Ambulance Chasers: CES You Later

*Knocks on wood* we luckily did not have THAT bad of an injury week. Nowhere close to last week’s bloodbath which almost made me log out of ESPN and Fantrax for this season. We all know what this means though…prepare your collective butts for next week and let’s dive into the news of the weekend.

Injuries to Monitor

Christian Encarnacion-Strand (1B, CIN) Back

CES just cannot catch a break (outside of his body). After hand and wrist issues last year, he is dealing with a back injury this season which will keep him out for an unknown period. The young slugger is struggling to recreate the magic we witnessed in 2023. His two home runs this season tie his 2024 season total through twice as many games. However, that is the only highlight for 2025.

His strikeouts are down but so are his walks and his quality of contact is even worse than in 2024 where he played through a wrist ligament injury. Let go of CES and grab yourself any of the dozen corner infielders who are mashing to start this season.

Grayson Rodriguez (SP, BAL) Shoulder

The Orioles’ former top prospect is unlikely to take the mound this year. After being diagnosed with an elbow issue in the preseason, Rodriguez is now out with a shoulder injury. The hard-throwing righty had been participating in bullpen sessions in his ramp-up process, but will have that shut down for the foreseeable future.

Reports indicate that Rodriguez is heading for second opinions on his shoulder, which signifies the issue is not minor. Compounding this with the mysterious elbow injury is a certain death blow to his 2025 season and potentially part of 2026. You can drop Rodriguez from your Injured Lists slots as soon as necessary.

Marcell Ozuna (UT, ATL) Hip

Marcell Ozuna is back in the lineup for Friday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, but missed three straight games before this weekend’s series. The veteran DH had been dealing with “hip inflammation”, which was notable last weekend as he was running the bases. Hopefully, the half-week off was enough to rejuvenate the 34-year-old power hitter, but if not, do not be shocked if he ends up missing more time down the line.

The Braves will likely recall Bryan de la Cruz if Ozuna misses time, but keep an eye on Drake Baldwin DH-ing. The Braves are tinkering with their lineups given the offensive woe,s and Baldwin has some real power to contribute in two-catcher leagues with regular playing time.

Jason Foley (RP, DET) Shoulder

The Tigers’ reliever has been placed on the minor league IL with a shoulder strain. Foley had been pitching very well since his demotion and was expected up in the majors again soon to return as a closer option. In five appearances, Foley earned nine strikeouts and walked zero batters through six and two-thirds innings. Sadly, his velocity declined dramatically in the most recent outing and led to the IL placement.

Expect Tommy Kahnle to retain his role as closer in Detroit going forward and potentially all season if Foley’s injury is moderate or worse. Kahnle has been pitching well this season and now has four saves in seven appearances.

Brenton Doyle (OF, COL) Quad

Brenton Doyle was not placed on the Injured List after missing several games earlier this week. He appeared in the Rockies’ most recent game as a pinch hitter, yet unfortunately, will not play over the weekend after being placed on the Bereavement List. Expect Doyle back in the Rockies’ lineup early next week, but keep an eye on his deployment. Hopefully, he is a full go every day and not staggered in the lineup to keep his quad healthy. Expect Jordan Beck (not a priority add) to return if Doyle misses more time.

Matt Wallner (OF, MIN) Hamstring

Matt Wallner has been placed on the 10-Day IL due to a hamstring strain he suffered earlier this week. Wallner had been steady but quiet to start this season. His strikeout rate had been cut below 30% for the first time in his career, while his .263 batting average was trending towards a career high. With only one home run and three RBIs through 18 games, there was not much else to note. He is fine to drop in most formats, given the tricky nature of hamstring injuries.