This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The surging Oakland A's will have to make do without Manaea for the immediate future after the left-hander hit the DL with shoulder impingement. Shoulder impingement is linked to the tiny space underneath the shoulder blade that acts like a tunnel for the tendons of the rotator cuff muscle group. Anatomical variance, muscle imbalances and bone spurs can all narrow the space, compressing the tendons. Subsequently, the tendons become inflamed, further limiting the space. The injured athlete is often left with limited motion and weakness in the shoulder. Overhead motion, like throwing a baseball, often increases the associated pain.
Manaea is set to complete a more detailed exam with team physicians after returning to the Bay Area, and an MRI seems likely. If the inflammation is mild, the team will likely limit his throwing over the next week to 10 days in hopes of calming down the tendons. If all goes well, the team will then progressively ramp up his workload before he returns to action. Unfortunately, the timing of the injury is a significant problem for fantasy owners with the playoffs here or on the horizon. It seems likely Manaea misses more than the allotted 10 days and any appropriate roster decision should be made accordingly.
Check Swings
Jose Abreu: The White Sox slugger is expected to miss at least two weeks after undergoing surgery to address a lower abdominal issue. Specifics regarding the nature of the procedure are vague, though it doesn't appear to be
The surging Oakland A's will have to make do without Manaea for the immediate future after the left-hander hit the DL with shoulder impingement. Shoulder impingement is linked to the tiny space underneath the shoulder blade that acts like a tunnel for the tendons of the rotator cuff muscle group. Anatomical variance, muscle imbalances and bone spurs can all narrow the space, compressing the tendons. Subsequently, the tendons become inflamed, further limiting the space. The injured athlete is often left with limited motion and weakness in the shoulder. Overhead motion, like throwing a baseball, often increases the associated pain.
Manaea is set to complete a more detailed exam with team physicians after returning to the Bay Area, and an MRI seems likely. If the inflammation is mild, the team will likely limit his throwing over the next week to 10 days in hopes of calming down the tendons. If all goes well, the team will then progressively ramp up his workload before he returns to action. Unfortunately, the timing of the injury is a significant problem for fantasy owners with the playoffs here or on the horizon. It seems likely Manaea misses more than the allotted 10 days and any appropriate roster decision should be made accordingly.
Check Swings
Jose Abreu: The White Sox slugger is expected to miss at least two weeks after undergoing surgery to address a lower abdominal issue. Specifics regarding the nature of the procedure are vague, though it doesn't appear to be serious. The team expects Abreu to return to action this season. Look for him to make a mid-September return, barring any unforeseen setback.
Kris Bryant: The former National League MVP is slated to begin a rehab assignment Monday as he works his way back from left shoulder inflammation. Bryant has hit every marker in his rehab protocol and is expected to play at least two games with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. If all goes as planned, look for Bryant to return some time midweek. The third baseman would be a welcome addition to fantasy rosters, even with his elevated level of risk.
Josh Donaldson: Donaldson has been a big fantasy bust so far this season, as injuries have limited his availability. However, he's making progress in his recovery from a moderate calf strain and is slated to begin a rehab assignment in the week ahead. Any sign that Donaldson is healthy and able to contribute would be a win for everyone and could attract a potential trade partner. A move off the Toronto turf could help keep Donaldson in the lineup and make him a solid fantasy addition for most rosters.
Joey Gallo: The Rangers hard-hitting slugger was back in the lineup Sunday after a brief absence due to a mild ankle sprain. He didn't start Saturday's game after rolling his ankle on Friday but was able to pinch hit. He moved well on the base path and started in left field the following day. Keep him in your lineups.
Didi Gregorius: The Yankees are so pleased with Gregorius' recent progress that they have already targeted a return date. New York expects Gregorius to be back in the lineup on September 3 when the team faces off against the A's. There was a sizeable concern that his bruised heel was much more severe, but the associated pain and discomfort has subside substantially. The Yankees may limit his activity on the base path, but it appears his absence will be shorter than anticipated. The same cannot be said for teammate Aaron Judge, who remains without a definitive timeline in his recovery from a fractured wrist.
Bryce Harper: The Nationals All-Star outfielder was a spectator Sunday after a lingering illness simply became too much. Harper told reporters he's been under the weather for most of last week, but things worsened over the weekend. The illness may help explain Harper's current 0-for-11 slump. Hopefully the day off will help Harper begin to feel better, but it would be wise to scale back your expectations for now.
James Paxton: The Mariners should have Paxton back on the mound by Friday, assuming his next bullpen session goes according to plan. Paxton has missed time with a forearm contusion on his pitching arm after being stuck by a comebacker. Fortunately, he avoided any serious damage and will throw his second bullpen session on Tuesday. Look for him to return sometime in the team's upcoming pivotal series with Oakland.
George Springer: The Astros will welcome Springer back into the mix on Monday against the Athletics. Springer missed five consecutive games last week due to tightness in his left quadriceps. He was able to make a pinch hitting appearance on Sunday and will now return to the lineup. Springer should be utilized as he normally would, though it wouldn't be surprising to see the Astros medical team provide him with a rest day or two over the next week.
Stephen Strasburg: Strasburg will not miss his next start despite diminished velocity in his first start since returning from the DL. The Nationals right-hander missed more than a month with a pinched nerve in his neck but struggled with his stamina upon his return. He felt fine after a bullpen session and insists he will be okay moving forward. However, he remains a risky play in all formats as Washington continues to closely monitor his sporadic health.
Joey Votto: The Reds first baseman has been slow to recover from a right lower leg contusion, the result of being hit by a pitch. The rogue pitch reportedly hit a nerve, limiting Votto's normal biomechanics. He previously reported problems while fielding and running, though he was able to complete those activities on Sunday. There's a chance he returns to action on Tuesday, but that's far from a guarantee. Those in weekly formats may be forced to wait another week before activating Votto.
