This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
I have covered a lot of strange and unusual things in my time as the injury analyst for Rotowire. I've written about bed bugs, bat bites and testicular torsion. I've seen players injure themselves while riding mopeds, snowboarding and sneezing. But I have never had to write about players playing in a global pandemic. As Major League Baseball looks to embark on a shortened season in this unique climate, it's important to remember the normal trends for injuries and player health will look drastically different for the year. The threat of contracting COVID-19 will linger, and the risk of soft tissue injuries could increase with a truncated "spring training" and condensed schedule. I'm no epidemiologist, but I'm going to try to help navigate the upcoming season to the best of my abilities. I'm hoping that the players who opt to play can remain healthy, and I tip my cap to the players who felt staying home was the right decision for themselves and their families.
I would recommend fantasy owners consider adding a DL spot in most formats this season and use this unusual season to try other approaches or strategies. Good luck this year and I hope fantasy sports provides you with a sense of normalcy in these uncertain times.
When last we saw the hard-hitting Yankees outfielder he was dealing with a stress fracture in his first rib. The forced hiatus allowed Judge to recuperate without missing any time, and he has been swinging a
I have covered a lot of strange and unusual things in my time as the injury analyst for Rotowire. I've written about bed bugs, bat bites and testicular torsion. I've seen players injure themselves while riding mopeds, snowboarding and sneezing. But I have never had to write about players playing in a global pandemic. As Major League Baseball looks to embark on a shortened season in this unique climate, it's important to remember the normal trends for injuries and player health will look drastically different for the year. The threat of contracting COVID-19 will linger, and the risk of soft tissue injuries could increase with a truncated "spring training" and condensed schedule. I'm no epidemiologist, but I'm going to try to help navigate the upcoming season to the best of my abilities. I'm hoping that the players who opt to play can remain healthy, and I tip my cap to the players who felt staying home was the right decision for themselves and their families.
I would recommend fantasy owners consider adding a DL spot in most formats this season and use this unusual season to try other approaches or strategies. Good luck this year and I hope fantasy sports provides you with a sense of normalcy in these uncertain times.
When last we saw the hard-hitting Yankees outfielder he was dealing with a stress fracture in his first rib. The forced hiatus allowed Judge to recuperate without missing any time, and he has been swinging a bat without pain. Unfortunately, a new injury has emerged, as a stiff neck kept him out of Saturday's intrasquad game. Manager Aaron Boone downplayed the severity of the problem and was optimistic Judge would be back in action shortly. Still the news is a bit unsettling for fantasy owners who have endured Judge's myriad of injuries over the past two seasons. Don't panic just yet, but keep in an eye on his availability in the coming days.
The emerging star complained of a headache late last week and ultimately was unable to practice in back-to-back outings. The team wisely had him test for COVID-19 with the results luckily coming back negative. Tatis' situation is a good reminder that there are still other illnesses out there and that every time a player feels unwell it does not mean they have contracted the novel coronavirus. However, MLB medical teams are required to isolate and test any player who is displaying possible COVID-related symptoms until a negative test occurs. Additionally, any teammate who has had contact with the player in question must also be tested and quarantined. Look for multiple players to miss a game or two this season as they are screened for COVID after coming down with some other illness or infection.
The Yankees right-hander suffered a scary injury on the 4th of July when a hard hit line drive off the bat of Giancarlo Stanton struck him in the head. He was diagnosed with a concussion but somehow avoided any bone-related injuries and was released from the hospital later that evening. He is now working his way through the MLB return to play protocol and was able to play catch over the weekend. He will need to remain symptom-free throughout the process to receive full clearance. While there likely will be no long-term issues, the injury does disrupt Tanaka's preparation for the start of the new season and he could see his first start pushed back if he's unable to get the necessary time on the mound.
The veteran ace took advantage of the forced break and is now completely healthy and ready to go. Verlander dealt with a latissimus dorsi strain in the spring and underwent surgery to address a lingering groin injury shortly before league play was suspended in March. The surgery was performed by Dr. William Meyers, a renowned orthopedist who has pioneered abdominal and core muscle surgeries and had previously operated on Verlander. The success rate for Verlander's latest procedure is high, though the Cy Young winner is taking additional steps to avoid a recurrence. After Dr. Meyers uncovered chronic scar tissue in the area, Verlander elected to rework his mechanics in hopes of preserving his body and extending his career. He should remain an elite level pitching option for the upcoming campaign.
Check Swings
Joey Gallo: Gallo is slated to play in Monday's intrasquad contest after testing positive for COVID-19 at the start of summer camp. He returned to the team after two negative tests and he should have ample time to get a good number of at-bats before the start of the regular season.
Tommy Pham: Like Gallo, Pham is back with his teammates after a positive COVID test. He has been an active participant in San Diego intrasquad competition since returning and will look to maintain his recent success with his new organization.
Freddie Freeman: While Pham and Gallo each appear to have battled mild cases of the virus, the same cannot be said for the Atlanta first baseman. Freeman continues to struggle with COVID-related symptoms and remains out. One of the big issues with the novel coronavirus is the variability in symptoms from person to person. Some remain largely asymptomatic, while others experience more significant respiratory issues. Furthermore, the virus has shown the ability to impact other organ and organ systems including the heart, liver and gastrointestinal system. As a result, predicting the appropriate amount of recovery will prove difficult. Freeman is no exception and patience must be shown.
Aroldis Chapman: The Yankees closer has also tested positive for COVID-19. While his symptoms are reportedly mild, the concerns following a positive test for a pitcher are different than a positional player. Players are not to resume activity until they're symptom-free and have submitted two negative tests. As a result, pitchers will not be allowed to throw. This time off could easily disrupt their normal throwing routines and may force them to gradually work their way back into their usual role. As a result, it seems likely New York hands the closing responsibilities to Zack Britton until Chapman can round into top form.
Yordan Alvarez: The reigning American League Rookie of the Year has still not joined the Astros for an undisclosed reason. Alvarez had been dealing with a lingering issue in both his knees. The condition was significant enough to force Alvarez into a full-time DH role, but it remains unclear if his troublesome knees are the reason for his current absence. He will remain a risky investment for the foreseeable future.
