Hello, Razzball Friends!
How much am I going to derail this conversation if I talk about how the Chicago White Sox are over .500 for the first time since October 2022? Okay, there was that brief 2-2 start in April 2025.
Anyway, enough about my personal recovery. Let’s talk about everyone else’s recovery or lack thereof.
Two weeks ago, we were talking about Crochet’s shoulder, Díaz’s elbow, and a pile of obliques. The oblique club is unable to process memberships fast enough and Tarik Skubal’s elbow just shook things up. Also, the catchers are dropping like flies.
Updates From Last Time
- Jordan Westburg (SP, BAL) – Tommy John: That’s a wrap for Jordan Westburg this season. He will be back in 2027.
- Garrett Crochet (SP, CHW) – Shoulder Inflammation: Crochet is throwing again and shared he is not intending on a rehab assignment à la Sonny Gray.
- Jhoan Duran (MIN, RP) – Strained Oblique: Back at it. Returned. Active.
- Francisco Lindor (NYM, SS) – Left Calf Strain: Still healing and “not close to baseball activities” after his May 13 MRI.
@AnthonyDiComo tweetedFrancisco Lindor (calf strain) is "showing signs of healing," per Carlos Mendoza, based off his last MRI. But Lindor is not close to baseball activities, and therefore is not close at all to a return.
— Love The Mets (@lovethemetsbot.bsky.social) 2026-05-14T15:34:06.894789+00:00
The Triage Report: Pitchers
Tarik Skubal (SP, DET) – Left Elbow Surgery (Removal of Loose Body)
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/16 | Status: Expected to miss 6–8 weeks
- What happened: Skubal underwent elbow surgery to remove a chip of bone in his left elbow. The Tigers put a 6–8 week timeline on it, but Scott Boras is pushing a faster timeline because, business. Air on the side of a lengthier IL stint for Skubal. If I’m wrong, great!
- Current outlook: It’ll be late June or early July at the earliest. Perhaps longer.
- Fantasy impact: Critical. Skubal was cooking: 2.70 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, 45:6 K:BB through 43.1 innings, with a FIP of 2.13.
- Replacement: We will discuss many more replacements below. An easy reach is Keider Montero, who is fine. Detroit probably hopes the same, but hey, Casey Mize is back!
Casey Mize will start for Tigers tomorrow per A.J. Hinch.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnsbaseball.bsky.social) 2026-05-15T19:01:55.023Z
Taj Bradley (SP, MIN) – Right Pectoral Inflammation
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/21 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: Bradley hit the IL with pectoral inflammation.
- Current outlook: Pec injuries have a large range of outcomes. The team shared no timetable. So they aren’t committing to anything yet. However, Bradley has been throwing off the mound again.
- Fantasy impact: High. Bradley was doing well before hitting the IL: 2.87 ERA, 1.19 WHIP, 52 Ks in 47 innings, and 3.50 FIP.
- Replacement: Andrew Abbott (CIN) is 77% rostered in RCL and a serviceable choice.
Max Fried (SP, NYY) – Left Elbow Bone Bruise
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/28 | Status: Out indefinitely / No clear timetable
- What happened: Fried ended his May 13 start against Baltimore after just three innings due to soreness. An MRI and CT scan later, we know Fried has a left elbow bone bruise.
- Current outlook: The good news is that Fried’s reconstructed UCL is reportedly undamaged. The bad news is that the Yankees are shutting him down for a few weeks before reimaging. Then Fried might begin throwing. While a bone bruise is more relieving than something structural, they take a while to heal. So expect this to be a few weeks.
- Fantasy impact: High. Fried has a 4-3 record with a 3.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP, and has 61.7 IP over his first 10 starts. Oh no, there goes my stability.
- Replacement: Peter Lambert (HOU) could fit here until Fried is back. It’s possible he’s available in your league. Lambert solid over 5 starts: pitching 29.3 IP with 2.76 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, and a 29:12 K:BB.
Max Fried is heading to the injured list, but the news is relatively positive all things considered: An MRI revealed a bone bruise in his left elbow, per the team. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will look over the imaging, but if there is no ligament damage, the Yankees avoid worst case.
