The reigning American League MVP has struggled to stay healthy this season. After missing nearly 100 days with a fractured first rib, Judge is back on the injured list after straining his right calf. The 10-day designation effectively ends his fantasy campaign though he would be eligible to play in the regular season finale if he misses the minimum. Unfortunately, the area of the calf injured makes this is a highly unlikely scenario.
The calf is not actually an isolated muscle, but a dynamic complex comprised of multiple muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus. These two muscles share a common tendon, the Achilles, and work synergistically to point the toes in a direction known as plantar flexion. Together the pair spans across the knee and ankle, allowing for the calf to also play a role in knee motion. The soleus, which sits beneath the meatier gastrocnemius, also plays a role in postural stabilization by securing the tibia and preventing forward sway.
Most calf strains involve the gastrocnemius but on occasion the smaller soleus can be injured. A strain here can disrupt the normal biomechanics of the leg and increase the chances of an injury somewhere else along the kinetic chain. While the severity of the strain has not been revealed, Judge did state his injury is a soleus strain. It's hard to pin down a likely return to play timeline as most soleus strains are simply listed as calf strains. However, nondescript calf strains in the MLB come
The reigning American League MVP has struggled to stay healthy this season. After missing nearly 100 days with a fractured first rib, Judge is back on the injured list after straining his right calf. The 10-day designation effectively ends his fantasy campaign though he would be eligible to play in the regular season finale if he misses the minimum. Unfortunately, the area of the calf injured makes this is a highly unlikely scenario.
The calf is not actually an isolated muscle, but a dynamic complex comprised of multiple muscles, including the gastrocnemius and soleus. These two muscles share a common tendon, the Achilles, and work synergistically to point the toes in a direction known as plantar flexion. Together the pair spans across the knee and ankle, allowing for the calf to also play a role in knee motion. The soleus, which sits beneath the meatier gastrocnemius, also plays a role in postural stabilization by securing the tibia and preventing forward sway.
Most calf strains involve the gastrocnemius but on occasion the smaller soleus can be injured. A strain here can disrupt the normal biomechanics of the leg and increase the chances of an injury somewhere else along the kinetic chain. While the severity of the strain has not been revealed, Judge did state his injury is a soleus strain. It's hard to pin down a likely return to play timeline as most soleus strains are simply listed as calf strains. However, nondescript calf strains in the MLB come with an average time lost of roughly three weeks, meaning Judge will most likely target a postseason return and even that is not guaranteed. Those in yearly leagues can send Judge to the waiver wire for the final week of the regular season.
While one MVP heads to the IL, another appears close to returning. Ohtani is likely to be activated during the Dodgers' upcoming series against the Padres. The slugger, out with biceps and knee injuries, has resumed running the bases and logged simulated at-bats over the weekend. Most of Ohtani's issues appear to be chronic, so it's no surprise to see him improve with extended rest and treatment. However, the chance of both ailments resurfacing will linger into the offseason when it is likely he undergoes more extensive treatment options. Ohtani's upside it too high to leave him on the bench so those invested here should cross their fingers that he can conjure some last week magic to reward their patience.
Check Swings
Alex Bregman: The Cubs third baseman was struck on the left side of his face by a foul ball while standing in the on-deck circle. Manager Craig Counsell confirmed the ball struck Bregman in his left cheekbone and resulted in a bloody nose, abrasions, and significant bruising. Bregman was taken to the hospital for x-rays and a CT scan, two types of imaging performed to evaluate bone-related injuries. Bregman shared a photo on social media that showed he is dealing with noticeable swelling and bruising around his eye. The cheekbone is formed by the zygomatic bone and can be broken following a direct impact. One of the chief concerns with facial fractures is the integrity of the eye but it appears Bregman avoided a serious injury there. He will need time to let the swelling subside and will need to pace a concussion screening before he will be permitted to return. As result, fantasy managers rostering Bregman should anticpate him missing time.
Chase Burns: The rookie right-hander was placed on the 15-day IL Sunday with a right groin strain. He has battled the injury throughout the year but still managed a successful rookie campaign in which he finishes 15-3 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.17 WHIP in 154.1 innings. The designation will let him get a jump start on the offseason but should not alter his normal routine. Look for him to build on his success in 2027.
Dylan Cease: The Blue Jays right-hander is dealing with fatigue in his throwing shoulder and won't make his next scheduled start Wednesday against the Orioles. The AL leader in strikeouts has reportedly been dealing with the issue for a few weeks now, but the team only opted to give him rest after he struggled in his last start. In a 7-1 loss to the Rangers, Cease allowed four runs (three unearned) on three hits while issuing a season-high six walks in just 2 2/3 innings. He has undergone imaging on the area and has not been ruled out for the year yet but that could change if Toronto is unable to make up ground in the wild card race. Consider Cease questionable at best for the week ahead.
Jazz Chisholm: The Yankees will at least get one player back before the end of the regular season as it is believed Chisholm will return as early as Tuesday. Chisholm suffered a sprained thumb during a headfirst slide on September 8 but will return with a chance to log some at-bats before the playoffs. Thumb injuries can have a negative impact on grip strength and can alter a player's performance at the plate. Plug him back into your lineup but don't expect him to automatically pick up where he left off.
Pete Fairbanks: The Marlins relief pitcher is done for the season after it was determined he will need surgery to address the recurring nerve issue in his right hand. Fairbanks was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS), a condition in which the bundle of nerves that exit the neck and extend down the arm becomes impinged. Surgery will remove whatever is causing the pinching and hope that addresses all issues "down river" from the area. The procedure will limit his offseason routine and could easily spill over into the 2027 campaign. Look for specifics to trickle out after surgery is performed.
Andres Munoz: The Mariners closer will undergo an MRI Monday after he "tweaked" his knee during the ninth inning of Sunday's win over the Rockies. Munoz's trail leg whipped around his body after an awkward delivery, and he was removed from the contest. The knee has been an ongoing problem for Munoz, and the imaging will determine the exact nature of the injury. Regardless of the final diagnosis, it is realistic to assume we have seen the last of Munoz this season.
Shane McClanahan: McClanhan is another player rendered unusable for fantasy purposes as the Rays are focusing on getting him back for the postseason. He has not pitched since early September due to left forearm tightness. He is seemingly making progress in his recovery but manager Kevin Cash confirmed he will not return for the regular season.
