This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
The fantasy playoffs are upon us. Hopefully you have been able to navigate what has been an injury-plagued season, and title hopes are still alive. Injury management over the next few weeks becomes even more important as even a two- to three-day absence can decide a matchup. If a player looks like he will miss an extended amount of time, those in nonkeeper formats should not hesitate to move on from the injured athlete.
The Dodgers outfielder suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain over the weekend and is expected to miss at least two weeks recovering. A Grade 2 designation means the muscle tissue suffered considerable damage. Remember, a Grade 2 strain is often referred to as a partial tear. Pollock's injury history doesn't set an encouraging precedent for a quick recovery either. The veteran missed 18 games earlier this season with a Grade 1 hamstring strain on the opposite leg. Given his latest injury is considered more serious, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pollock miss the remainder of the regular season. Even if he does receive clearance, look for Los Angeles to carefully manage his playing time to ensure his availability in the postseason. Chris Taylor will take over in the outfield with the struggling Cody Bellinger also filling in the gap.
The Rockies pitcher will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his lower back. The injury is located in the lumbar region of his spine. The lumber spine
The fantasy playoffs are upon us. Hopefully you have been able to navigate what has been an injury-plagued season, and title hopes are still alive. Injury management over the next few weeks becomes even more important as even a two- to three-day absence can decide a matchup. If a player looks like he will miss an extended amount of time, those in nonkeeper formats should not hesitate to move on from the injured athlete.
The Dodgers outfielder suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain over the weekend and is expected to miss at least two weeks recovering. A Grade 2 designation means the muscle tissue suffered considerable damage. Remember, a Grade 2 strain is often referred to as a partial tear. Pollock's injury history doesn't set an encouraging precedent for a quick recovery either. The veteran missed 18 games earlier this season with a Grade 1 hamstring strain on the opposite leg. Given his latest injury is considered more serious, it wouldn't be surprising to see Pollock miss the remainder of the regular season. Even if he does receive clearance, look for Los Angeles to carefully manage his playing time to ensure his availability in the postseason. Chris Taylor will take over in the outfield with the struggling Cody Bellinger also filling in the gap.
The Rockies pitcher will miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his lower back. The injury is located in the lumbar region of his spine. The lumber spine comprises five large vertebrae. These spinal segments are the largest in size and help with mobility while also bearing the majority of the body's weight. Unfortunately, the high amounts of stress placed on and through the lumbar vertebrae leave them susceptible to injury.
Gomber's injury is known as a spondylolysis or pars defect. The diagnosis reveals the location of the stress injury is in the par interarticualris, a segment of the bone that joins small articulations located between the vertebrae. Fortunately, it does not appear the injury has displaced, and prolonged rest should help the area heal. The Colorado medical team will likely evaluate Gomber's movement patterns to determine if some fault in his biomechanics led to the development of the injury. Addressing an underlying issue should minimize any chances of a recurrence and allow Gomber to return at full strength once the bone heals.
Carlos Rodon and Lucas Giolito
Rodon was impressive in his most recent start, surrendering one earned run over five innings of work with five strikeouts and one walk. However, the team announced the left-hander will not start this week against the A's due to fatigue and lingering soreness. With Chicago holding a 10-game division lead over Cleveland, this appears to be a case of a playoff bound team conservatively managing a key component of its rotation. He could ultimately end up on the IL, but, for now, it looks like Rodon will receive his extended rest while remaining on the active roster.
Rodon's absence will be amplified by Giolito's congruent stint on the IL. The right-hander is managing a low-grade hamstring strain but has been cleared to resume throwing. He hopes to complete a bullpen session Wednesday and be activated when first eligible on September 12. Like Rodon, the White Sox have the benefit of the team's overall success and will not rush Giolito back as they prepare for the playoffs. Cross your fingers that he continues to progress and is cleared to return by next week. Those looking for an update on White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson can simply substitute his name in for Giolito's in the breakdown above.
Check Swings
Willy Adames: Adames was placed on the 10-day IL with a strained left quadriceps. The problem initially occurred on August 24, but Adames was able to return to action after sitting out three games. Sadly, he aggravated the strain over the weekend and will now miss at least 10 days. Like the Sox with Rodon, look for Milwaukee to slow play the situation in anticipation of the postseason. Luis Urias will take over for the Brewers at shortstop.
Xander Bogaerts: The Red Sox shortstop has not reported any symptoms since testing positive for COVID-19. Bogaerts was removed from last week's game against the Rays and has since been placed on the COVID-19 reserve list. Players who test positive for the virus are required to quarantine for a minimum of 10 days, depending on their vaccination status. It is unclear if Bogaerts has received the vaccine, making it difficult to determine a probable return date.
Jack Flaherty: The right-hander resumed playing catch over the weekend as he works his way back from a shoulder strain. The Cardinals pitcher would like to return at some point this season, but there's no guarantee what his role will look like. The team has suggested a bullpen role is possible, but it will largely depend on how Flaherty progresses over the next few weeks. St. Louis' place in the standings may also influence its decision, making him a risky fantasy option moving forward.
Ke'Bryan Hayes: The Pirates third baseman missed five straight outings before returning to the Pittsburgh lineup on Sunday. Hayes was sidelined with a bruised right hand after being struck by a pitch. He was slotted into the leadoff spot upon his return, and the early returns have been promising. He went 3-for-4 Monday in a win over the Tigers and is now 4-for-9 with three runs and two RBI since returning.
Clayton Kershaw: The three-time Cy Young winner is nearing a return and is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City on Tuesday. If all goes well, look for Kershaw to return to the Los Angeles rotation for a Sunday start against San Diego. Kershaw has not pitched since early July when he reported soreness in his forearm. The discomfort and inflammation lingered, prompting a 60-day IL stint. Look for him to return with a strict pitch count, limiting his fantasy ceiling.
George Springer: Even a conservative approach to health care cannot account for a fluke accident. After Toronto cautiously navigated Springer's return from a low-grad knee sprain, he is once again hobbled after fouling a ball of the same knee. He left Monday's game and was ultimately diagnosed with a left knee contusion. The team is currently listing him as a day-to-day, but don't be surprised if he misses a game or two.
