It’s a star-packed injury report this week, featuring some key injuries and returns from the likes of David Price, Clay Buchholz, Mike Trout, and Evan Longoria. Let’s take a look at who’s out and who’s on the mend in this week’s injury rundown.
Trevor Cahill (hip): The DBacks have placed Cahill on the DL with a hip contusion just days following his second-straight start with six runs allowed. Top prospect Tyler Skaggs will slide into his spot temporarily but is a concern after giving up five runs apiece in his last two starts in the bigs.
Gerardo Parra (head): Parra left Monday’s game against the Mets after landing on his head and face while making a diving catch attempt. His concussion test came back negative but he looked pretty badly shaken up so keep an eye on his status.
Brian Roberts (hamstring): The O’s have activated Roberts from the DL and expect to start him on a daily basis until he inevitably goes back on the DL.
Stephen Drew (hamstring): Drew has been out of the lineup since Friday and still has no set return date but is not expected to go on the DL. Despite a low .233 BA, Drew has contributed with 25 XBH, 31 RBI, and 27 R in 66 games.
Clay Buchholz (shoulder): Buchholz continue to struggle in his recovery and had to be shut down over the weekend. The Sox expect to resume his throwing program this week and see how he’s coming along.
Ryan Sweeney (rib): Sweeney’s season has come to a half just as he was inching towards fantasy relevance. He has been placed on the DL with a fractured rib and is expected to be out four-to-six weeks.
Paul Konerko (back): Konerko hasn’t played since June 23 but is expected to rejoin the lineup on Tuesday vs. the Orioles. It’s been a down year for Konerko who has just seven homers and 30 RBI.
Johnny Cueto (lat): Cueto is back on the DL with the same lat injury that kept him out earlier this season. He will be replaced by top prospect Tony Cingrani who is a must-own in all leagues.
Dexter Fowler (hand): Fowler has been out since last Tuesday with a nagging hand injury but may return to the lineup as soon as Tuesday against the Dodgers. Check his status before starting him.
Jorge De La Rosa (thumb): De La Rosa has a bruised left thumb and while he expects to make his next scheduled start it remains to be seen if his swelling goes down enough by then.
Jeremy Guthrie (hand): Guthrie had some swelling in his hand his last time out against the Twins but expects to make his next start on Wednesday against the Indians.
Mike Trout (hamstring): Trout missed Sunday’s game due to some slight hamstring soreness but is not expected to miss any more games.
Peter Bourjos (wrist): Bourjous has been placed on the DL with a fractured wrist and will be out at least two to three weeks. J.B. Shuck will take his spot in the lineup but isn’t a fantasy relevant add.
Josh Beckett (hand): Beckett is expected to be out the rest of the season as he needs surgery to help him regain feeling in his pitching hand. Stephen Fife and Chris Capuano will remain in the rotation.
Carl Crawford (hamstring): Crawford has been out since June 1 with hamstring strain but is expected to rejoin the Dodgers as soon as July 5. It’ll be interesting to see how the Dodgers outfield shapes out with Crawford, Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, and Andre Ethier.
Henderson Alvarez (shoulder): Alvarez is expected to be activated on Thursday to make his season debut against the Braves. Alvarez was 9-14 with a 4.85 ERA, 1.44 WHIP, and 79 K/54 BB over 187 IP in Toronto last year so he likely isn’t a fantasy relevant add right now.
Corey Hart (knee): In the sad and ongoing saga that is Hart’s inability to play on the field, Hart’s recovery from a right knee injury has ended in a left knee injury that will require surgery and force him out for the season.
Josh Willingham (knee): Willingham was a late scratch on Monday against the Yankees and will undergo an MRI on Monday to see if there is any serious damage to his knee. Despite a low average, Willingham has managed to stay productive with 10 HR, 37 RBI, and 13 2B.
Alex Rodriguez (hip): ARod has finally been given the green light to play in rehab games but his return is still a ways away.
Michael Pineda (elbow): Pineda appears to be nearing the end of his rehab assignment but it looks like he’ll stay in the minors after he’s done since there isn’t currently a spot in the big league rotation.
Coco Crisp (back): Crisp left Sunday’s game with back spasms but could return to the A’s lineup as soon as Tuesday if his back settles down.
Jarrod Parker (hamstring): Parker left his Saturday start after just 3.2 IP with a cramp and was sore playing catch on Sunday. Depending how his Tuesday bullpen session goes, he may have to miss his scheduled Thursday start against the Cubs.
Kyle Kendrick (head): Kendrick suffered a concussion after being hit in the head by a pitch on Sunday vs. the Dodgers. He’ll be further evaluated but concussions can be tricky.
Wandy Rodriguez (forearm): Rodriguez suffered a setback in his recovery last week and will likely miss at least three more weeks as he deals with a forearm injury.
Everth Cabrera (hamstring): Cabrera has begun a minor league rehab stint and should be back in the Padres lineup by the weekend. Cabrera is in the midst of a true breakout campagin with a .305/.382/.418 line with 31 SB, 19 XBH, and 37 R.
Jedd Gyorko (groin): Gyorko has rejoined the Padres and is expected to be activated from the DL sometime this week.
Michael Saunders (finger): Saunders has been limited to pinch running over the last couple games and it remains unclear when he will be able to swing a bat without pain again.
David Price (triceps): Price is expected to be activated on Tuesday to start against the Astros. He is expected to be on a 90 pitch limit having not pitched since May 15.
Evan Longiria (foot): Longoria has been out of the lineup since June 26 and is currently limited to pinch hitting but he may be back in the lineup by the weekend series against the White Sox.
Lance Berkman (knee): Berkman hasn’t played since June 26 after twisting his knee against the Yankees. He could return as soon as Tuesday or he may be forced on the DL, it’s hard to tell right now.
Edwin Encarnacion (hamstring): Encarnacion was scratched late on Monday with a hamstring issue but right now it isn’t expected to be a serious injury.
Adam Lind (back): Lind missed Monday’s game with a back injury but could be back as soon as Tuesday if his back is feeling better.
Melky Cabrera (knee): Melky has been placed on the DL with knee tendinitis and should return shortly after his 15 days are up.