— Jeff Passan Bot (@jeffpassanbot.bsky.social) 2026-05-15T20:19:13.000Z
Tyler Glasnow (SP, LAD) – Lower Back Spasms
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/22 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: The Glass man goes down with lower back spasms.
- Current outlook: Through seven starts: 2.72 ERA, 0.83 WHIP, 49 Ks in 39.7 innings. The FIP of 3.27 and a .185 BABIP suggest there might have been some ERA regression incoming, but get while the gettin’ is good, as they say. Back spasms are usually a shorter stay. In fact, Glasnow is already throwing again.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to High. Clearly hold him, but don’t be super surprised if he isn’t back right at eligibility.
- Replacement: I am feelin’ a little Bailey Ober (MIN). He has had a bit of a comeback over the last month. In his last 38.3 IP, he has a 2.82 ERA, 32:11 K:BB, and 4 HR. They won’t all be winners! But some might be.
When you take into account his current pitch arsenal, Bailey Ober (8.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 7 K) is in the midst of the greatest pitching performance in baseball history
— Jon Marthaler (@jonmarthaler.com) 2026-05-13T01:41:09.536Z
Blake Snell (SP, LAD) – Left Elbow Loose Bodies
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/27 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: Snell was scratched from his scheduled start against the Angels and placed on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 12) due to loose bodies in his left elbow.
- Current outlook: This is a pretty fresh one. So, the Dodgers have not provided an immediate timetable for his return. Sometimes, loose bodies require minor arthroscopic surgery, though, at the time of publication, the team hasn’t announced a treatment plan yet. This comes right after Snell missed the start of the season with left shoulder fatigue and lasted only three innings in his May 9 season debut against the Braves.
- Fantasy impact: High. When Snell is healthy, it’s great, but his health has been a major issue since joining the Dodgers, including a four-month absence in 2025 due to shoulder inflammation.
Blake Snell previously had surgery in 2019 to remove loose bodies. He was out from late July to mid-September.
Logan Webb (SP, SFG) – Right Knee Bursitis
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/21 | Status: Resumed throwing May 13
- What happened: Webb hits the 15-Day IL with knee bursitis.
- Current outlook: Hey, it’s not an arm issue. He did resume throwing on May 13, which is a good sign, and he is expected to stay the minimum on the IL.
- Fantasy impact: High. Webb had been struggling: 5.06 ERA through eight starts, but his FIP of 3.58 and a .336 BABIP (likely in part because of knee) show something a bit different.
- Replacement: Be like islands and live in the stream, because Webb should be back soon.
Cole Ragans (SP, KCR) – Left Elbow Impingement
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/22 | Status: Resumed playing catch May 10
- What happened: Ragans walks his way onto the 15-Day IL with a left elbow impingement. Specifically, valgus extension overload a.k.a. pitcher’s elbow. Enjoy dropping that not-so-fun-fact on your family and friends.
- Current outlook: Ragans started playing catch May 12. So, there’s progress happening. Though Ragans was struggling before the injury. A 4.84 ERA through eight starts isn’t the greatest, but the FIP of 6.20 and 10 home runs in 35.3 innings is the scary part.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate. You might cut, but if you hold, do it with low expectations.
- Replacement: Stephen Kolek got a spot on the rotation, but he’s been laying some stinkers down. Martin Perez (ATL) is looking solid lately, moving from the rotation to the bullpen, with a 1.74 ERA and 20:7 K:BB in his last 20.7 IP. The FIP is a little wild at 4.29 in the same time period.
Steven Matz (SP, TBR) – Left Elbow Inflammation
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/19 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: Matz goes to the IL with elbow inflammation and no timetable that I have been able to find.
- Current outlook: We’ve covered the elbow inflammation thing. It’s scary. It’s not good. Matz had been quietly putting together a decent season: 3.86 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 4 wins through seven starts.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to High. Be on the look out for a timeline.
