Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Gregorius Questionable Rest of Year

The final week of the MLB season is upon us. I'd like to wish the best of luck to teams still fighting for a championship. I hope the injury advice I've dished out this season made some sort of impact on your quest for glory. The final seven days of the year can be difficult to navigate but let's take one more look at injuries impacting 2018.

Didi Gregorius
The Yankees shortstop will likely miss the remainder of the regular season and could be lost for the postseason after suffering a wrist injury over the weekend. Gregorius sustained what is being called a small cartilage tear in his right wrist while performing a headfirst slide. He has received a cortisone injection in the area and will be re-evaluated over the next few days.

The wrist comprises the distal ends of the radius and ulna, and the eight, tiny carpal bones. The specific area injured remains a bit vague, though the term "cartilage tear" suggests Gregorius injured the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). The TFCC is located on the pinky side of the wrist and is designed to support the radius and ulna during gripping and forearm rotation. When the TFCC is torn, the affected individual often reports pain, swelling and a decrease in grip strength. TFCC tears are often treated conservatively with a splint or cast and anti-inflammatory medication. Surgery can be an option if the injury fails to heal appropriately.

The cortisone injection Gregorius received will hopefully address the swelling in the area, though pain and instability is likely to linger as the injury heals. As a result, Gregorius is likely to see a decrease in productivity, even if he is able to play through the injury. Downgrade the shortstop in all formats and consider benching or dropping him in one-year leagues.

Check Swings

Jose Abreu: An infection in his right thigh sent Abreu to the hospital and kept him out of the lineup for six straight outings. The White Sox have hinted Abreu could be done for the year, putting the bow on a disappointing conclusion to what otherwise has been a solid season. The 31-year old will likely end the season appearing in just six games over the final month and a half of the season. Both the infection and his testicle injury should not have any sort of carryover effect into the 2019 season.

Xander Bogaerts and Mookie Betts: The Red Sox removed Bogaerts from Sunday's loss to the Indians after he reported shoulder soreness following an awkward swing. Fortunately, the soreness dissipated after he reported to the locker room, and all stability tests performed by the medical staff were negative. He remains day-to-day, but fantasy owners should anticipate Bogaerts receiving a game or two off for rest over the final week.

Betts should be handled in similar fashion, as the team carefully manages his side injury. Betts received three days off over the last week as Boston shifts their focus to the postseason. The MVP candidate has remained productive when he does suit up so keep him in your lineup despite the limited appearances.

Kris Bryant: The Cubs third baseman did not play Sunday due to left shoulder fatigue. The former National League MVP has missed extended periods of time throughout the season with similar issues, an ominous sign for the Cubs. The team hopes a brief respite from playing will allow Bryant to return to action, though the pressure to clinch a postseason berth may force the issue. Keep a close eye on his availability to start the week to better determine the severity of this recent flare up.

Aaron Hicks: The Yankees anticipate Hicks playing in Monday's game against the Rays after he was limited to pinch hitting duties on Sunday. Hicks fouled a ball off his ankle on Saturday and was diagnosed with an ankle contusion after X-rays failed to uncover a fracture. Keep him in your lineup.

Charlie Morton: Despite an early exit in his most recent start, Morton is expected to take the mound over the weekend during the team's series with the Orioles. The right-hander lasted just one inning on Sunday before leaving with discomfort in his throwing shoulder. This marks the second time the problem has surfaced after Morton missed one start in August during a brief stint on the DL. The matchup is enticing but there's no guarantee on the number of innings Morton will be allowed to throw.

Joe Musgrove: The 25-year-old right-hander is done for the year after being diagnosed with a stress reaction in his pubic bone and a strain in his abdominal wall. The injury sounds a lot like athletic pubalgia, better known as a sports hernia. If this is the case, don't be surprised if Musgrove requires offseason surgery to address the problem. Fortunately, the success rate for surgery is high, and Musgrove would be fine by the start of spring training. He should enter the 2019 season as a pitcher on the rise.

James Paxton: Despite Seattle's fade from playoff contention, Paxton plans on returning to the mound Monday. The Mariners ace has not pitched since September 7 after coming down with pneumonia and a viral infection. He was able to complete an extended bullpen session Friday and received clearance from the medical team shortly thereafter. He should be a valuable two-start play to end the year.

George Springer: The Astros outfielder aggravated his lingering thumb sprain over the weekend and did not play on Sunday. Thumb sprains can drastically impact grip strength and limit productivity at the plate. As a result, Springer will be a precarious play down the stretch, especially with Houston already locked into a playoff berth.

Trevor Story: The Rockies playoff hopes could hinge on Story's availability. The hard-hitting shortstop hasn't appeared in five straight games after suffering an undisclosed elbow injury. Reports suggest the injury is not serious, but fantasy owners (and Rockies fans) would like to see the All Star back in action quickly. He seems likely to play on Monday against the Phillies, but look for this to be a gametime decision.