This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis
Two of the biggest names in the Cleveland lineup have been sidelined by shoulder problems and the Indians remain vague about the details. The problems started in early August when Kipnis reported soreness in his right shoulder. He was ultimately diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and placed on the disabled list. The All-Star second baseman's biggest issue was throwing, but he reportedly has resumed the activity without any problems. As a result, Kipnis is expected to rejoin the team Tuesday.
Brantley could rejoin the lineup after taking the weekend off to rest his sore left shoulder. He underwent a MRI that the Indians described as "good" but the issue still required a cortisone injection. He is not expected to be placed on the DL. Like Kipnis, a specific diagnosis was not provided for Brantley's injury. We do know that both players were managing inflammation but that could be the result of countless underlying problems. Unfortunately, that means determining how each of their shoulders will respond over the next few days and weeks becomes nearly impossible. Instead, fantasy owners simply have to have confidence that the pair of All-Stars will return as close to 100 percent as possible. Downgrade the duo for the immediate future but continue to roster them.
Howie Kendrick
The Dodgers second baseman is expected to miss significant time with a left hamstring strain. A MRI revealed the severity of the injury to be somewhere between a Grade 1 (micro-tearing) and Grade 2 (actual
Michael Brantley and Jason Kipnis
Two of the biggest names in the Cleveland lineup have been sidelined by shoulder problems and the Indians remain vague about the details. The problems started in early August when Kipnis reported soreness in his right shoulder. He was ultimately diagnosed with shoulder inflammation and placed on the disabled list. The All-Star second baseman's biggest issue was throwing, but he reportedly has resumed the activity without any problems. As a result, Kipnis is expected to rejoin the team Tuesday.
Brantley could rejoin the lineup after taking the weekend off to rest his sore left shoulder. He underwent a MRI that the Indians described as "good" but the issue still required a cortisone injection. He is not expected to be placed on the DL. Like Kipnis, a specific diagnosis was not provided for Brantley's injury. We do know that both players were managing inflammation but that could be the result of countless underlying problems. Unfortunately, that means determining how each of their shoulders will respond over the next few days and weeks becomes nearly impossible. Instead, fantasy owners simply have to have confidence that the pair of All-Stars will return as close to 100 percent as possible. Downgrade the duo for the immediate future but continue to roster them.
Howie Kendrick
The Dodgers second baseman is expected to miss significant time with a left hamstring strain. A MRI revealed the severity of the injury to be somewhere between a Grade 1 (micro-tearing) and Grade 2 (actual tearing of muscle fibers) strain. Kendrick has already undergone a round of PRP injections to aid in the recovery process but these types of treatment don't guarantee a reduction in time missed. A return in mid-September appears to be the best-case scenario and Kendrick could require additional time to return to full speed. Enrique Hernandez has played well in Kendrick's absence, batting .407 and hitting three home runs over the last eight games.
George Springer
The Astros are closely monitoring Springer's wrist but hope to increase his workload early this week. The 25-year-old has reportedly gotten much of his range of motion back and has moved onto strength training. He has resumed some light throwing and hopes to swing a bat in the coming days. The progression from range of motion to strengthening exercises to sport-specific drills is common practice for most injuries and it's encouraging to see Springer nearing the completion of the final phase. He will go out on a rehab assignment and remains on track to be back in late August or early September.
Check Swings
Freddie Freeman
The Braves first baseman has had it tough since mid-June, missing time with a wrist contusion and then a right oblique strain. Fortunately, he completed a rehab assignment with the Gulf Coast League Braves and appeared with Triple-A Gwinnett on Sunday. While he has appeared a bit rusty, the plan is to activate Freeman on Wednesday. Scale back your expectations for the next few weeks but there's hope that Freeman could still have value down the stretch.
Bryce Harper
The Nationals slugger was back in the lineup Sunday after fouling a pitch off his left leg. While X-rays were negative and he was able to play, Harper admitted the area was still painful. Injuries like this can be more annoying than anything but it is worth monitoring over the next few days. I wouldn't consider benching Harper in weekly formats and consider him day-to-day.
Hanley Ramirez
Ramirez's current situation is precisely why you should keep an eye on Harper. The Red Sox left fielder has not played since fouling a ball of his left foot on Aug. 7 and isn't expected to return Monday. Like Harper, X-rays did not reveal a break though the pain and soreness has lingered and limited his overall movement. He remains day-to-day, and while a DL stint remains a possibility, it seems odd to wait this long to make the move.
Cole Hamels
The 2008 World Series MVP hasn't been overly impressive since joining the Rangers, and soreness in his left groin forced the team to push back his third start. Fortunately, Hamels completed his normal routine over the weekend without a setback and is currently slated to return Monday against the Mariners. The move keeps him in line for two starts in the upcoming week and he should be employed as usual.
Yu Darvish
It's never too early to start thinking about next year. The right-hander is slated to meet with team physicians at some point this week to determine if he can begin his throwing program. Darvish underwent Tommy John surgery five months ago and has cleared every checkpoint thus far. He will not pitch this season but another good check up would keep him on track for a 2016 return.
Derek Holland
While Darvish won't be back this year, the Rangers' starting rotation could get a nice boost from the return of Holland. Out since his first start of the season with a strain of one of the rotator cuff muscles, Holland has completed four rehab starts and hopes to return to Texas on Wednesday. He threw 89 pitches in his final rehab stint, striking out eight and giving up two earned runs in five innings. The Rangers treated the situation conservatively, which should allow him to return with minimal inherent risk. He's worth a look in most formats though giving him a start or two to get reacquainted to the big leagues may be the best approach.
Giancarlo Stanton
The Marlins outfielder continues to progress through his rehab, though fantasy owners are understandably growing frustrated by its slow pace. Stanton has begun swinging a bat and hitting in a cage, but as of late last week he had yet to face live pitching. Stanton remains hopeful he can return this season but will still require a rehab assignment after clearing the remaining hurdles. You've waited this long so cutting him isn't advisable but the clock is officially ticking. Be on the lookout for a suitable replacement should Miami suddenly opt to shut him down for the season.
