Let’s take a look at this morning’s injury news and notes:
Victor Martinez – Detroit Tigers – Jason Beck (via Twitter) is reporting that, “It is not the knee on V-Mart. Lower back spasms.” Martinez, who was originally in yesterday’s lineup, was ultimately scratched. He has been hitting well in August, with a .359 average to go along with 2 HR and 9 RBI over 64 AB. While one might argue that his first season in Detroit has been a disappointment thanks to just 8 HR, he still has a .324 average and 70 RBI. Consider him day-to-day and one of the best catching options in the league.
Jacoby Ellsbury – Boston Red Sox – According to the Boston Herald’s Scott Lauber (via Twitter), “Jacoby Ellsbury likely will return to lineup tomorrow, according to Terry Francona”. He missed his third consecutive game yesterday after being hit by a pitch in the back. The injury continues to appear minor, though owners will feel significantly better once they actually see him back in the lineup.
Jose Reyes – New York Mets – Matthew Cerrone of Mets Blog (click here for the post) is reporting that, “Terry Collins said today that he expects Jose Reyes to begin a minor-league rehab assignment with Double-A Binghamton this Thursday.” Adam Rubin of ESPN New York (via Twitter) added that, “Should play 3-4 games.” That would likely put him active for the Mets in time for a double header with the Marlins on August 29. While it’s hard to imagine him playing in both of those games, he will obviously be a must use option once he’s on the field. Keep your fingers crossed that the timeline holds true.
Raul Ibanez – Philadelphia Phillies – Jim Salisbury (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Raul Ibanez has been scratched from Mon nite lineup with soreness in groin. Mayberry in.” The Phillies are going to be cautious with the 39-year old Ibanez. Consider the injury to be of the day-to-day variety, but don’t be surprised to see him sidelined for a couple of days as the Phillies are looking towards October.
Jimmy Rollins – Philadelphia Phillies – According to Todd Zolecki of mlb.com (click here for the article), “He landed on the disabled list with a mild Grade 2 strain of his right groin. He does not think the injury is serious and he hopes to be back as early as Sept. 6, when he is eligible to be activated.” While that may be a little bit optimistic, at least it appears to not be too serious. Assume he’ll be back by the middle of September, giving him a few weeks to round back into shape before the playoffs. All fantasy owners can do is sit tight and hope he returns as quickly as possible.
Chris Narveson – Milwaukee Brewers – According to Adam McCalvy (via Twitter), “Official report from #Brewers on Narveson is ‘issue to the nail on his left middle finger.’” McCalvy later tweeted that, “Narveson thinks he’ll make his next start. Nail is not split, just pulled back. Says they caught it at a good time.” This was Narveson’s first start off the DL after cutting his finger. Time will tell if he makes his next start or not, but you will want to be prepared with another option just in case.
Kevin Correia – Pittsburgh Pirates – Jenifer Langosch and Laura Myers of mlb.com (click here for the article) are reporting that, “Kevin Correia is joining Maholm on the DL due to a left oblique strain.” There is no word as to who may replace him in the rotation. Correia has been struggling of late, allowing 4 ER or more in eight of his past 14 outings. One June 1 his ERA was 3.40, but now it is 4.79. Fantasy owners shouldn’t have a problem replacing him.
Travis Hafner – Cleveland Indians – Jordan Bastian of mlb.com (click here for the article) is reporting that, “Hafner sustained a strain in his right foot. He avoided the DL with a similar issue earlier this season but was not be able to this time.” Stash him on your bench and wait for him to be able to return.
B.J. Upton – Tampa Bay Rays – According to Marc Topkin (via Twitter), “Upton left with a right shoulder strain and is ‘day to day’ according to team”. Fantasy owners will need to shift him to their bench and monitor the pregame lineup for the time being. Sam Fuld would likely be the beneficiary of extra playing time should Upton find himself on the bench, so those in AL-only formats in need of a bat should consider taking the flier.
Steven Pearce – Pittsburgh Pirates – Jennifer Langosch (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Steve Pearce was removed from the first game this evening with an injury to the pointer finger on his right hand.” Barring further news simply consider him day-to-day.
Placido Polanco – Philadelphia Phillies – He came off the DL and was inserted into the second spot in the order. He went 2-4 with 1 R, though it will be interesting to see how the Phillies work their lineup when everyone is healthy. Without speed or power, Polanco should be considered a low-end option while hitting #2.
Zach Britton – Baltimore Orioles – While he allowed just 1 ER to the Twins in his first start off the DL, he did allow 6 H and 4 BB while striking out 4 over 5.0 IP. Pitching in the AL East, I wouldn’t consider him a very good option for the remainder of the year.
Michael Cuddyer – Minnesota Twins – He had been out of the lineup since August 10, but finally returned last night to go 2-3 while hitting cleanup. He had missed the time due to a neck injury, so I wouldn’t necessarily consider him completely out of the woods, but it should be safe to activate him in all formats.
Jose Constanza – Atlanta Braves – David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal Constitution (via Twitter) is reporting that, “Constanza has slight right ankle sprain”. He’s not an every day player (though it has been most days of late), but if you are in an NL-only format consider him day-to-day for the time being.
