There are plenty of updates to the MLB injury report as the season begins to ramp up and there are plenty of fantasy disabled list slots that are already filled. From Zack Greinke to Jose Reyes, it hasn’t been a good week to be an All-Star. Let’s take a look at who’s out, who’s in, and who’s returning in this week’s extensive injury rundown.
Happy Returns:
Chase Headley (thumb): Headley looks ready to return sometime this week.
Carlos Santana (thumb): Santana has been dealing with a thumb contusion but is expected to start on Tuesday after pinch hitting on Sunday.
Franklin Gutierrez (groin): Gutierrez hasn’t played since Friday but could return to the lineup on Tuesday if his groin tightness has subsided.
Michael Morse (finger): Despite breaking his pinky finger last Thursday, Morse may be ready to play in the Mariners’ game on Tuesday. Check his status before starting him though.
Yu Darvish (finger): Darvish will have his start pushed back to Friday and face the Mariners as he deals with a blister.
Jose Bautista (back): Bautista sat out Monday’s game as he dealt with back spasms but is expected to start on Tuesday against Chicago.
Brett Lawrie (oblique): Lawrie will be activated from the 15-day DL on Tuesday.
Injuries:
Aaron Hill (wrist): Hill left Sunday’s game with a sore wrist and while his MRI results haven’t been released, word is that the DBacks are preparing for a possible DL stint for their second baseman. Didi Gregorius could be called up to replace Hill after going 11 for 26 with two homers in his first six Triple-A games.
Jason Kubel (quad): Just as Cody Ross came off the DL for the DBacks, Kubel landed on it. Kubel is expected out until at least late April.
Joel Hanrahan (hamstring): It looks like the Red Sox closer is headed to the DL with a hamstring issue and will miss at least a couple of weeks. Look for Andrew Bailey to get some saves in his absence.
David Ortiz (heel): Ortiz had to sit out Monday’s Triple-A rehab game as he continues to recover from his Achilles injury. This could be a real setback for the Sox DH, keep an eye on him.
John Lackey (bicep): Lackey dealt with more soreness on Monday but is scheduled to resume his throwing program on Tuesday. He is eligible to come off the DL on Monday but it seems unlikely.
Scott Feldman (back): Not that he’s fantasy relevant but Feldman will miss at least his next start as he deals with tightness in his back.
Kyuji Fujikawa (forearm): Just days after taking over the Cubs closer job, Fujikawa landed on the DL with a sprained forearm. Look for Shawn Camp and James Russell to possibly get some save opportunities while he’s gone.
Johnny Cueto (triceps): Cueto has been placed on the 15-day DL and is expected to miss three to four starts. Highly touted prospect Tony Cingrani is expected to replace him and is worth at least a short term pickup.
Michael Bourn (finger): Bourn is expected to sit out until at least the weekend with a lacerated finger. Nick Swisher will likely move into the outfield to replace him while Mark Reynolds or Jason Giambi man first.
Jason Kipnis (elbow): Kipnis has missed the last few games with elbow trouble and is set to be examined on Tuesday. It looks like he’ll miss at least another start so be sure to check on his status following Tuesday’s call.
Alberto Callaspo (calf): Callaspo will miss at least the next series vs. the Twins and the Angels will decide whether to put him on the DL by the end of the week. Luis Jimenez figures to take over third for the time being.
Erick Aybar (heel): Aybar has hit the 15-day DL but should be back by the time he is eligible to return. Andrew Romine and Brendan Harris should get some time at short while he’s out.
Zack Greinke (collarbone): Greinke will be out approximately eight weeks with a broken collarbone following his brawl with Carlos Quentin. Look for Chris Capuano to take over his spot for the next two months.
Giancarlo Stanton (shoulder): Stanton hasn’t played since last Wednesday but will take batting practice before Tuesday’s game to see if he’s ready to play. He’ll likely miss tonight’s game but should return soon.
Shaun Marcum (neck): The Mets’ absentee starter is scheduled to pitch Thursday in a minor league game and should return by the middle of next week barring any more setbacks.
Eduardo Nunez (wrist): Nunez is still not ready to return to the lineup after being hit on the wrist by a pitch last Friday. Look for Jayson Nix to man short once again.
Yoenis Cespedes (hand): Cespedes has landed on the DL and is still wearing a soft cast to protect his hand. It’s unclear how much time he’ll miss so Chris Young and Seth Smith will continue to man the outfield daily.
Wandy Rodriguez (hamstring): Rodriguez missed his scheduled start on Sunday after leaving his last game in the third inning. The Pirates are hoping to avoid a DL stint but we’ll have to wait and see for now.
Jose Reyes (ankle): Reyes avoided a season-ending injury but is expected to miss two-to-three months with a severely sprained ankle.
Sergio Santos (triceps): Santos has been placed on the DL with a strained triceps, no word on how many games he will miss.
Danny Espinosa (hand): There is a chance that Espinosa returns Wednesday as he deals with a bruised hand but a Friday return is more likely.
Wilson Ramos (hamstring): Ramos has been placed on the DL and should miss a few weeks with a strained left hamstring.
