We might be entering the home stretch of the 2016 baseball season, but there is still much to be decided. Not only are the pennant races beginning to heat up, things on the fantasy front are getting tense as well. If you are an avid player and have stashed players currently on the designated injury list, it is time to take a close look. There are quite a few players set to return for the final months, and they could have a dramatic effect on the eventual outcome of the 2016 fantasy season. Let’s take a quick look at some of the more notable players set to return soon.
Gavin Floyd – With the Blue Jays in the thick of the postseason race, the loss of any pitcher is noticeably felt. Floyd is out with a torn right lat, but the club is hopeful for a September return. Having just recently been transferred to the 60-day DL on July 23, he might have long since been scratched from many fantasy rosters. If he is stashed on yours, there is still hope that he could return to put up some good numbers.
Matt Carpenter – Many fantasy fans were probably licking their wounds with the announcement of Matt Carpenter being placed on the 15-day DL with a right oblique strain. All indications are, however, that he is recovering nicely and is already completing a rehab assignment in Double A. He could be back in the lineup for the Cardinals as early as August 5th, which will be a welcome relief. He is batting .298 with 14 home runs.
Jose Reyes – Reyes is a recent placement on the designated list, and is likely one that impacts many fantasy rosters. He has a left intercostal strain, but a hopeful August 11th return to the Mets seems likely. Even if that is extended, he should be back for the Mets final run at the postseason. He is a solid addition to most fantasy rosters, with his .239 batting average, so he should be good to hold on to.
Zack Wheeler – Wheeler was long ago stashed on many fantasy rosters, as he has been on the DL for the entire season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. He has recently began facing live batters, however, and is slated for a late August return. If he is still on your roster, you might hold onto him and his career 3.50 ERA.
Stephen Drew – Drew is a solid performer, so he is a good stash on any fantasy roster. When he was placed on the 15-day DL, he had a batting average of .262 to go with his 7 home runs. He is said to be suffering from vertigo and schedule for a mid-August return. He should be a solid contributor down the home stretch.
This is not an exhaustive list of the players set to return from the DL in the next two months, but it is enough to get you started on your final roster adjustments. These are the players on clubs still in the pennant race, so you can count on their return if it is all possible and safe.
