Stephen Strasburg is one of the bigger names to head to the DL this week, Adrian Beltre followed him as well. Johnny Cueto looks to avoid some time on the DL, and is expected to make a two-start week. We saw Josh Hamilton return last week, and have a double home run game, along with a walkoff double. Jonathan Lucroy and Matt Wieters will return this week, Lucroy is in the lineup on Monday.
Catcher
A few catchers on their way back this week, as mentioned above, but we still are waiting on Travis d’Arnaud, and news from Devin Mesoraco. d’Arnaud is dealing with bruising in his wrist, which has limited him over the last week. He is likely to resume rehabbing this week, and will probably be headed to the starting lineup sometime next week. Mesoraco on the other hand is waiting to make a decision to undergo hip surgery. Nothing has came about over the last few days, but he was expected to make a decision in Cincinnati. It has been a few days into their home stand, and nothing has been finalized. If you have him on your bench, he is a safe drop if you haven’t already. Tuffy Gosewisch has a ACL injury, which is believed to be a tear, so Jarrod Saltalamacchia will presumably take over catching duties. Not catcher listed, but former catcher Victor Martinez is expected to resume exercising, he has yet to begin any baseball activities. Detroit News reported he could be out until after the All-Star break.
First Base
We have been lucky at this position this season, there has been no tremendous injuries. Matt Adams is the only unlucky one, he will be out till September, with a torn quad. Lucas Duda is day-to-day, and was scratched from Monday’s lineup with knee stiffness. Not much on him now, but likely just a minor soreness that will keep him out for a game or two. Justin Morneau still has no timetable for a return, after he has been out for some time with a cervical strain, and concussion symptoms. With his history this is not a shock for him to miss such an extended time. James Loney has a fractured index finger, and has no timetable for return. Other than those, not many injuries to report from fantasy valued first baseman.
Second Base
Devon Travis is the highlight of the second base section, he has been called back from rehab after some discomfort in his shoulder. He will be kept out another week, and then will take part in light workouts. This has turned into a lengthy DL stint, which wasn’t supposed to be the case. His timetable is very uncertain at the moment. This is the only injury news out of the second base spot.
Third Base
Expect Adrian Beltre to be on the DL for 2-3 weeks, as he dislocated his thumb trying to breakup a double play. This shouldn’t be serious, or something that will require multiple examinations. There is some good news, one of baseball’s top prospects, Joey Gallo will be called up to the big leagues for a three week stint, which could lead to a spot on the roster. Anthony Rendon is on his way back to the Nationals, he has been taking in rehab starts, not overly exciting numbers in them, but should be back late in the week. David Wright is still without a timetable, and will likely be on the roster anytime soon.
Shortstop
Jed Lowrie is out till post all-star break if you are keeping tabs on him. He underwent thumb surgery in early May. Jose Reyes is back, but does not look comfortable swinging. He was wincing through a couple at-bats, keep an eye on him.
Outfield
Yasiel Puig, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jayson Werth all are big time outfielders on the DL right now, you may have other words for Werth. Puig ran at 100% today, which is a great sign, and should have him going into the direction of rehab games. Ellsbury on the other hand could miss up to a month more. He could be lingering into July before coming back to the lineup. Werth will be out until August, and I am sure fantasy owners won’t mind his absence, he only was hitting .208. Corey Dickerson ran the bases without any issues, which is a great sign. He should get a quick rehab in, and be on his way back to the lineup, which desperately needs him. Wil Myers was hitting off a tee, but not at 100% strength, but is likely to take batting practice later on in the week. A rehab week is looming. Khris Davis, Coco Crisp, and Carl Crawford are all out at least until the all-star break, and it could be longer. Davis is new to the roundup, he has a meniscus tear, and underwent surgery this past week.
Pitcher
The good news about Strasburg is that it is not anything to do with his arm. He is dealing with neck tightness and some back issues. He will take some time off before being re-evaluated, which could be what he needs. He has an ERA above six, and is struggling to keep hard hit balls to a minimum. I don’t see him missing anymore than the 15 days. Johnny Cueto and Scott Kazmir went through some soreness and scares, but they will avoid the DL and pickup where they left off this week. Scott Feldman will miss 5-6 weeks, which you will see more of Lance McCullers, who has been another young prospect stepping up for Houston. Sean Doolittle is back on the DL with shoulder soreness, and really could be something that lingers throughout the season, much like Masahiro Tanaka, who is actually due back this week. Jose Fernandez threw 42 pitches in an extended outing today with no issues. Anybody getting giddy for him to return? I know I am. His teammate Mat Latos is due back soon, while Henderson Alvarez remains a big question mark with his issues. He has a slight tear, and general soreness. Hisashi Iwakuma is on pace to start throwing soon, but will have to make 2-3 rehab starts before returning. He has a lot to hurdle before I get excited for a return. Doug Fister threw from flat ground, but still two weeks away at the minimum, and Tanner Roark is a great option for the next two weeks or so. The Tigers former ace looked awful in his rehab starts throwing 70+ pitches in 2.2 innings, while allowing three earned runs. He struggled with command, and this is not a setback, but he will likely need another two starts before return.
