Howdy, Razzballers!
There are a few ways to indicate where something occurs on a historical timeline. There is B.C. and A.D. or B.C.E. and C.E.
As you have probably noticed, the All-Star Break is the de facto time horizon given for injury recovery. So, you could say we have B.A.S.B. and P.A.S.B. I guess if we need some figurehead to be paired with the “B” part, it could be Dinger or Barrelman. Whichever mascot would make for the most unnerving idol.
Anyway, we are still B.A.S.B., headed into A.S.B., and will quickly enter P.A.S.B. (write that all down because there is a quiz at the end). So, we should start to see some injury updates in the next 2-3 weeks to get a better sense of what the rest of the season will look like.
That also means:
- Incoming trade deadline shifts
- A busy post-break wire with the trading and the injuries.
Join me for a hyper-specialized column on all injuries are afoot…or a-hamstring or a-back.
That said, there are quite a few injury updates this week.
Updates From Last Time
We didn’t cover this last time, but in this week’s fertility news, Jazz Chisholm Jr. got hit in the nuts and lived to tell.
— Parker Molloy (@parkermolloy.com) 2026-06-19T23:47:16.199Z
Max Scherzer (SP, TOR) – Back Spasms: Last time we chatted, Scherzer had been activated, and things sounded cautiously optimistic. That lasted exactly one start. Scherzer is back on the 15-Day IL with back spasms, retroactive to June 14. The back spasms aren’t structural, but this is his second IL stint of the season after the forearm/ankle combo. It’s time we ask, “What is aging if not a structural breakdown of the body?” Anywho, Scherzer did receive a cortisone injection, and he is throwing again (source).
More Jays notes:• Max Scherzer threw a bullpen today and it went well per John Schneider • If all goes well, Addison Barger could be in rehab games Thursday at Class A
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnsbaseball.bsky.social) 2026-06-22T20:34:02.614Z
With Scherzer being 41, this is more of a ceremonial check-in as it seems more likely that we will have fewer opportunities to discuss Scherzer. I will patiently wait for MechaMax though.
The sort of good news is that Shane Bieber is healthy again. The bad news is that Shane Bieber is having a rough go at it (3.7 IP that culminated in 9 H and 2 K; ouch).
The Triage Report: Pitchers
Michael Soroka (SP, ARI) – Strained Left Glute
IL: 15-Day | Status: Expected to miss at least 4 weeks
What happened: Soroka left his June 19 start with glute discomfort after a single warmup pitch to begin the second inning, and the trip to the dugout turned into a 15-Day IL stint and a 4-week-plus outlook.
Current outlook: On that very same day, Arizona lost Ryne Nelson (UNTIL AT LEAST SEPTEMBER!) to a flexor strain, and, to further dig in the knife, Jordan Lawlar strained his hamstring in the same game Soroka got hurt. Additionally, A.J. Puk’s Tommy John recovery has been put on pause because of a shoulder capsule strain. Soroka has been a boon (not A. Boone) for Arizona.
Fantasy impact: Stinker status. Soroka has been having a genuine bounce-back season. Four weeks is more of a minimum than a ceiling, especially when considering how his leg injuries have been handled in the past (ruptured achilles and re-tear among other lower half injuries here and there).
Replacement: I know this won’t be the only mention of Brandon Young (BAL) you will see this week and 31 IP isn’t the greatest sample size. However, in those 31 IP in the last 30 days, Young’s 2.61 ERA and 2.93 FIP are pretty close together, with an average BABIP. Additionally, his walk rate has decreased in the last 31 IP. So, there are a few things that are working for real here. Maybe you won’t get a ton of SOs, but not a bad option if you simply want some innings and to limit damage.
Brandon Young on Orioles’ 12-1 win over Dodgers:“It’s nice to beat some ass sometimes, honestly.”