Matthew Boyd (SP, CHC) – Left Knee Surgery (Meniscectomy)
IL: 15-Day | Eligible: 05/19 | Status: Expected to miss at least 6 weeks
- What happened: Time for the most relatable injury of the week: Boyd underwent a meniscectomy after sustaining a knee injury while playing with his kids. That’ll be a six-week minimum from the Cubs.
- Current outlook: Have you ever read A Tale of Two Cities? Me neither. Gather around for The Tale of ERA and FIP. Boyd’s 6.00 ERA looks rough, but his FIP sits at 2.37 with a .377 BABIP. Is this the unluckiest man in baseball this season? The 31 K to 6 BB across 24 IP are a good sign. Anyway, Boyd is scheduled to throw off the mound today.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to High but only in deeper leagues. The FIP/ERA gap may seem scary and make you question holding him, but it is possible to see an improvement when he comes back…if he doesn’t get injured again.
Man, pitching injuries are numerous and depressing. Onto something else similarly depressing?
The Triage Report: Hitters
Ronald Acuna Jr. (OF, ATL) – Left Strained Hamstring
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/13 | Status: Won’t return before May 17
- What happened: Acuña was placed on the IL with a left hamstring strain, an injury he acquired after running to first base.
- Current outlook: It always stinks to see Acuña around here. So far this season, it appears he hasn’t found his power yet .252 / .362 / .378 with just 2 HRs through 152 PA, but some value was still there: 7 steals, 20 walks, and a .362 OBP. Reports as of May 13 say he is progressing, but he won’t be activated until maybe after the current homestand. The Braves seem to be taking caution.
- Fantasy impact: Saying “Critical” sounds dramatic, but I’d classify it as that. Rotate someone useful in and cover the at-bats.
- Replacement: Just cover the spot. Ezequiel Duran is a utility eligible for OF in some leagues.
HOME RUN Ezequiel Duran (3)338 ft (33°, 92.4 mph)off Zac Gallen (86.6 mph Slider, 2394 rpm)AZ 1-TEX 3 (B4, 3-2, 1 out)https://www.mlb.com/video/ezequiel-duran-homers-3-on-a-fly-ball-to-right-field-zth48b
Jacob Wilson (SS, ATH) – Shoulder Subluxation (Left)
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/21 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: Wilson joins the IL (retroactive May 11) with a left shoulder subluxation. In terms that will make you feel more sick, Wilson had a partial dislocation sustained while diving for a ball.
- Current outlook: It’s not a small event. Wilson has been hitting .292 with 47 hits and only 20 strikeouts in 39 games.
- Fantasy impact: High. Hold, but watch out for language around his injury.
- Replacement: Prospect Henry Bolte was called up to replace Wilson. He is an OF, but he has already looked fun. I discuss Brayan Rocchio below.
Henry Bolte SHINES in his major league debut! #AthleticsFOX5 and SSSEN have the latest on the Athletics in the NEWEST Catching the Bases with the A's 🧢⚾ We have the latest status on Jacob Wilson.Stream the full episode on our FREE streaming service FOX5Vegas+ on smart TVs.
Roman Anthony (OF, BOS) – Right Hand Sprain
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/15 | Status: Confusing
- What happened: Anthony had a right wrist sprain. Originally, the Red Sox shared it would be a short turnaround, but that has gotten murky as a longer timeline appears. He is now out of a splint but has not resumed baseball activities.
- Current outlook: Anthony has been struggling a little more than expected: .229 average, 1 HR, 5 RBI through 30 games, with even more struggle leading up to his injury. That guy sure can walk, though (20 BBs, .354 OBP). So, between the wrist injury and batting struggles, expect a sluggish start when he comes back.
- Fantasy impact: High.
- Replacement: I’m not going to put one because of the power of positive thinking.
Gleyber Torres (2B, DET) – Strained Oblique
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/16 | Status: Nearing Rehab Assignment
- What happened: Torres hit the IL May 6 with a left oblique strain.
- Current outlook: Detroit shared Torres will be taking a brief rehab assignment and may return at the end of May.
- Fantasy impact: High.
