Eloy Jimenez has all the talent in the world, doesn’t he? When he’s healthy and “on” he often reminds me of the great Manny Ramirez – loose, smooth, and confident. But can Eloy ever stay on the field with any consistency at this point? This week it’s a hamstring injury – always a giant red flag – and he’s expected to be out until at least April 19. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Let’s dive in and take a look at some of the other unfortunate injuries around the league.
Darick Hall, Phillies: Hall was rumored to have a sprained thumb, but it turns out he tore a ligament that will require surgery to fix. Hall is optimistic about returning this season but this puts a serious dent in his ROY chances.
Omar Narvaez, Mets: Omar has strained his calf, causing a trip to the IL. The Mets have since called up talented prospect, Francisco Alvarez.
Kyle Bradish, Orioles: This hard-throwing youngster is expected to be out until at least April 19 with a foot injury. This is a temporary killer for the Orioles, as Bradish is one of the most promising young arms in their stable. Offseason acquisitions Kyle Gibson and Cole Irvin will have to help pick up the slack in the meantime.
Aaron Ashby, Brewers: This promising young talent is expected to be out until at least September 1 with a long-term shoulder injury. Ashby is one of the up-and-comers for the Brewers, and it would have been nice to see what he could do alongside greats like Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff. Alas, we’ll meet again in the future.
Justin Verlander, Mets: I’m sure you already knew about this one, but one of the best pitchers of his generation is expected to be out until at least April 25 with a shoulder injury. Verlander is 40 years old, so how confident can we be in a strong return? As a Mets fan, I know I’m not overly optimistic in this instance.
Dylan Moore, Mariners: This athletic super utility man is expected to be out until at least April 14 with an oblique injury. Moore has always flashed impressive natural ability, but will he ever put it together as a consistent producer at the Major League level?
Max Fried, Braves: Like the aforementioned Verlander, I’m sure you’ve heard about Max’s hamstring injury already. One of the best lefties in the game is expected to be out until at least April 15 – but never fear! The Braves are rollin’ in his absence, with immensely talented arms like Spencer Strider, Bryce Elder, and Jared Shuster (just recalled).
Johnny Cueto, Marlins: One of the craftiest starting pitchers in the game is out until at least April 19 with a biceps injury. When you pay for veteran arms heading toward the end of their career (see also: Verlander), this is what you get, unfortunately.
Joey Wendle, Marlins: This valuable super utility man is expected to be out until at least April 17 with a rib injury. It’s back-to-basics base hits in Miami this year, with Wendle joined by Luis Arraez and Jean Segura on the Marlins’ interesting roster.
Paul Blackburn, Athletics: Oakland’s errrr, ace? (Yikes) is out until at least April 21 with a finger injury. I think the first half of last season was about the best we’ll ever see from Blackburn. His pure stuff doesn’t justify the start he got off to last year.
Mitch Haniger, Giants: San Francisco’s “prized” offseason acquisition is hurt… again. Haniger is like the aforementioned Eloy Jimenez in this way. Mitch is out until at least April 15 with an oblique injury. Upon return, he’ll probably get hurt three or four more times this season.
Adam Wainwright, Cardinals: One of the best two-way pitchers of his generation is out until at least April 21 with a groin injury. Forty-one years old with a groin injury? Nah, I’m not touchin’ Wainwright in DFS this year.
As always, I wish you the best of luck this fantasy baseball season!
John Frascella is a published baseball author who has been covering the game for nearly 20 years. Follow him on Twitter @LegendSports7 for all things fantasy baseball, football and basketball throughout the year.