— Jake Rill (@jakerill.bsky.social) 2026-06-21T23:26:24.686Z
Spencer Strider (SP, ATL) – Elbow Inflammation
IL: 15-Day | Status: Shut down from throwing for 4 weeks
What happened: I was overly optimistic about Spencer Strider this year because, quite frankly, I hoped for it. On his June 12 outing, Strider’s velocity started to exit the building the 4th inning of his June 12 outing. He reported elbow/shoulder soreness. An MRI showed no structural damage, but a visit with Dr. Keith Meister *shudders* resulted in a complete throwing shutdown for four weeks. Strider will need to be cleared with an MRI before he resumes throwing.
Current outlook: The lack of structural damage is the good news. The bad news is for those who are counting. The best-case scenario is that this is four weeks of rest, then throwing, then minor league rehab starts. Realistically, we will not be seeing Strider again until late July at the very earliest.
Fantasy impact: Moderate. This hasn’t been Strider’s year, and this reads more like “move on for now”.
Replacement: JR Ritchie has already taken the rotation spot and has a respectable ERA in his own innings this year. Not exciting, but he’s the direct beneficiary. Walker Buehler (SDP) is an outside option that has been on a heater this month, showing controlled command with 1.7 BB/9 in his last 26.3 IP. His BABIP (.319 on the season) is up, but his FIP has decreased over the season.
@973TheFanSD tweetedWalker Buehler spoke with @SammyLev about what's worked so well for him recently:"Changing stuff takes time and I feel like some of that stuff's kinda settled in and been more natural. I feel like we've been doing the right things and it's nice for it to pay off."For Sam's
— Padres Twitter Bot (@padres-bot.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T21:04:06.915548+00:00
Ben Brown (SP, CHC) – Strained Neck
IL: 15-Day | Status: No firm timetable, retroactive to June 21
What happened: Brown has dealt with a neck issue since a June 13 start in San Francisco. While it didn’t seem serious at first, it got bad enough that Brown couldn’t complete a bullpen session. He’s been relocated to the IL, and the part that makes this a little worrisome is that this injury is a recurrence in the same area that lost a large part of 2024 for Brown.
Current outlook: The Cubs rotation has gone the way of the Blue Jays. Between Brown, Edward Cabrera (more below), Jameson Taillon, Justin Steele, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd’s own IL trip earlier this year, Chicago has run through basically its entire Opening Day staff. What makes this painful, beyond the injury, is Brown has been pretty fantastic with a 1.85 ERA, 65 Ks with 19 BB in 68 IP.
Fantasy impact: Critical. The recurrence of this injury is the concerning part.
Replacement: Javier Assad has been the better in-house fill-in option recently. When I say “better”, I don’t mean great. The numbers for his last 23 IP look okay on the surface, but there are indications of a regression incoming (and that may have already started with 5 Ks and 2 BB combined with the 5 H and 2 HR sustained in his last 5 IP). Matthew Boyd is back and not fully rostered in some leagues, and so far, so good with an eye on the command.
Edward Cabrera (SP, CHC) – Strained Hamstring
IL: 15-Day | Status: No timetable
What happened: Cabrera strained his hamstring in a way that made me hurt. He went into a split as he reached to catch the final out of an inning. They say people could hear the scream emitted from Wrigley (kind of weird given the game was in San Francisco) when Cabrera joined Ben Brown on the IL that very same day.
Current outlook: We discussed the Cub collapse above. Cabrera has had some bumps this season with a finger blister. While a hamstring strain isn’t serious, the window of recovery can be shifty.
Fantasy impact: Some of you may be wondering why I am spending so much time on Cabrera. He’s really only deep-league relevant with his performance. However, it’s worth monitoring him purely because of how thin Chicago’s depth chart has become.
Replacement: Same rickety pool that Brown’s replacements come from: Assad, Colin Rea, and whoever the Cubs claim off waivers next. Colin Rea is an interesting study as he’s had a rough season, but in his last 5 IP, he had 3 Ks and 0 BB.
