The last two weeks have been unkind to some of the MLB's top talent with Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuna and several others hitting the injured list with injuries. The absence of a player of this magnitude, even for just 10 to 15 days, can have serious ramifications in all fantasy formats. Hopefully, the injuries for these and other are relatively mild and managers can weather the storm to remain relevant in their respective leagues.
Acuna has been wildly productive coming off last season's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. He's hit 14 home runs in 55 games played while chipping in 48 runs, 26 RBI and a .306 average. Unfortunately, a new injury has derailed him from the comeback trail. Acuna suffered a Grade 1 lower calf strain while manning the outfield. Based on the word "lower" and the initial diagnosis of Achilles inflammation, the strain is likely near the tendon. As a result, extra caution is needed in recovery to ensure the integrity of the Achilles and a return after 10 days is unlikely. Instead, this is likely a multiweek absence that could be closer to month if Atlanta opts to handle his recovery conservatively. The team currently sits 18 games below .500 and 13.5 games back from a Wild Card spot, meaning they are even more likely to factor in Acuna's long-term health and handle his recovery with extra restraint. Eli White will see extra playing time with Jarred Kelenic joining the active roster as well.
The last two weeks have been unkind to some of the MLB's top talent with Aaron Judge, Ronald Acuna and several others hitting the injured list with injuries. The absence of a player of this magnitude, even for just 10 to 15 days, can have serious ramifications in all fantasy formats. Hopefully, the injuries for these and other are relatively mild and managers can weather the storm to remain relevant in their respective leagues.
Acuna has been wildly productive coming off last season's anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. He's hit 14 home runs in 55 games played while chipping in 48 runs, 26 RBI and a .306 average. Unfortunately, a new injury has derailed him from the comeback trail. Acuna suffered a Grade 1 lower calf strain while manning the outfield. Based on the word "lower" and the initial diagnosis of Achilles inflammation, the strain is likely near the tendon. As a result, extra caution is needed in recovery to ensure the integrity of the Achilles and a return after 10 days is unlikely. Instead, this is likely a multiweek absence that could be closer to month if Atlanta opts to handle his recovery conservatively. The team currently sits 18 games below .500 and 13.5 games back from a Wild Card spot, meaning they are even more likely to factor in Acuna's long-term health and handle his recovery with extra restraint. Eli White will see extra playing time with Jarred Kelenic joining the active roster as well.
Jackson Chourio and Jacob Misiorowski
The red-hot Brewers will have to sustain their recent momentum despite losing Chourio for what it appears to be a substantial amount of time. The outfielder suffered a right hamstring strain and has received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection after it was determined the injury was "a little more severe" than initially thought.
To create a PRP injection, a sample of the injured athlete's blood is taken and broken down to a protein-concentrated mixture. The PRP mixture contains a high concentration of platelets, the primary clotting component of blood. The mixture is then reinjected at the injury site in hopes of improving the efficiency of the body's natural healing response and shortening recovery time in the process.
However, the hamstring muscle group remains easily aggravated and, even though studies have shown PRP may lower than chances of a recurrence, time remains essential to a complete recovery. Milwaukee did not provide a definitive timeline for Chouiro's expected absence, but it wouldn't be surprising to see him sit out through August.
The Brewers pitching staff also took a hit, literally, when their rookie right-hander suffered a left tibia contusion after Misiorowski was struck by a comebacker off the bat of Seiya Suzuki. The diagnosis of a left tibia contusion is simply a fancy way of saying a bone contusion to his left shin and Milwaukee is optimistic he will be back when first eligible. This appears to be a case of the Brewers handling their prized rookie cautiously, but bone contusion can be painful and slow to heal. If Misiorowski can maintain some type of throwing program during his IL stint, a return by mid-August is plausible. Any limitation or delayed return to throwing could prolong his absence so that he can build his arm back up.
Check Swings
Tommy Edman: A recurring ankle injury will likely force Edman back to the IL. The Dodgers veteran tweaked his recently sprained right ankle Sunday while running the bases. Rather than letting him play through it, Los Angeles will send him to the IL to allow the joint to adequately heal. Edman's absence will be offset by the return of Max Muncy who is wrapping up a rehab assignment for a bone bruise in his knee.
Hunter Greene: The Reds right-hander has steadily upped his workload and improved his performance over three minor league rehab appearances. His most recent start came Sunday with Triple-A Louisville as he pitched 3.1 innings, striking out seven and not allowing an earned run. His pitch count remains in the sixties, and the team will likely have him complete one more rehab start before considering an activation. Greene has not pitched since June 3 after suffering a right groin strain but is nearing a return. He did report some mild soreness following his second appearance but clearly moved past the issue quickly. Greene's return will be a big boost for team looking to improve their pitching in time for the fantasy playoffs.
Aaron Judge: The Yankees received a positive update on Judge's status over the weekend. The slugger, sidelined with an elbow strain, was able to take part in live batting practice on Sunday and reportedly looked sharp. If he can avoid any sort of setback, an activation this week is likely. Look for him to log more at-bats on Monday with an eye toward a return on Tuesday against the Rangers. He will likely return in a designated hitter role to minimize the stress placed on and through the elbow.
Austin Riley: If Acuna's injury wasn't enough, Riley appears to have aggravated the abdominal injury that forced him to the IL in mid-July. He was removed from Sunday's contest with what was described as lower abdominal pain after making a diving play to tag Cincinnati's Elly De La Cruz. He should be considered day-to-day for now but expect the Braves to take their time evaluating the injury considering his recent history.
Jacob Wilson: Wilson's bruised hand was downgraded to a fractured left forearm and the Athletics' shortstop is now expected to miss substantial time. Manager Mark Kotsay was noncommittal with specifics but did say he expects Wilson back before the end of the season. The situation is reminiscent of Yordan Alvarez' injury early in this season, though Wilson's injury is likely closer to his wrist. Look for him to miss at least a few more weeks with the issue. Darell Hernaiz looks to be the primary candidate to see regular time at shortstop with Max Schuemann also getting reps.
Stay up to date on who is in and who is out with RotoWire's MLB Injury Report!
