Injuries haven’t been a massive problem in the early going but in the past week we have seen a plethora of injuries to many a star around the league. While most of these are minor, many small issues can linger for a long time and should be noted. Let’s take a look at 35 fantasy-relevant players your league is missing this week and when they might be back in this week’s injury run down.
Brandon McCarthy (shoulder): The DBacks have placed McCarthy on the DL with a shoulder injury though no timetable will be set for his return until he undergoes an MRI. Tyler Skaggs will take his spot in the rotation and is an excellent pick up after pitching six scoreless innings and striking out nine in his first start this season.
Eric Chavez (oblique): Chavez’ impressive season was halted this weekend after he was placed on the DL with a slight tear in his oblique. He is expected to miss three-to-five weeks. Martin Prado and Willie Bloomquist will fill in while he’s out.
Shane Victorino (hamstring): Victorino was expected to be back by Wednesday but has suffered a setback and there is no new timetable for his return.
Will Middlebrooks (back): Middlebrooks is recovering nicely from his back injury and should be back on Saturday as soon as he’s eligible to return from the DL.
Jacoby Ellsbury (groin): Ellsbury hasn’t played since last Thursday but is expected to play against the Rangers on Tuesday.
Brandon Phillips (forearm): Phillips hasn’t played since being hit on the arm by a pitch on Saturday but isn’t expected to miss much more time this week.
Asdrubal Cabrera (quad): Cabrera left Monday’s game with a leg injury and will undergo further evaluation to see if he needs a DL stint. Mike Aviles will likely take over shortstop duties and could definitely be worth a pickup as he’s batting .283 with three homers, 18 RBI, and four steals off the bench.
Zach McAllister (finger): McAllister had his Monday start pushed back as he deals with a finger strain but he isn’t expected to miss much more time this week.
Tyler Chatwood (triceps): Chatwood had to leave his start on Monday after just four innings with a triceps injury. He will be evaluated on Tuesday. Chatwood has looked very good this season, going 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 30 K in six starts.
Rafael Betancourt (groin): Betancourt had been pitching with a groin injury but the Indians decided it’d be best to put him on the DL. He is likely to return when he’s eligible on June 16. Rex Brothers will take over closer duties for the time being.
Austin Jackson (hamstring): Jackson is expected to play some rehab games this week and should be back by the weekend.
Chris Capuano (triceps): Capuano was scratched from his Monday start with a strained triceps muscle and was replaced by Stephen Fife who allowed just one run on 5.1 IP. It’s unclear how long Capuano will be out.
Carl Crawford (hamstring): The Dodgers placed Crawford on the DL with a hamstring injury though he isn’t expected to miss much more than the 15 days. Yasiel Puig was called up to replace him and is a must-own in every league.
Hanley Ramirez (hamstring): Ramirez is expected to return to the Dodgers on Tuesday to face the Padres.
A.J. Ellis (oblique): Ellis has been placed on the 15-day DL but isn’t expected to miss more than a couple of weeks. Ramon Hernandez and Tim Federowicz will take over catcher duties for the time being.
Matt Kemp (hamstring): Kemp is already into his injury rehab and could return as soon as he’s eligible in about 10 days.
Jim Henderson (hamstring): Henderson is healing up well and could be back closing for the Brew Crew on Sunday.
Jeanmar Gomez (forearm): The Pirates have placed Gomez on the 15-day DL with a strained right forearm which gives way for Charlie Morton to return to the rotation in about a week. Despite pitching well, putting up a 3.07 ERA and 1.16 WHIP, he is expected to return to a long relief role when he returns.
Charlie Morton (elbow): Morton is almost ready to return from Tommy John Surgery but it’s unclear if he’ll make another rehab start or if he will take Jeanmar Gomez’ place in the rotation immediately. Either way, his return is imminent though I doubt he’ll be fantasy relevant.
Cameron Maybin (wrist): Maybin, out since April 15, is rehabbing his wrist and should be back by June 14.
Carlos Quentin (shoulder): Quentin sat out Monday’s game after running into the outfield wall on Sunday. He isn’t expected to miss much time.
Yonder Alonso (hand): Alonso hasn’t played in five days with a bruised hand but could be back in the lineup by Tuesday or Wednesday.
Huston Street (calf): Street has been placed on the DL with a sore calf and may need more than 15 days to recover. Luke Gregerson will take over closing duties for the time being.
Pablo Sandoval (foot): Sandoval hasn’t played since Thursday but should return some time this week though probably not by Tuesday.
Angel Pagan (hamstring): Pagan hasn’t played since May 25 with a sore hammy but is expected to return to the lineup by Tuesday.
Franklin Gutierrez (hamstring): Gutierrez has hit his 20-game rehab limit in the minors but remains unready to return so the Mariners have petitioned the MLB for a second 20-game rehab stint.
Michael Morse (quad): Morse hasn’t played since last Tuesday but could be back in the lineup as soon as Tuesday or Wednesday.
Alex Cobb (finger): The Rays have pushed back Cobb’s start to Wednesday as he deals with a finger injury. Matt Moore will get the start on Tuesday.
Alexi Ogando (biceps): Ogando is expected to be activated from the DL and start on Wednesday.
Adrian Beltre (hamstring): Beltre has a slight hamstring strain but is expected to return to the lineup sometime this week.
Brandon Morrow (forearm): Morrow has been placed on the DL and it’s unclear how long he will miss. Josh Johnson is returning so that will alleviate some of the damage but either Chad Jenkins or Claudio Vargas will make Morrows’ starts until he is ready.
Josh Johnson (triceps): Johnson is expected to return from the DL and start on Tuesday vs. the Giants.
Stephen Strasburg (lat): Strasburg had to leave his Friday start with a strained oblique/lat muscle and will test his back on Wednesday. He could be back as soon as Thursday if he feels good but that seems optimistic. His strain is lower in his back, not by his shoulder, so that’s good news.
Jayson Werth (hamstring): Werth, out since May 2, is expected to be activated from the DL on Tuesday.
Bryce Harper (knee): Harper has landed on the DL with a knee injury he says he’s dealt with for a month. He isn’t expected to miss more than the allotted 15 days and could be back as soon as June 11.