Is Colin Rea the de facto ace for the Cubs right now? (not shade, just an honest question; I’m not trying to jinx it and get inexplicably swept by the Hospital Cubs)
— Steve Peli (@stevepeli.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T21:18:14.678Z
Blake Treinen (RP, LAD) – Elbow Inflammation
IL: 15-Day | Status: No timetable
What happened: Treinen goes to the IL with elbow inflammation. Dave Roberts shared there was no structural damage found in the elbow (source).
Current outlook: Elbow inflammation in any pitcher deserves caution. However, this may be a short stint by all indications so far.
Fantasy impact: Moderate.
Replacement: Stream until you see the Dodgers make any bullpen moves. Then worry.
Daniel Palencia (RP, CHC) – Elbow Inflammation
IL: 15-Day | Status: No timetable
What happened: Palencia joins the mountain of Cubs pitching injuries with his own elbow inflammation and flexor strain.
Current outlook: This one matters a little more than some of the other Cubs we’ve mentioned because Palencia is the closer.
Cubs had Daniel Palencia undergo an MRI, which showed a mild flexor strain. Given potential outcomes, this would be “good news.” Palencia will be shut down through the upcoming road trip before beginning a throwing program.
— Jordan Bastian (@bastianmlb.bsky.social) 2026-06-20T16:32:03.710Z
Fantasy impact: High in saves formats. If you’re rostering Palencia for saves, it’s time to find a replacement.
Replacement: If you’re looking for SV, Clayton Beeter (WSH) is the most likely and readily available (if available at all) player. He has 6 SV this season with 4 in his last 12 IP. He does carry command issues.
The Triage Report: Hitters
José Ramírez (3B, CLE) – Hamate Surgery (Left Hand)
IL: 10-Day | Status: Expected to miss 5-7 weeks
What happened: Ramírez fractured the hamate bone in his left hand on June 13 and underwent surgery a few days later to remove the hook of the bone. I didn’t really know what that meant until today, and I am pleased to announce, some bones are removable.
José Ramírez underwent surgery today to remove the hook of his fractured left hamate bone.Expected to miss 5-7 weeks.
— Tim Stebbins (@timstebbins.bsky.social) 2026-06-16T21:03:27.021Z
Current outlook: Ramirez has been through this injury before. In 2019, he had the same injury in his other hand. Five to seven weeks puts a realistic return in late July or early August.
Fantasy impact: Critical. Hamate injuries can sap power even after the bone heals. Hold him, obviously, but this won’t be a short stint.
Replacement: Blaze Alexander (BAL) is right there, peeps.
Mike Trout (CF, LAA) – Strained Right Hamstring
IL: 10-Day | Status: No firm timetable, optimism is low-grade
What happened: Trout tweaked his hamstring running to first base on June 17, initially thought it was a cramp, and an MRI confirmed a strain.
Current outlook: Trout had played in all but one Angels game to that point, which is a pretty remarkable run of health for him in recent years. He says his concern level is low and that he felt much better the day after.
Mike Trout said he progressed to light jogging today and didn’t have any pain. He’s scheduled to swing the bat tomorrow and is pleased by his progress. He’s still hopeful to return in time for the All-Star Game.(Repost by @RhettBollinger on X)#GoHalos #RepTheHalo 😇❤️
— ♡ Kyle ♡ (@kylethemann.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T22:36:34.791Z
Fantasy impact: Moderate. Trout has been somewhat returning to form.
Replacement: Jose Siri is out on paternity leave, but he’ll be back soon. Before he went on leave, he had been hot. I believe in the weird energy of a new father. If you aren’t a big fan of Siri, try Jose Fermin.
Adley Rutschman (C, BAL) – Concussion
IL: 7-Day | Status: Day to day evaluation
What happened: Rutschman took an errant throw to the head while running to first base on June 18 and was placed on the concussion IL two days later. He should return soon.
Adley Rutschman, eligible to come off concussion IL today, playing catch on the field #orioles
Current outlook: This is his fourth IL trip in the last calendar year, which is its own kind of bad luck streak, but head injuries specifically deserve the cautious, day-by-day framing the Orioles are using.
