This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The Cubs lefty is nearing a return from an oblique strain that has sidelined him for nearly a month. He has smoothly progressed in his recovery and is eyeing a rehab assignment in the week ahead. Hamels was in the middle of bounce-back season before the injury, sporting a 2.98 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 17 starts. A look into Hamels' past provides a bit of insight into just how effective he could be upon his return. In the 2017 season, Hamels missed two months with an oblique strain. He struggled in his first game back, giving up seven earned runs in four and one third innings pitched. However, he quickly returned to an elite level of play, dazzling in Texas' next three games. He surrendered just two earned runs over the next 22.0 innings with 17 strikeouts to two walks. There's no guarantee Hamels will be able to replicate those numbers, but fantasy owners may want to wait a start or two before completely placing their faith back in Hamels.
The Nationals ace is nearing a return from an injury initially believed to be a back injury. However, the injury was eventually diagnosed as shoulder bursitis. Bursa are fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body that serve to reduce friction in joints, particularly between bone and muscle. The shoulder is lined with multiple bursa and if inflamed can result in impingement of the rotator cuff tendons. However, Scherzer's issue was diagnosed as scapulothoracic bursitis, meaning his
The Cubs lefty is nearing a return from an oblique strain that has sidelined him for nearly a month. He has smoothly progressed in his recovery and is eyeing a rehab assignment in the week ahead. Hamels was in the middle of bounce-back season before the injury, sporting a 2.98 ERA and 1.20 WHIP in 17 starts. A look into Hamels' past provides a bit of insight into just how effective he could be upon his return. In the 2017 season, Hamels missed two months with an oblique strain. He struggled in his first game back, giving up seven earned runs in four and one third innings pitched. However, he quickly returned to an elite level of play, dazzling in Texas' next three games. He surrendered just two earned runs over the next 22.0 innings with 17 strikeouts to two walks. There's no guarantee Hamels will be able to replicate those numbers, but fantasy owners may want to wait a start or two before completely placing their faith back in Hamels.
The Nationals ace is nearing a return from an injury initially believed to be a back injury. However, the injury was eventually diagnosed as shoulder bursitis. Bursa are fluid-filled sacs located throughout the body that serve to reduce friction in joints, particularly between bone and muscle. The shoulder is lined with multiple bursa and if inflamed can result in impingement of the rotator cuff tendons. However, Scherzer's issue was diagnosed as scapulothoracic bursitis, meaning his area of concern is located under the shoulder blade. This would make sense given the initial diagnosis of a mid-back strain. Scherzer addressed the bursitis with an anti-inflammatory cortisone injection. The treatment appears to have worked as he threw a bullpen session on Saturday and reported no problems afterward. He will attempt to throw a more complete bullpen session on Monday with the anticipation of returning this week. If he can avoid any setbacks, Scherzer has an chance at starting as soon as Thursday at home against the Rockies. He's simply too good to consider waiting a start or two to see how he looks and should be activated in all formats.
The Mets right-hander has a chance to return in the weekend ahead. Wheeler hasn't pitched since July 7 when he surrendered six earned runs in five innings against the Phillies. He reported shoulder fatigue that was later referred to as impingement. An MRI failed to uncover any structural damage, and Wheeler has slowly progressed through his rehab protocol. He threw a bullpen session on Sunday, but a definitive decision regarding the next step has not yet been made. If his shoulder holds up and he emerges pain free, Wheeler will immediately return to the Mets rotation. If there is any lingering discomfort, Wheeler's return could be delayed and the team will have him face live batters at least one more time before activating him. This all sounds encouraging, but I'm concerned with Wheeler's long-term durability. He's missed time with shoulder and elbow problems, including a flexor strain, Tommy John surgery and biceps tendinitis at various points of his career. Impingement could easily effect these previous areas of concern, elevating his level of injury risk. Tread cautiously moving forward.
The Nationals veteran is likely headed to the injured list after irritating his right heel injury on Sunday. Zimmerman missed two months earlier this season with plantar fasciitis, and the current issue appears to be connected. Plantar fasciitis is a chronic injury that can be extremely painful and is easily irritated. Prolonged irritation on the inside of the foot can lead to the development of a heel spur at the attachment site of the plantar fascia. Even worse, the plantar fascia can tear, effecting the stability of the foot. A torn plantar fascia or a heel spur would likely be best addressed with surgical intervention. He's slated for an MRI on Monday, so look for more details to surface in the near future. However, it's best to assume Zimmerman is staring at a prolonged absence.
Check Swings
Byron Buxton: It sounds like Buxton has completed the league's mandated concussion protocol and could be activated as a soon as Monday. The Twins opted to give him another rest day Sunday despite the fact that he was able to take batting practice and complete all other baseball related activities. Plug him back in for the week ahead.
Willson Contreras: It appears Contreras' time on the IL for a strained muscle in his foot will be brief. He has improved significantly and could be activated Wednesday when first eligible. The club's trade for Martin Maldonado provides them with an insurance policy should Contreras struggle and should allow them to give him ample rest days if needed.
Corey Kluber: The two-time American League Cy Young Award winner has successfully thrown from the mound twice since fracturing his right forearm. He will toss another bullpen session Wednesday and could be in line for a return sometime in August. Fortunately, bone often heals nicely and is able to return to its original strength. If Kluber can adequately prepare his shoulder then he should be capable of returning to a high level of play.
Giancarlo Stanton: The Yankees slugger still has not resumed baseball activities as he recovers from a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) sprain. He remains without a definitive timeline and a return in August is becoming less likely. The knee ailment and a myriad of other injuries have made this a lost year for Stanton, and fantasy owners have no other option but to cross their fingers for some late-season magic.
Brandon Woodruff: The All-Star right-hander is already on the IL with a strained left oblique sustained Sunday. An MRI will determine the severity of the strain, but even a low-grade strain will require a multiweek absence. Like mentioned with Zimmerman, look for news regarding Woodruff's injury to trickle out in the coming days and provide better insight into how long he will be shelved.
