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Ambulance Chasers: Tony Gon-too-soon-lin

September 2, 2023 | 2023 Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Baseball Injury Report | 5 Comments

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What’s shakin’, Razzbacon?

Last weekend, I traveled to Portland to visit my family. We don’t get to see each other too much. So, I take these moments where I can get them. As a result, I missed the MOST IMPORTANT INJURY WEEK OF THE YEAR. Luckily, my Razzball brethren Mike Couillard, co-host of the fantastic “Cards and Categories“, was there to cover the destruction. Shout out to Mike for taking that devastating bullet that I am still processing.New Oppenheimer Trailer Offers a Drastically Different Look

Shohei Ohtani’s injury is not only sad but also captivating because, even for the wisest of us, Ohtani seems to like a demi-god. It is easy to forget he is susceptible (even more so in some ways than other players) to serious injury. However, it is a good reminder that any of this can happen at any time, and you must be prepared. My condolences to managers who lost Ohtani for the rest of the season. As for Ohtani himself, this new era will be interesting in terms of changes in not only his performance but changes in volume and role.

This is going to be discussed ad nauseam over the next year or more. So, let’s talk about some other fellows and their injuries.

Notable Injuries August 26 – September 1

Félix Bautista (RP, BAL)

One of the biggest losses of the week also comes first in alphabetical order. Bautista is out with elbow discomfort until at least September 9. Unfortunately, the discomfort stems from a UCL injury.

If you need an alternative and aren’t in a position to trade, Matt Strahm could be a readily available and helpful option. Strahm may be a little too low volume for you as he has only thrown 13.3 IP in the last month with a decent stack of relievers ahead of him. However, he has a 2.02 ERA and 0.93 FIP along with those innings.

Bo Bichette (SS, TOR)

Bo Bichette sustained a right quad strain that put him on the IL retroactive to August 28. Thankfully, Bichette had an MRI that did not show any structural damage. He is expected to return on or around September 7.

If you need to pick up someone for your roster for extra coverage, Luis Rengifo is potentially available in your league. Rengifo is 79% rostered and hitting .340/.412/.557  with 5 HR in his last 120 PA.

Matt Chapman (3B, TOR)

Another unfortunate addition to the Blue Jay’s IL is Matt Chapman. Chapman is dealing with a minor issue: a sprained right middle finger sustained after jamming his finger in the weight room a few months ago. Like Bichette, Chapman is eligible to return September 7.

Santiago Espinal has been covering 3B in Chapman’s absence. Espinal is widely available, but he is only hitting .213/.280/.255 in his last 52 PA.

The real stories here are Davis Schneider and Ernie Clement. Since Chapman’s injury, Davis Schneider has been back in the line-up after a fantastic August debut followed by a decline. Since Schneider’s return, he has hit .529/.619/1.235 with 3 HR and 4 BB in his last 17 AB. Streamer has Schneider projected to decline over the rest of the season, but we have already witnessed history as Schneider captured the best OPS through a hitter’s first 14 career games in AL history.

Schneider is not the only burgeoning player for the Blue Jays. When Matt Chapman moved to the IL, Ernie Clement was recalled. In his last 18 AB across 16 games, Clement has hit .444/.450/.500 with 3 RBIs and 1 SB. While you may not be looking to take a risk in your league, both players are certainly compelling to follow.

Jake Cronenworth (INF, SDP)

Cronenwroth sustained a fractured wrist after being HBP by Brewer Andrew Chafin. Ouch!

Cronenworth won’t need surgery, but there is also a chance he won’t return this season. If he does, it will likely be close to the end of the season. So, do you need a replacement? The aforementioned Davis Schneider could be an option here.

Additionally, I am not sure I would recommend it, and I am only really bringing it up as a matter of public interest, but Elvis Andrus has been on a roll in the last month. Maybe he heard the screams of throngs of people wanting him waived. However, Andrus hit .333/.357.531 with 5 SB in his last 81 AB. Based on projections and, let’s be real, the rest of the year(s), this is most likely a fluke.

Yu Darvish (SP, SDP)

In another loss for the Dads, Yu Darvish hit the IL with right elbow inflammation from a bone spur. It is possible he won’t pitch again this season considering where the Dads stand in the playoff run.

So, you’re looking for another starting pitcher? Like many other pitchers that wind up at the Dodgers, Ryan Yarbrough is having himself a go. In his last 26.3 IP, Yarbrough has a 1.71 ERA. He has a 3.03 FIP, but he is probably still figuring things out with the Dodgers. Even if you don’t need a replacement for Darvish, Yarbrough would be nice to have on your roster.

Tony Gonsolin (SP, LAD)

First, I am so sorry for the terrible title I made for this article. Second, Tony Gonsolin will be out for the rest of the season after having Tommy John surgery. He joins the growing list of players’ with UCL injuries. Luckily, it is the end of the season and the time to sustain these injuries is limited.

Gonsolin shared that he had been pitching through a UCL tear, which he and the Dodgers knew about since June. That explains why 2023 is Gonsolin’s worst season of his career thus far.

With those numbers, you likely didn’t have Gonsolin on your roster. If you did, this is another place where Ryan Yarbrough could be useful on your roster.

Erik Swanson (RP, TOR)

The Blue Jays lose their setup man to the IL for thoracic spine inflammation. He is not eligible to return until September 11. It is a tough loss as the Blue Jays work towards the playoffs. Jordan Hicks, Jordan Romano, Yimi Garcia, and Tim Mayza are still in the rotation for Toronto.

If you need an alternative, JoJo Romero has been on a roll the last month. In 15.3 IP, Romero has a 2.35 ERA with a 0.36 FIP. Impressively he has 22 strikes and only 1 walk.

Other Injuries

Here are some players that you are less likely to have on your roster.

  • Brennan Bernardino (RP, BOS), COVID
  • Jarren Duran (OF, BOS), toe surgery
  • Hunter Greene (SP, CIN), COVID (not an unimportant injury, but he is eligible to return September 2)
  • Adrian Houser (SP, MIL), elbow effusion
  • Matt McLain (INF, CIN), strained oblique
  • Pablo Reyes (INF, BOS), elbow discomfort
  • Chase Silseth (P, LAA), concussion
  • Erik Swanson (RP, TOR), thoracic spine inflammation
  • Freddy Tarnok (P, OAK), hip surgery out for the season
  • Andrew Vasquez (RP, DET), strained calf
  • Steven Wilson (RP, SDP), hip inflammation

And you know what? I have some injury updates for you too:

  • Jake Fraley (RF, CIN), returning this weekend
  • Jonathan India (2B, CIN), may begin rehab assignment next week
  • Jarred Kelenic (LF, SEA), started rehab assignment
  • John Means (SP, BAL), return imminent
  • Lars Nootbaar (CF, STL), he’s back, baby!
  • Cal Quantrill (SP, CLE), started rehab
  • Ranger Suarez (SP, PHI), may be back this weekend
  • Matt Thaiss (C, LAA), further testing showed no structural issues with his shoulder; no timeline for return yet

How are things going for your team as we head into the end of the season? How have you adapted through your latest injuries as options dwindle? Hit me up in the comments or on Twitter (@Keelin_12ft).

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