Fantasy impact: Moderate to high at a thin offensive position, but he should be back soon.
Trent Grisham (OF, NYY) – Strained Hamstring
IL: 10-Day | Status: Progressing well, trending toward a return around the All-Star break
What happened: Grisham strained his hamstring running the bases on June 12 and landed on the 10-Day IL.
Trent Grisham 'getting close' to a Yankees return in outfield boost
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports.bsky.social) 2026-06-26T04:40:20.832054Z
Current outlook: Grisham has been doing on-field agility work, traveling with the team, and is expected to need only a brief rehab assignment. This sits alongside Aaron Judge’s rib injury and Giancarlo Stanton’s lingering calf issue in an increasingly messed up Yankees outfield.
Fantasy impact: High, but trending toward a hold-and-chill situation rather than something to worry about.
Angel Martínez (2B/OF, CLE) – Non-Displaced Foot Fracture
IL: 10-Day | Status: Expected to miss 4-6 weeks
What happened: Martínez suffered the fracture in the same June 13 game against Detroit that also cost the Guardians José Ramírez and Chase DeLauter. Hachi machi.
Current outlook: Non-displaced is the better version of a foot fracture to have, but 4-6 weeks is practically an eternity, especially for a multi-position player.
Fantasy impact: Moderate. Martínez has been fine this season, and the multi-position flexibility made him useful.
Replacement: Brayan Rocchio and the Guardians’ internal infield/outfield mix absorb the playing time. In his last 26 PA, Rocchio has 0 BB but 7 H, 1 RBI, and 2 R. Better yet, visit Hittertron and do some weird stuff.
Chase DeLauter (OF, CLE) – Fractured Rib
IL: 10-Day | Status: No timetable
What happened: The third time is NOT a charm with DeLauter being the third Guardian hurt in that same June 13 against the Tigers. DeLauter’s injury is a fractured rib, with the Guardians hopeful DeLauter will return very soon.
Current outlook: Rib fractures in hitters can affect power and swinging. So, be on the lookout for that.
Fantasy impact: Moderate. Not great, but this one seems less worrisome.
Spencer Horwitz (1B, PIT) – Strained Hamstring
IL: 10-Day | Status: No timetable
What happened: Horwitz lands on the 10-Day IL with a hamstring strain.
Current outlook: Standard soft tissue injury. No update yet on severity, which usually means the team is still figuring it out.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said they don't have a firm timetable on when 1B Spencer Horwitz would returnAlso anticipates Ryan O'Hearn playing 1B most of the time in Horwitz's absence
— Dominic Campbell (@domismoney.bsky.social) 2026-06-25T21:05:37.157Z
Fantasy impact: High relative to his status. Horwitz had a sneaky solid average-and-OBP in Pittsburgh’s lineup, and that will be annoying to replace.
Replacement: Ryan O’Hearn will replace Horwitz at 1B. However, he’s 100% rostered. So, Josh Bell (MIN) is a more realistic add and has been hot lately with a 13% jump in his walk rate in his last 23 PA. He’s at 49 RBIs so far this season.
The execution was flawed.Twins — Josh Bell drives a two-run double into left-center field and brings home Byron Buxton and Kody Clemens to make it a 7-0 game:
— Did The Rockies Lose? (@didtherockieslose.com) 2026-06-27T01:35:54.863Z
Secondary Impact / Quick Hits
Vinnie Pasquantino (1B, KCR) – Hamate Surgery (Left Hand)
Pasquantino joins the season’s hamate club, undergoing surgery with an expected 4-6 week absence. The good news, if there is any, is that the recovery timeline for this injury is fairly well established.
Adolis García (OF, PHI) – Lat Surgery
García is done for the 2026 season after lat surgery.
Chase Dollander (SP, COL) – Elbow Surgery (Internal Brace)
Out for the year. Clear off the roster without much agonizing.
Marcus Semien (2B, NYM) – Strained Hip Flexor
Semien heads to the 10-Day IL with no timetable yet.
