Week 11 of the fantasy baseball season is upon us and as per usual there are several impact players making appearances on the injury report. Some of these injuries are more short term, but that could be more problematic for fantasy GM’s because we don’t know exactly how much time they could miss without being placed on the DL. This is why having roster depth is so important because you need the flexibility to substitute players in and out without making official transactions. So without further adieu, here is the next installment of the walking wounded.
Bryce Harper (OF-WAS)
Harper was hit by a pitch on his knee on Saturday which kept him out of the lineup on Sunday. He appeared to be doing better in terms of being able to walk around without much of a limp, but he will be reevaluated on Monday. He is obviously a must-start under any circumstances but check back in before Monday’s game to see if he is able to return to the lineup.
Jose Altuve (2B-HOU)
The premiere fantasy second baseman sat out again on Sunday with a hamstring injury. Right now it doesn’t look like a trip to the DL is imminent, but he could miss another game or two as he rests the injury. Altuve is extremely valuable thanks in large part to his batting average, stolen bases and runs scored. Check back in on Monday for a further update on his status.
Corey Dickerson (OF-COL)
After returning from the disabled list, Dickerson re-aggravated the plantar fasciitis in his left foot and was removed from Saturday’s game. He also sat out on Sunday but should be back within a day or two. Dickerson does not appear headed for surgery so this is something he will have to find a way to play through. When healthy, Dickerson is a great fantasy option with production in all categories except stolen bases.
Pablo Sandoval (3B-BOS)
It is not surprising that Sandoval has been underwhelming from a fantasy perspective. It is also not surprising that injuries have cost him games either. Sandoval left Saturday’s game with tightness in his right quadriceps and the extent of the injury is currently unknown. Third base is a weak position in fantasy baseball so this could have a detrimental effect on your team. Look for a further update early in Week 11 to see how long he might be out.
Mark Trumbo (OF-SEA)
Trumbo is suffering from back spasms and was scratched from the Mariners’ lineup on Sunday. He has gotten off to a slow start since being acquired by Seattle and is considered day to day. His fantasy value has taken a nose dive but he does have the potential to supply some power as a fourth or fifth outfielder or corner infielder.
Devin Mesoraco (C-CIN)
The Reds have royally screwed up several injuries this season, but none more so than with their young catcher Devin Mesoraco. He has a hip injury which will inevitably require surgery, but the Reds tried letting him rehab in the outfield to try and minimize the pain instead of catching. Unfortunately Cincinnati finally recognized what everyone else already knew that playing outfield did not alleviate the pain and they have shut him down. Do not expect to see Mesoraco again this season.
Martin Prado (3B-MIA)
Prado does not supply much offensive production in any category but he is one of those players that is valuable because of his consistency and positional flexibility. He suffered a sprained shoulder on Sunday and will likely miss several games. The good news is that it doesn’t appear he will need a trip to the DL, but you should be prepared to be without him most of Week 11.
Michael A. Stein, Esq. is the Chief Justice of Fantasy Judgment, the industry's premier dispute resolution service, and is also the co-host of the Fantasy Alarm podcast. You can contact him at michael.stein@fantasyjudgment.com or on Facebook and Twitter (@FantasyJudgment),