The MLB trade deadline creeps ever closer as we are now less than two weeks away. This likely means that the trade deadline in many fantasy leagues is also approaching quickly so there is not much time left to negotiate deals that will help bolster the chances to win your leagues. There are several big name players on the verge of returning from injuries in the near future while we have also seen several solid young players placed on the injured list at an inopportune time.So without further ado, here is the next edition of the fantasy baseball emergency room.
Max Scherzer (SP-WAS)
The former multiple-time Cy Young Award winner has been on the 10-day injured list since last week with a strained back, but he could return as soon as this Sunday. Scherzer threw from 90 feet on Thursday but still has not thrown off a mound yet. That likely will not matter if Scherzer proclaims to be completely fine because the Nationals are still open to the idea of him pitching on Sunday against the Braves. This decision by Washington could have huge fantasy ramifications because a start by Scherzer on the last day of the week could easily tip the balance one way or the other. Scherzer is obviously a must-start if he pitches as he looks to add to his 9-5 record along with a 2.30 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 181 strikeouts in 129.1 innings over 19 starts.
Corey Kluber (SP-CLE)
The Indians starting rotation has been cursed all season but those fortunes could be reversing in the near future. Corey Kluber threw a successful bullpen session on Wednesday as he tossed 20 pitches and came away feeling well afterwards. Kluber has been out for the past couple months with a fractured right ulna but was not pitching well before the injury. Perhaps the long layoff will rejuvenate him and allow Kluber to regain his Cy Young form for the stretch run. As of now it appears Kluber is on track to return to the mound sometime in August as he looks to improve upon his 2-3 record along with a 5.80 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 38 strikeouts in 35.2 innings over seven starts.
Eloy Jiménez (OF-CHW)
Fantasy GMs suffered a big loss this week as phenom Eloy Jiménez has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a contusion of his right ulnar nerve. He sustained the injury on Tuesday against the Royals when he collided with his teammate Charlie Tilson in the outfield. Jimenez had been swinging a hot bat over the past month to raise his batting average to .244 to go along with 17 home runs, 39 RBI and 36 runs scored. There is no time frame for his return but we can expect this will take longer than the requisite ten days as Jimenez will likely need to undergo further testing and be re-evaluated within the next several days.
Matt Chapman (3B-OAK)
Oakland third baseman Matt Chapman fouled a ball off his ankle on Wednesday and was removed from the game due to the pain and discomfort. This also cost him the game on Thursday as he was held out of the lineup to allow for some additional time to rest and recover. Chapman indicated that he expects to be in the lineup on Friday so fantasy GMs need not worry about him missing an extended period of time. Chapman is a solid and consistent fantasy third baseman as he is batting .279 with 22 home runs, 59 RBI and 63 runs scored.
David Dahl (OF-COL)
Some players are just more injury-prone than others, and David Dalh certainly appears to fit into that category early in his career. The Rockies outfielder was taken out of Wednesday’s game against San Francisco after he fouled a ball off his left foot. Dahl had x-rays taken which fortunately came back negative meaning he avoided a serious injury this time. That being said, Dahl will still likely miss another game or two to allow some time to heal and receive medical attention. Despite his injury history, Dahl has established that he is a productive fantasy player with his .303 batting average along with 13 home runs, 54 RBI, 60 runs scored and three stolen bases.
Adalberto Mondesi (SS-KC)
Fantasy GMs suffered a big loss this week as Adalberto Mondesi was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a subluxation of his left shoulder. He sustained the injury on Tuesday against the White Sox when he dove attempting to catch a foul ball. An MRI revealed the injury and as of right now there is no clear time table for when Mondesi might be able to return. GMs will sorely miss him in their lineups as he is batting .266 with seven home runs, 52 RBI, 48 runs scored and a league-leading 31 stolen bases. He should be stashed for now as we are hopeful he can return soon enough to make an impact for the stretch run.
Jay Bruce (OF-PHI)
The Phillies outfield has been as cursed at the Indians starting rotation. They acquired Jay Bruce from the Mariners to provide depth due to all the injuries, and now Bruce has joined the walking wounded in the City of Brotherly Love. Bruce suffered a strained right oblique as a result of swinging the bat on Tuesday against the Dodgers. He will likely miss several weeks which is a big loss for the Phillies and fantasy GMs who got Bruce for a bargain this year. He has always been an albatross for batting average but he has produced 24 home runs and 57 RBI between his stints in Seattle and Philadelphia. That being said, he is not worth stashing as there should be plenty of other options on the waiver wire to help make up for Bruce’s loss.
Albert Pujols (1B-LAA)
The great Albert Pujols was taken out of Thursday’s game against Houston with tightness in his left hamstring. The Angels have indicated this was likely due to cramping so they do not expect an extended absence for the Cooperstown-bound superstar. Pujols is no longer much of a fantasy asset but he can still provide some power and run production as a corner infielder in deeper leagues as he is batting .243 with 14 home runs, 56 RBI and 34 runs scored.
Jonathan Schoop (2B-MIN)
Twins second baseman Jonathan Schoop sustained a strained abdomen a few days ago that has cost him the past couple games. He missed his second consecutive game on Thursday as Luis Arraez filled in for him at second base. The injury is not considered serious right now, so it appears he should be able to avoid a trip to the 10-day injured list. Follow for updates over the next couple days to see whether he can return to the lineup this weekend.
Jarrod Dyson (OF-ARZ)
Fantasy GMs always seem to find a roster spot for Jarrod Dyson who is prolific for stealing bases and providing a solid batting average despite getting limited at bats. This year is no different as he has rewarded GMs with a .254 average along with six home runs, 20 RBI, 43 runs scored and 21 stolen bases. He was taken out of Wednesday’s game against Texas with a cramp in his right hamstring that he sustained during a blowout win. At the moment it does not appear that he will require a stint on the injured list but we can expect he will miss a few games and be considered day-to-day.