Some weeks you get lucky and the influx of new injuries is outweighed by the impending returns of players working their way back from their preexisting ailments. Last week saw the return of Aaron Judge, Max Muncy, Michael King and several other players who may play key roles in determining fantasy leagues. With minimal new ailments to break down, I'll spend most of this week's column looking at several other players nearing return.
The Braves outfielder has progressed to sprinting and stop-start running as he works his way back from a Grade 1 calf strain. These are key hurdles to clear as the calf is vital to explosive movement, especially with acceleration. Atlanta remains tight-lipped on if they will actually activate Acuna again this season. However, his current level of participation in rehab suggests they are leaning toward letting him play even though the team is buried in the standings. Fantasy managers invested in Acuna will be happy to utilize his talent again this season but should also prepare for him to have routine days off and an eventual shutdown. Acuna's teammate Austin Riley faces a similar situation as he works his way back from lingering abdominal strain.
Even during a slow week, the injury bug always manages to infest a few new names. Soroka's debut with the Cubs was short-lived, as the right-hander was removed after two innings of work. The reason for the early departure was initially ruled shoulder discomfort before further
Some weeks you get lucky and the influx of new injuries is outweighed by the impending returns of players working their way back from their preexisting ailments. Last week saw the return of Aaron Judge, Max Muncy, Michael King and several other players who may play key roles in determining fantasy leagues. With minimal new ailments to break down, I'll spend most of this week's column looking at several other players nearing return.
The Braves outfielder has progressed to sprinting and stop-start running as he works his way back from a Grade 1 calf strain. These are key hurdles to clear as the calf is vital to explosive movement, especially with acceleration. Atlanta remains tight-lipped on if they will actually activate Acuna again this season. However, his current level of participation in rehab suggests they are leaning toward letting him play even though the team is buried in the standings. Fantasy managers invested in Acuna will be happy to utilize his talent again this season but should also prepare for him to have routine days off and an eventual shutdown. Acuna's teammate Austin Riley faces a similar situation as he works his way back from lingering abdominal strain.
Even during a slow week, the injury bug always manages to infest a few new names. Soroka's debut with the Cubs was short-lived, as the right-hander was removed after two innings of work. The reason for the early departure was initially ruled shoulder discomfort before further testing revealed a strain. Unfortunately, the severity and the involved muscle were not disclosed, making it difficult to estimate a recovery timeline. The team did say he would be shut down for seven to 10 days before being reevaluated, opening the door for a possible update early this week. Hopefully that update will include a few more details for those waiting to see what moves to make regarding Soroka. The loss of Soroka could be eased by two pitchers potentially returning to the Cubs rotation. Javier Assad, who has been sidelined for the entire year with an oblique strain, has completed three rehab starts with Triple-A Iowa, while Jameson Taillon has made two starts there following his calf strain. The Cubs rotation remains fluid, but at least they are starting to get able bodies available to slot into those openings.
Check Swings
Byron Buxton: The Twins expect Buxton to rejoin the Minnesota lineup early this week during the team's upcoming series with the Yankees. Buxton has not played since suffering a left rib cartilage injury in late July. Rib cartilage injuries are painful but often heal adequately given enough time. He may need time to kick off any accumulated rust, but he should be utilized like normal upon his return.
Jackson Chourio: Chourio's strained right hamstring has responded well to treatment following a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, and the team is now hoping he is able to return in two to four weeks. An eventual return to running will be considered a major development in recovery and provide good insight as to where in that window Chourio's return is most likely to fall.
Colton Cowser: Cowser's injury-riddled season continues as he is currently on the 7-day concussion IL. He will need to complete the league's mandated return to play protocol before returning to the field. Cowser does not have a history of concussions, but a return when first eligible remains uncertain.
Luis Garcia: The Washington second baseman was a late scratch from Friday's lineup with what is being called lower back tightness. He has since missed two additional games despite an MRI failing to undercover a significant injury. He was seen fielding grounders over the weekend and should be considered day-to-day for now. Still, back injuries can be fickle in nature and a retroactive shift to the IL remains a possibility.
Hunter Greene: The Reds right-hander logged his fourth rehab start with Triple-A Louisville on Friday, striking out seven over 5.1 innings of work. He has steadily upped his workload in each of his four starts and is now expected to return Wednesday against the Phillies. Greene has been out with a right groin strain that also cost him two weeks in May. Scale back your expectations in his first start or two as he works his way back to top form. A return to play doesn't always mean a return to previous performance level.
Pablo Lopez: Lopez was expected to miss eight to 12 weeks following his right teres major strain. The timeline isn't uncommon for strains of the teres major, as the muscle is both a rotator and a stabilizer of the shoulder and plays an integral role in generating pitch velocity. Fortunately, Lopez has progressed smoothly through his throwing program and recently resumed throwing from a mound. The next phase in the process includes throwing live batting practice before a possible rehab assignment. While a return is not imminent, Lopez is at least trending toward a return on the earlier end of the estimated window.
Bryce Miller: The Seattle right-hander has successfully navigated two rehab starts with Triple-A Tacoma as he gradually builds up his workload. Miller has not pitched for the Mariners since June 6 due to elbow inflammation. He received a PRP injection shortly after the diagnosis and has steadily progressed through rehab. Miller is scheduled for a final rehab start Wednesday with the hope of returning to the big-league roster at some point next week.
Jacob Misiorowski: The Brewers remain the hottest team in baseball despite losing their record-setting All-Star rookie to a tibia contusion. Misiorowski was able to throw a simulated game over the weekend and has a real chance to return when first eligible. The team is monitoring his pitch count, but the injury may have provided an unintended break that will help extend his availability.
Landen Roupp: Roupp is yet another starter on a rehab assignment. The 26-year-old struck out four and allowed two earned runs over three innings Sunday with Triple-A Sacramento. Right elbow inflammation landed Roupp on the IL July 25, but the issue has resolved relatively quickly. He will likely need at least one more start with Triple-A before the Giants consider returning him to the mix.
Stay up to date on who is in and who is out with RotoWire's MLB Injury Report!