- Replacement: However, Brayan Rocchio (CLE) would be a decent replacement. He’s hitting .275 / .350 / .373 with 22 RBIs and 7 SB this season (with more impressive recent stats). However, he is not much for power with only 3 HR this season.
RT @CleGuardians: Brayan Rocchio goes fishing to plate our first two runs of the game!#GuardsBall
Cal Raleigh (C, SEA) – Right Oblique Strain
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/24 | Status: No timetable / Budget 3–5 weeks
- What happened: Raleigh aggravated an ongoing oblique injury during a game against Houston this week. The Mariners placed him on the IL Thursday morning. This is the first IL stint of his career, which is kind of insane.
- Current outlook: It has been a rough follow-up to his 60 HR 2025 campaign. Raleigh is currently hitting .161 / .243 / .317 with 7 HRs in 181 PA. He’ll head back to Seattle for a more thorough evaluation, but in case we haven’t seen it enough this year and every other year that has ever been, oblique strains linger.
- Fantasy impact: High to Moderate. He is in a slump. So, an absent Cal Raleigh isn’t so different from a present Cal Raleigh at the moment, but his BABIP is .192 so far this season. Small sample size but maybe directionally informative.
- Replacement: With Murphy, Alvarez, and Yainer Diaz already down, it’s rough out there. Hold him if you have the IL space, but you’ll need a stopgap. Maybe even an easy reach for Mitch Garver or Jhonny Pereda. However, I cover a few more options below.
Sean Murphy (C, ATL) – Left Middle Fractured Finger
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/22 | Status: Expected to miss at least 8 weeks
- What happened: Just straight bad luck. Murphy sustained a fractured left middle finger on a catcher’s interference call.
- Current outlook: Murphy had JUST returned from a previous IL stint and was barely back. He likely will not be back until mid-July.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to High.
- Replacement: Check out Brandon Valenzuela (TOR).
Brandon Valenzuela home run!The @BlueJays have scored SEVEN runs in the 5th 😳
Francisco Alvarez (C, NYM) – Right Torn Knee Meniscus
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/23 | Status: Expected to miss 8 weeks
- What happened: Alvarez goes to the IL with a right knee meniscus tear. He had surgery on May 14. He’s looking at an 8-week timeline.
- Current outlook: Alvarez was one of the more productive catchers in this week’s injured catchers: .241/.317/.393 with 4 HRs in 126 PA.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to High. The catchers dwindle.
Addison Barger (OF/INF, TOR) – Right Elbow Inflammation
IL: 10-Day | Eligible: 05/25 | Status: No timetable
- What happened: Elbow inflammation with no timetable, but he may resume hitting next week.
- Current outlook: Barger has been on the Struggle Bus. I have experienced this performance myself. A .045 average across 9 games. Manage expectations for the return.
- Fantasy impact: Moderate to Low, depending on your expectations.
Carlos Correa (INF, HOU) – Left Ankle Surgery (Torn Tendon)
- Status: Out for 2026 season. He’d been producing well, but there’s nothing to hold here.
Secondary / Quick Hits
- Josh Smith (INF/OF, TEX) – Viral Meningitis: Out at least a week.
- Yainer Diaz (C, HOU) – Strained Oblique: Third catcher down in two weeks. Allow for 3-5 weeks.
- Jake Cronenworth (2B, SDP) – Concussion Symptoms: 7-day IL. Maybe some rest will be good after being very icy.
- Kerry Carpenter (OF, DET) – Left Sprained Shoulder: No timetable. Sustained May 10. He had the same injury in 2023 in the other shoulder and was out a month and a half.
- Rhett Lowder (SP, CIN) – Right Shoulder Discomfort: 15-Day IL as of May 13. Resumed throwing May 14. No structural damage.
- Dylan Beavers (OF, BAL) – Strained Oblique: Assume 3-5 weeks.
- Ryan Pepiot (SP, TBR) / Angel Zerpa (RP, MIL): Both out for the 2026 season. Cut.
That’s it for this edition. Catch all your loose bodies, and see you all in a few weeks!
I’m Keelin, your bi-weekly reminder that injuries don’t follow timelines. 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.
