The calendar has shifted to September, meaning MLB active rosters will expand from 26 players to 28. The expansion allows teams to better navigate injuries when they occur and can also influence how a team utilizes the injured list. Unfortunately, this move isn't always fantasy friendly, as players with minor injuries may miss time while avoiding the IL, handcuffing fantasy managers in need of healthy bodies in the process. Make sure you leave yourself a degree of roster flexibility to better handle these situations as they occur.
The Royals shortstop missed both of Kansas City's games over the weekend after making an early exit on Friday. The reason for his departure and absence is back spasms, an issue that is more of a symptom than a diagnosis and can be difficult to navigate.
A spasm is involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles that is often sudden and elicits pain. Spasms are often the result of an underlying soft tissue problem like a strain or fatigue but can be caused by other things like impingement or dehydration. A spasm can be isolated or be part of a bigger chain of events known as the pain-spasm cycle. In this sequence, pain causes spasms that in turn lead to tension in the musculature. An increase in tension results in more spasms, and the cycle continues until the root of the problem is pinpointed and addressed. Some forms of treatment may reduce the spasms and the associated pain, but the cycle
The calendar has shifted to September, meaning MLB active rosters will expand from 26 players to 28. The expansion allows teams to better navigate injuries when they occur and can also influence how a team utilizes the injured list. Unfortunately, this move isn't always fantasy friendly, as players with minor injuries may miss time while avoiding the IL, handcuffing fantasy managers in need of healthy bodies in the process. Make sure you leave yourself a degree of roster flexibility to better handle these situations as they occur.
The Royals shortstop missed both of Kansas City's games over the weekend after making an early exit on Friday. The reason for his departure and absence is back spasms, an issue that is more of a symptom than a diagnosis and can be difficult to navigate.
A spasm is involuntary contraction of a muscle or muscles that is often sudden and elicits pain. Spasms are often the result of an underlying soft tissue problem like a strain or fatigue but can be caused by other things like impingement or dehydration. A spasm can be isolated or be part of a bigger chain of events known as the pain-spasm cycle. In this sequence, pain causes spasms that in turn lead to tension in the musculature. An increase in tension results in more spasms, and the cycle continues until the root of the problem is pinpointed and addressed. Some forms of treatment may reduce the spasms and the associated pain, but the cycle can be easily restarted if the underlying issue remains untreated.
The Royals medical staff sent Witt for a MRI that did not uncover anything severe, suggesting his issue is likely a mild soft tissue problem. Hopefully with extended rest and treatment Witt can break the pain-spasm cycle and return to play. However, his risk of reinjury or aggravation will be elevated for the foreseeable future. Consider him day-to-day for now and hope he can return to action quickly.
Another All-Star shortstop suffered a soft tissue injury over the weekend as Turner strained his right hamstring Sunday. He was scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, though an IL designation seems all but guaranteed. Just how long he will be out will be dictated by how severe the strain actually is. A low-grade (Grade 1) or mild strain would likely cost him the remainder of the regular season but would keep the door open for a possible return for the postseason. Anything higher than that would carry a six- to eight-week recovery window and likely end his season. Remember, Turner missed six weeks of the 2024 season with a strained hamstring on the opposite leg. Wait for the MRI results before you send him to the waiver wire, but those invested in Turner should begin making plans as if they will be without his services for the remainder of the year. Edmundo Sosa will fill in at shortstop for the Phillies.
Check Swings
Kyle Tucker: Just when it appeared Tucker was emerging from an extended slump, the Cubs outfielder suffered a calf injury that has sidelined him for four straight games with a fifth absence likely coming Monday. The Cubs are calling the issue left calf tightness, though this is similar to the situation with Witt. Tightness is a symptom not an injury diagnosis, and a low-grade strain is the most likely culprit. While the team considers him day-to-day for now, an IL stint becomes increasing likely with each additional missed game. With the Cubs currently holding the first NL Wild Card spot, look for the team to handle Tucker's health conservatively in hopes of having him ready for the postseason.
Pete Crow-Armstrong: Tucker's calf injury is further complicated by Crow-Armstrong's absence. The breakout infielder was removed from Saturday's game after fouling a ball of his knee. He did not play Sunday but hopes to return Monday against the Braves. Knee contusions can be painful and slow to improve, as the biomechanics of the joint can slow the healing process. Fortunately, the Cubs appear cautiously optimistic about his possible availability, and he should be able to avoid the IL. With Tucker still sidelined, Seiya Suzuki could see additional time in the outfield, with Willi Castro and Kevin Alcantara also available.
Samuel Basallo: The Orioles rookie catcher recorded his first big league moment Friday when he crushed a walk-off home run off Tanner Scott. Unfortunately, Basallo was unable to build on the excitement, leaving Saturday's game with a right hand injury caused by a foul tip. X-rays on the area were negative, but he did not play Sunday. Baltimore has a scheduled day off Monday, which will give him extra time to recuperate from what is hopefully a mild problem. However, it is worth mentioning that initial X-rays occasionally can serve as a false negative based on the size and location of a break. Basallo should be fine, but Baltimore can ill-afford another major catcher injury, with Adley Rutschman still sidelined with an oblique injury. Alex Jackson will start behind the plate if Basallo remains limited.
Corey Seager: Seager confirmed his appendectomy was performed laparoscopically and that his inflamed appendix did not rupture. While both these facts bode well for a quicker recovery, Texas has not provided a firm timetable on a possible return. Seager told reporters he wouldn't be back as quick as Matt Holliday, who managed to return nine days after his procedure. That means a return in the early portion of the week remains unlikely, and Seager can't be counted on for the immediate future.
Will Smith: The Dodgers catcher is nursing a bone bruise in his right hand that the Dodgers fear will linger for the remainder of the season. While he has not appeared in Los Angeles' last four games, he isn't expected to land on the IL. Instead, the team will monitor his pain level and the associated swelling in the area to determine if and when he can return to the lineup. He was reportedly available off the bench Sunday, but his services were never needed in the Dodgers' 5-2 win over the Orioles. Given the demands of Smith's position and a possible limitation while he's at bat, those invested here would be wise to scale back their expectations.
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