Maikel Garcia (3B, KCR) – Strained Left Hand
Garcia goes back on the IL with a strained left hand. He’s been dealing with the injury since mid-May. No timetable.
Zack Gelof (INF/OF, ATH) – Hand Laceration/Contusion
Gelof goes down with a hand injury, no timetable, but no fractures or stitches. The multi-position player loss stings
Jordan Lawlar (OF, ARI) – Strained Hamstring
The same game that cost Arizona Michael Soroka also cost them Lawlar, who strained his hamstring. Sadly, no surprise to see Lawlar back here, and the recurrence of any hamstring issue is worrisome.
Evan Carter (OF, TEX) – Strained Oblique
Carter is already further along than most of this list. He started his rehab assignment.
@JeffWilsonTXR tweetedEvan Carter is 2 for 2 so far tonight for Double A Frisco in his first game on rehab, including this homer to start the game. https://t.co/OLrPcoWKYB
— Rangers Media Bot (@rangersmediabot.bsky.social) 2026-06-27T01:05:48.919Z
Gleyber Torres (2B, DET) – Strained Oblique
Another oblique, no timetable yet. Budget for 3-5 weeks
Jack Leiter (SP, TEX) – Arthroscopic Ankle Surgery
Will be out until at least August.
Mark Leiter Jr. (RP, ATH) – Hip Impingement
No timetable, but a little before or after the All-Star Break seems possible.
Michael Helman (OF/INF, TEX) – Fractured Hand
60-Day IL, no timetable; this is a long one.
The Takeaways
The last edition of Ambulance Chasers was on June 13, and I missed Cleveland’s game against Detroit, which was worthy of its own injury report. José Ramírez, Angel Martínez, and Chase DeLauter all went down. Who doesn’t want teammates so empathetic that they will go on the IL for you? Luckily, this set of injuries isn’t a trend and more of bad luck that gutted the Guardians’ lineup depth all at once.
The Cubs rotation of today looks a little like the Cubs rotation of last year as they run out of healthy arms. Ben Brown and Edward Cabrera landing on the IL the same day, on top of Taillon, Steele, and Horton, means Chicago has burned through nearly its entire projected staff. Best to check in on any Cubs on your roster. At least Matthew Boyd is back!
Last time out, we talked about hams, and this week we talked about the other kind of ham. The bony ham. Hamates! José Ramírez and Vinnie Pasquantino both join the hamate list this cycle. The expectations for hamate recovery are relatively consistent: four to seven weeks, with some power risk once the player has returned. The odds of a full-power J-Ram and/or Pasquatch in 2026 dwindle, but like with everything else in Ambulance Chasers, you never know.
That’s it for this edition. Perhaps many of these “no timetable” situations will have actual timetables by the next time we meet.
I’m Keelin, and I worry my friends and family when I share random baseball player injury facts with them. Find me on Bluesky at keelin12ft.bsky.social.
This column focuses on injury situations that meaningfully affect fantasy baseball decisions. It is not a complete injury ledger or a prediction of exact timelines. Teams are often vague, information changes quickly, and this is best viewed as a snapshot of where things stand.
Drop Palencia in a 12 team? Guy has 3 saves on the year and he’s clogging up an IL spot. So hard to drop him for some reason.
Thanks for NOT mentioning Luis Robert. He is in the turd bucket with Royce Lewis, and Jordan Lawlar. Grayson Rodriguez is knocking on that door too!
Good read, M’Lady.
Strider is done. How messed is his arm that a doctor says “don’t throw for a month, and then we’ll see“? Already had two TJ surgeries, and his velo never made it back this time. I hope the best for him, but he is done for the year, IMO.
Some guys in the NFL never make it back from an ACL tear. TJ is the equivalent. Spencer has had two, and that arm is hurt again. I’m not saying he will never be back, but hoping for a return to greatness is a very long shot. Mediocrity or less is the expectation here.
Fun Fact. Since Jose Ramirez went on the IL, Cade Smith has ONE Save.