The Injury reports are slowly getting to full strength as we start the last month of the regular season, at least for the major players. Two important arms are looking for a mid-September return, A.J. Burnett and Jose Fernandez. Both threw solid bullpen sessions, and are on schedule to get things up and running over the next two weeks. Of course there is no rush to bring both guys back to risk further injury, so a slower process could still occur.
Other big names are closer to returning this week, George Springer is likely to rehab all week, and if all goes well he will be back with the Astros early next week. There is a shot Marcus Stroman makes a start or two this season for the Jays, which really helps them more than us. The good news for fantasy owners is he will enter spring training with a few starts under his belt after the injury.
The Cardinals keep winning, despite all of the injuries. Matt Adams has not been cleared for a rehab assignment yet, but that could happen very soon. A late September return has now been upgraded to early September. His teammate, Matt Holliday, is being re-evaluated this week, and should be cleared to ramp up baseball activities. He looks to be behind Adams in terms of joining the Cardinals.
The Cardinals GM told Adam Wainwright to take it easy on telling us all he will return this season. Although he seems to be rehabbing well, and well enough to possibly join the pen, it is now somewhat unlikely. St. Louis avoided a scare with Lance Lynn, who went down with an ankle sprain, and is ready to make his next start.
The Giants are another banged up squad, and not that anyone owned him, but Matt Cain hit the DL, freeing up a spot for a Chris Heston return. Joe Panik has been on the DL longer than expected, but is ready to return within the next ten days. Hunter Pence is a different story, he has yet to resume baseball activities. Carlos Carrasco had an issue with shoulder tightness, and is expected to return to the Indians late in the week after missing one start. If you missed the news, Denard Span has been shutdown for the season, and will undergo back surgery.
The Nationals are no strangers to injuries this season, and Stephen Strasburg left the game with back issues. Nothing has been reported as of now, but he could be in for another DL trip. If you are still counting on Red Sox players to return this season, it is highly unlikely. We could Corey Dickerson before the season ends if he is rotting on your DL at the moment.
