Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Martinez to Begin Rehab Assignment

Jose Martinez

The Cardinals outfielder will begin a rehab assignment Monday and serve as the designated hitter for Double-A Memphis as he works his way back from a low-grade acromioclavicular (AC) sprain. The AC joint is the strut of the shoulder, and an injury here is often described as a separated shoulder. The area can be braced or wrapped when he returns, but it will be important to minimize the associated symptoms like swelling and inflammation. To understand the importance of this step in recovery, consider the current case of David Peralta. The Arizona outfielder was recently placed on the 10-day injured list for the third time this year due to persistent inflammation in his right AC joint. To combat this potential problem, the Cardinals will slowly build up Martinez' workload while he is on assignment and plan on welcoming him back to the big league club when rosters expand on September 1.

Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell

The Rays pitching rotation continues to be without two key members. Glasnow, working his way back from a right forearm strain, threw his second bullpen session last Wednesday and plans to throw a live batting practice session Tuesday. A mid-September return seems likely with Glasnow expected to assume a relief role upon returning.

Snell, out since undergoing an elbow debridement for a bone spur, has begun throwing off of flat ground but has yet to throw a true bullpen session or face live batters. The reigning Cy Young winner remains without a definitive timeline but has maintained he will return sometime in September. The success of Tampa Bay between now and then could influence Snell's recovery. The team currently owns the second AL wild card spot by a slim margin over the Athletics. Should the Rays fall out of contention, they could opt to shut down Snell and focus on the 2020 season. Keep a close eye on Snell's progression and the team's place in the standings over the next few weeks.

Check Swings

Andrew Benintendi : The Red Sox outfielder was removed from Saturday's game with a left side injury and didn't play Sunday against the Padres. The team has a scheduled day off Monday, on which Benintendi will be evaluated further. This could be a multitude of injuries including an oblique or intercostal strain. Look for Monday's test to provide more insight, and consider him day-to-day for now.

Carlos Correa : In Houston, Correa is making progress in his treatment for lower back discomfort. The Astros shortstop has begun light agility work, and he's hoping to resume rotational-based movement in the next few days. The muscles of the lower back are a key component of these types of movements, and completing them without any setback or lingering pain would be a major step forward in recovery. He should be activated before the conclusion of the regular season, but expect the Astros to handle his return conservatively as they focus on a deep postseason run. As a result, expect frequent days off upon his return.

Mitch Haniger : The Mariners outfielder continues to work his way back from a ruptured testicle suffered in early June. The injury required surgery, and a setback in his recovery delayed his return. Now, a second holdup has occurred as Haniger is now managing lower back pain. The pain is apparently linked to an imbalance that occurred in the early stages of his recovery from surgery. He remains without a timetable and simply cannot be counted for the remainder of the year.

Adalberto Mondesi : Mondesi played the entire game for Triple-A Omaha on Sunday as he ramps up his rehab assignment. He's struggled a bit in his time with the Storm Chasers, going 3-for-17 at the plate with just one run and no RBIs. He has managed to steal two bases as he works his way back from a left shoulder subluxation. The injury clearly hasn't affected his wheels, but it could be a little while before he's comfortable swinging a bat. Be patient with him when he does return, which could be as early as this week.

David Price : It sounded like Price had an outside shot at starting on Sunday against San Diego. However, the Red Sox left-hander will now throw a simulated game on Tuesday before the team decides the next step in his recovery. Price has missed the last three weeks due to a unique cyst on his wrist. I previously detailed the specifics regarding the injury when it initially occurred and warned of several potential complications. However, it appears as though Price's recovery has gone smoothly and he will continue to target a return in the new future.

Jose Ramirez : The Indians third baseman becomes the latest MLB player to fall victim to a fractured hamate. Ramirez broke the tiny bone in his wrist Saturday while fouling off a pitch. As previously discussed after Texas slugger Joey Gallo suffered the injury, the hamate is vulnerable to injury due to its positioning near the knob of the bat. Ramirez is slated for surgery on Monday and is looking at a multiweek absence. For comparison sake, Gallo underwent surgery on July 25 and only recently began swinging a bat.

Aaron Sanchez : The Astros acquired Sanchez at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen, but circumstances forced him into the rotation. However another hole in the rotation has opened up after Sanchez reported lingering discomfort in one of his pectoral muscles. While most people associate the pecs with the chest, the injury should be classified as a shoulder ailment. The pec fans across the chest and anchors to the head of the humerus, just below the glenohumeral joint. This positioning allows it to pull the shoulder inward toward the midline of the body. Sanchez has yet to resume throwing and isn't expected back any time soon. Framber Valdez took Sanchez spot in the rotation and looked solid Sunday, striking out eight while surrendering just two hits and a run in six innings of work.

Dansby Swanson : It appears the Braves young infielder has finally moved past his foot injury and could be activated as soon as Monday. He has not played in a month due to a contusion in his heel. The heel itself is a bone known as the calcaneus, which is surrounded by a thick layer of skin and a pad of fatty tissue. The fat pad helps protect the heel from the vigorous stress associated with weight bearing, running and jumping. Despite the extra padding, the area can still become contused and is often slow to heal. Swanson could be a nice late-season boost if he's available on the waiver wire, but keep in mind these types of injuries can be easily irritated.