It’s playoff season so this is the worst time to see a key fantasy contributor go down. It’s also the most common time for injuries with five months of wear and tear taking their toll. An injury at this point in the season could very well spell the end of that player’s fantasy season so let’s take a look at who’s going to miss those key playoff weeks and who’s coming back just in time.
Clay Buchholz (shoulder): Buccholz’ last rehab start has been delayed with his wife due to give birth but the 29-year-old is still expected back in the Sawx rotation by next week.
Justin Masterson (ribs): Masterson left Monday’s contest after the first inning with a strained rib cage and is set to undergo an MRI to determine the extent of his injury on Tuesday.
Corey Kluber (finger): Kluber, out since the beginning of August, is set to return to the Indians rotation to face the Mets on Saturday.
Carlos Gonzalez (finger): After reports had Gonzalez returning from the DL on Monday or Tuesday, it appears that CarGo’s finger has not improved and he will either have to play through the pain or be shut down the rest of the season. The Rockies haven’t decided which one they are leaning towards yet.
Dexter Fowler (knee): Fowler has been out of the lineup since August 26 but the Rockies optimistically hope he will return at some point this week. Either way, he shouldn’t miss too much more time barring any setbacks.
Troy Tulowitzki (leg): Adding to the Rockies’ injury problems, Tulo missed Monday’s game with leg soreness but is not expected to miss any more time.
Tyler Chatwood (thumb): Chatwood hurt suffered a bruised thumb in his return from the DL on Sunday and left after just two innings. He is day-to-day but is currently expected to make his next scheduled start on Saturday.
Miguel Cabrera (abdomen): Cabrera missed the entire weekend series with an abdominal injury but is expected to return to the lineup on Tuesday to face the the Red Sox.
Jason Castro (knee): Castro suffered a sprained knee in Monday’s game against Minnesota and is currently listed as day-to-day until he is reevaluated.
Yasiel Puig (knee): Puig suffered a minor knee strain in Monday’s game at Colorado and will sit out at least Tuesday and likely a few more games.
Matt Kemp (ankle): Kemp began a rehab stint last Thursday but didn’t feel comfortable swinging so the Dodgers sent him to the Arizona instructional league. Whether he returns or not, I don’t see Kemp being much help in the fantasy world this season.
Sam Deduno (shoulder): Deduno has been placed on the DL with labrum and rotator cuff injuries and is not likely to be of service to fantasy owners the rest of the way.
Ike Davis (oblique): Davis will likely miss the remainder of the season after suffering a strained oblique in Saturday’s game against the Nats. Look for Lucas Duda and Josh Satin to get some solid time at first.
Domonic Brown (ankle): Brown has been diagnosed with tendinitis in his ankle and is expected to play through the injury but also get plenty of rest days.
Jason Grilli (elbow): Grilli has begun a rehab stint and is expected to return to the Pirates by the weekend to face the Cards. It’s unclear if Grilli will resume closing duties since Mark Melancon has been reliable and owns a 0.88 ERA on the season but Grilli converted 30 of 31 save chances so I’d say it’s pretty likely.
Yonder Alonso (hand): Alonso has sat out since Friday and could miss a few more games with a hand injury but is expected to avoid a DL stint.
Chase Headley (back): Headley has been out since last Tuesday and will likely miss a while longer as his recovery from his back injury hasn’t gotten too well.
Matt Cain (forearm): Cain had a successful bullpen session on Monday and is expected to rejoin the Giants on Saturday to face Arizona. Cain had not allowed more than three runs in a game since July 5.
Felix Hernandez (back): Hernandez left Monday’s start with a lower back cramp and is listed as day-to-day. It was a promising three run over 6.2 IP start for Felix after he put up a 5.82 ERA in August.
Yadier Molina (wrist): Molina left Monday’s game with a sore wrist but is not expected to miss much, if any, time.
Carlos Beltran (back): Beltran missed Monday’s game with a sore back but is targeting a return on Tuesday against the Reds.
Alexi Ogando (shoulder): Ogando, out since August 13, is expected to rejoin the Rangers some time next week but it’s unclear if he will start or pitch out of the bullpen with the Rangers enjoying an influx of starters.
Elvis Andrus (back): Andrus will likely miss the remainder of the series against the A’s but could return by the weekend if his back improves.
