle infielder Matt McLain (shoulder) suffered a stress fracture in his rib. While a minor setback in his recovery, it appears he's still planning to begin a rehab assignment on Monday. Having missed all of the 2024 season so far, McLain will likely need a while before he's ready to make his season debut with the Reds. But once he's good to go, he could make an immediate impact.

McLain was fantastic last year, slashing .290/.357/.507 with 65 runs scored, 23 doubles, 16 home runs, 50 RBI, 14 stolen bases, and 31:115 BB/SO in just 89 games as a rookie. Though he'll only get about a month's worth of MLB playing time, he's perfect for fantasy teams looking to make a late-season push - especially those lacking production from their middle infielders. In playoff leagues, his impact could be even greater. Overall, McLain will likely end up on a lot of championship teams come season's end.

Wishing a happy birthday to Matt McLain❗️ pic.twitter.com/FovYRAYxlV

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) August 6, 2024

Tommy Edman, 2B/SS/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Rostered: 28% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-to-Late August

Newly acquired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, utility man Tommy Edman was a fantasy baseball asset for years. Possessing a valuable skill set and the ability to rack up hits and stolen bases, he's an incredibly reliable source of production. And while a wrist injury has sidelined him for the entire season, he's set to begin a rehab assignment this weekend.

One of the most exciting aspects of Edman's return to big-league action is the upside that comes with his new team. If the Dodgers put him at the top of their lineup, he's bound to score a lot of runs. While he may not provide any power, he'll almost certainly make a positive impact on your team, regardless of your league's format.

Dodgers on the mend:

▪️Mookie Betts won't need any rehab games before returning next week.
▪️Max Muncy and Tommy Edman are expected to begin their rehab assignments this weekend in triple-A. pic.twitter.com/SX5YyyRABx

— Dodgers Tailgate (@DodgersTailgate) August 8, 2024

Starling Marte, OF, New York Mets

Rostered: 54% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-August

New York Mets outfielder Starling Marte (knee) isn't someone you'd have to stash for very long. After missing almost two months, he could rejoin the Mets' roster as early as next week.

After a down year in 2023, Marte has picked it back up this season. Through 66 games, the 35-year-old veteran is slashing .278/.328/.416 with 38 runs scored, nine doubles, seven home runs, 12 stolen bases, 30 RBI, and 17:56 BB/SO. He's already made two rehab appearances with High-A St. Lucie, resulting in a 2-for-5 effort with a homer and a steal. Overall, if Marte can pick up where he left off, he's a solid option to boost your outfield.

Starling Marte launches one in St. Lucie! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/VwQmmG3Xvq

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) August 8, 2024

Walker Buehler, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers

Rostered: 60% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-August

While Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Walker Buehler has struggled since he returned from Tommy John surgery, it's still surprising to see him qualify for this list (even if he's at exactly 60%). Perhaps it's due to some of the poor performances he's had over his rehab assignment. Over 12 2/3 innings with Triple-A Oklahoma City, he's posted a 6.39 ERA with 8:14 BB/SO. But his last start was a step in the right direction (5 1/3 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K).

Overall, Buehler has what it takes to produce at an elite level; we've certainly seen it before. He's slated to make one final rehab start before returning to the Dodgers' rotation. If his command improves, he could be a nice late-season addition for teams looking to bolster their pitching staff.

Walker Buehler went 5 1/3 tonight, allowing a solo home run, the only hit, and three walks, with five strikeouts. He made 85 pitches, 48 for strikes as Round Rock won 7-2 at OKC. #Dodgers
pic.twitter.com/N1jJiZNoVd

— Howard Cole (@Howard_Cole) August 9, 2024

Kerry Carpenter, OF, Detroit Tigers

Rostered: 37% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Mid-to-Late August

It seems safe to say that Carpenter (back) is one of the best in the game at hitting right-handed pitching. Before hitting the IL in May, he was slashing .310/.368/.636 with 10 doubles, eight home runs, 28 RBI, and 10:35 BB/SO in 145 plate appearances against righties. This level of production would help almost any fantasy team right now, especially in daily leagues where he could be used as a platoon option.

Carpenter began a rehab assignment earlier this week and should be recalled relatively soon. If you can find a lefty-killer to switch him out with, you've got a recipe for success. Even in weekly leagues, Carpenter is an above-average player.

From eariler, Kerry Carpenter on a rehab assignment, with a single to right. He is 1-for-4 on the evening pic.twitter.com/RhojPwithz

— Tigers ML Report (@tigersMLreport) August 7, 2024

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