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Welcome back, RotoBallers, to another edition of the Injured Players to Stash in Fantasy Baseball series.
Heading into Week 23 and beyond, we'll highlight five injured players worth stashing in your redraft leagues. New to the series? Make sure to check out our previous articles for more options.
With just over a month of baseball left to play, there are still productive players set to return from injury. Whether it's pitching, offense, or both -- whether you're in a playoff league or not -- these guys can help. Only those rostered in 60% or less of Yahoo leagues are eligible.
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Jordan Westburg, 2B/3B, Baltimore Orioles
Rostered: 58% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
Westburg has been out for almost a month with a fractured hand. Fortunately, he could still rejoin the Orioles roster before the season ends. There may only be a few weeks left when it happens, but stashing Westburg until then could be well worth the wait.
Through 101 games in 2024, Westburg has been tremendous for the O's, slashing .269/.317/.497 (132 OPS+) with 55 runs scored, 25 doubles, 18 home runs, 58 RBI, and 21:90 BB/SO. This type of production is hard to find on the waiver wire. On top of that, Baltimore will likely spend the rest of the season battling for the AL East crown.
With some extra team-wide motivation, Westburg could provide top-notch production once he's back.
Jordan Westburg is taking ground balls and one hand swings. Happy to be doing some baseball activities. But can’t provide timeline for return. #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 20, 2024
Matt McLain, 2B/SS, Cincinnati Reds
Rostered: 42% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
Last week, McLain (shoulder/rib cage) was cleared to resume baseball activities, but he hasn't begun a rehab assignment. Though there isn't a set date for his return, McLain will continue to be on this list until it's confirmed that he's out for the season. The amount of upside that he brings is too enticing to ignore.
McLain was an elite middle infielder last season. With his impressive combination of contact, power, and speed, he's a fantasy manager's dream. If he does come back in 2024, he could be a major boost to your fantasy teams. Overall, he's undeniably worth keeping until he's guaranteed to miss the full season.
Matt McLain (rib cage) has been cleared to resume baseball work. He’ll resume swinging. Still no date on a rehab assignment.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) August 16, 2024
Brooks Lee, 2B/3B/SS, Minnesota Twins
Rostered: 9% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early September
Coming into the season, Lee (shoulder) was one of the Twins' top prospects. When he was promoted in early July, he got a month's worth of big league experience before hitting the IL. As of now, it seems like he won't miss the rest of the year.
In 110 plate appearances with Minnesota, Lee went 25-for-99 (.255 AVG) with two doubles, two homers, three stolen bases, and 9:16 BB/SO. This type of production may only warrant a bench spot in shallower fantasy leagues. However, if you're looking for someone with lots of upside, he could be your guy.
Lee surged through the minor leagues after he was drafted in 2022. In 20 games with Triple-A St. Paul this year, he went 28-for-85 (.329 AVG) with five doubles, seven homers, 21 RBI, and 9:13 BB/SO. Will he put up these same numbers if he plays the last 20 games of the season? Likely not. But he has more talent than his big league numbers would suggest.
- Brooks Lee has been throwing without pain and will go to work out in St. Paul on Thursday and maybe get into some game action after that.
- Alex Kirilloff sprained his ankle last week when he was set to head out on rehab. Recovered well, likely headed on rehab this weekend.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) August 21, 2024
Jordan Romano, RP, Toronto Blue Jays
Rostered: 44% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Uncertain
I would find it hard to write this article without including at least one pitcher. Unfortunately, there aren't many productive pitchers set to return in 2024 (maybe it's because pitcher injuries tend to demand lengthier absences -- I don't know). I want to include a pitcher who's likely to make an impact, even if they're not 100% guaranteed to return. Thus, I've gone with Romano.
Romano threw just over 200 innings from 2020-2023, resulting in a 2.29 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 251:75 K/BB. Simply put, he's been one of the decade's best closers. It looks like he could make it back into Toronto's bullpen before the season's over. If it happens, scoop him up.
Jordan Romano, Wicked Sliders. 🤢 pic.twitter.com/ULct9ClOOo
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) August 16, 2023
Jacob Wilson, SS, Oakland Athletics
Rostered: 8% Yahoo
Estimated Return: Early September
Maybe it's just because Wilson (hamstring) has developed into a stud in my Oakland A's save in "Out of the Park Baseball 25," but I'm high on this kid. At just 22 years old, he's already got elite bat-to-ball skills.
Once he's back (hopefully sometime next week), I could see him doing enough to make a big jump up the 2025 draft boards. Though his lack of power might keep him from reaching elite status, we could be looking at Luis Arraez 2.0.
Jacob Wilson getting us started 👏
He picks up his 13th RBI of the year#AviatorsLV pic.twitter.com/YpGDp6kIgt
— Las Vegas Aviators (@AviatorsLV) August 22, 2024
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