Ambulance Chasers: Corbin’s Elbow Burnes

It is unbelievable how good Ronald Acuna Jr. is after tearing a second ACL. In the 13 games since his return, Acuna Jr. has four home runs while slashing .333/.418/.625. He has not stolen a base yet and his strikeout rate is slightly above his career high (30.9%) but who cares when he has a .292 ISO after two weeks? The former MVP is back like he never left and I may never be more wrong in my life than to doubt him this season (just kidding, I have absolutely been more wrong…).

Anyway, if there were any injuries missed, feel free to yell at me in the comments or on Twitter/X @RotoSurgeon.

Injuries to Monitor

Corbin Burnes (SP, ARI) Elbow

It’s very Joever for Corbin Burnes. He exited his most recent start after mouthing that his elbow “feels dead” and was soon diagnosed with a torn UCL. He now faces the long road to recovery from Tommy John Surgery which could be longer than 12 months in this case based on reports. He is not worth holding onto as a keeper and probably best faded in 2026.

Alex Bregman (3B, BOS) Hamstring

Bregman is reportedly doing well in his recovery from a strained hamstring. He is ready to begin a running progression which makes his absence likely closer to one month than two months unless there is a setback (God forbid). Keep holding tight because the Red Sox offense *should* have Roman Anthony added by the time he is back…should.

Logan Gilbert (SP, SEA) Elbow

Good News: Gilbert has returned to the mound for rehab starts in the minor leagues!

Bad News: His velocity dropped dramatically after the first inning where he did manage to hit 96MPH.

Even mild flexor strains are tears and Gilbert runs the risk of further injury by continuing to pitch. He is scheduled to return next week but we will see how effective he is and whether he can sustain that high-end velocity throughout starts. Sell if possible.

Pablo Lopez (SP, MIN) Lat

Pablo Lopez is set to miss the next 8-12 weeks with a strained lat. This injury comes during his hottest season to date where he has posted a career-best 2.82 ERA and 1.07 WHIP. While dropping a player like this may be painful, it must be done to move on to healthy players or those who can help you this season.

I would not recommend holding Lopez on IL unless your rosters are very deep given the risk he runs of poor performance if returning too soon. If Lopez returns closer to the three-month mark, the fantasy season will virtually be over anyway. Let go and appreciate the good times this season.

Luke Weaver (RP, NYY) Hamstring

The Yankees’ best reliever had a good run but it is likely Devin Williams SZN moving forward. Weaver re-entered the closer role after a brutal start to the season from Williams and will probably be back as a set-up man upon return. Williams just earned his seventh save of the season and has only given up three runs in 12 innings since May 7. He is back to form

Hunter Greene (SP, CIN) Groin

At least it is not his arm?? Unfortunately, this is Greene’s second groin issue this season and could keep him out longer than the initial IL stint given that re-injuries are often worse. The Reds could also just be cautious with their ace despite actually having a semi-competitive roster in 2025.

Shea Langeliers (C, ATH) Oblique

The A’s will be without their starting catcher for at least the next few weeks. All injuries are bad but obliques are one of the toughest for hitters to return from in-season. Swinging naturally requires massive tension on the oblique muscles and there is always the potential for residual issues, re-injury, or mental lapses upon return. Even mild oblique injuries can nag yet we should hold onto Langeliers due to his improvements this season and the insane park factor in Sacramento.

Mark Vientos (3B, NYM) Hamstring

The 2024 breakout season for Mark Vientos did not carry into 2025 and now he is on the IL with a strained hamstring. This injury is being reported as a low-grade issue yet we could see his return delayed if Ronny Mauricio hits well in his absence. Brett Baty has had a quiet breakout season which should keep his bat in the lineup which only gives Vientos one out to everyday playing time. The best course of action in most leagues is to drop and move on given the poor start and peripheral metrics.