It is finally here! Opening Day is just a couple of days away, but that does not mean we aren’t still dealing with injuries throughout the league. This latest update will help you adjust your lineups, and see who you could pivot to before the season kicks off.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Josh Rojas (2B,OF) – Oblique
Manager Torey Lovullo said on Sunday that Rojas will be out “weeks, not days” after being diagnosed with a Grade 2 oblique strain. He was slated to begin the season as the starting third baseman for the D-Backs. This injury should open up more playing time for the young prospect Geraldo Perdomo (SS – ARI).
Chicago Cubs
Wade Miley (SP) – Elbow
Miley recently experienced soreness in his throwing elbow that was diagnosed as inflammation. He has been shut down from throwing for 10 days. After already being delayed at the start of camp, Miley is sure to miss the beginning of the season now. Newly signed Drew Smyly (SP,RP – CHC) could now find his way into the Cubs rotation as Miley rehabs.
Chicago White Sox
Lance Lynn (SP) – Knee
Lynn was removed from his last Cactus League start after experiencing pain in his knee. Further testing revealed a slight tear in a tendon and he will undergo surgery to repair it. He is expected to be sidelined for four weeks before being able to begin throwing again. Michael Kopech (SP,RP – CWS) looks more likely to open the season in the White Sox rotation now and should be a viable option for them going into the season.
Detroit Tigers
Andrew Chafin (SP) – Groin
A.J. Hinch reported on Saturday that Chafin is slated to begin the season on the IL after dealing with groin tightness over the past few days. Chafin was brought in to battle for high-leverage, late-inning work in the Tigers bullpen. The closer role is still murky, but Michael Fulmer (SP,RP – DET) and Gregory Soto (RP – DET) look to be the two to get the most chances going forward.
Riley Greene (OF) – Foot
Greene suffered a foot fracture that will now have him returning in approximately six-to-eight weeks. Multiple reports revealed that Greene was slated to make the Opening Day roster for the Tigers, so this injury is a big blow for the No. 4-ranked prospect in baseball.
Derek Hill (OF) – Hamstring
Hill is expected to begin the year on the IL as he continues to deal with a nagging hamstring injury that has shut him down the past couple of days. Hill was in a battle for a starting OF spot with Riley Greene and Victor Reyes (OF – DET). With Greene also suffering an injury, Reyes looks to go into the season on the Tigers’ Opening Day roster.
New York Mets
Jacob deGrom (SP) – Shoulder
deGrom was diagnosed with a stress reaction in his right scapula and will now be shut down for four weeks before he will begin throwing again. After battling elbow issues coming into this season, this is not a great sign for deGrom this season. A mid-June debut is not out of the question now for him. While the Mets have been actively looking to acquire another starter, Tylor Megill (SP – NYM) or David Peterson (SP – NYM) could now find themselves in the mix for a rotation spot.
Max Scherzer (SP) – Hamstring
After having a couple of starts scratched, Scherzer is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Tuesday. Scherzer made it known that this is something he has been able to pitch through in the past, but it is something to monitor heading into the season.
San Diego Padres
Mike Clevinger (SP) – Knee
Clevinger was scratched from his scheduled start on Sunday and will now likely begin the season on the IL. Reports are coming out now that it always seemed as if Clevinger was being rushed back into action after having missed all last season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Newly acquired Sean Manaea (SP – SD) will now take his spot in the rotation. There has not been a timetable revealed for his return.
Seattle Mariners
Ken Giles (RP) – Finger
Looking to return from Tommy John surgery, Giles will now be shut down due to a tendon issue in his middle finger. He was battling for a chance to be the closer for the Mariners this season, and should still get a chance once he returns. Paul Sewald (RP – SEA) and Diego Castillo (RP – SEA) look to be the two late-inning options for the Mariners as the season begins.
Tampa Bay Rays
Austin Meadows (OF) – Quads
Meadows was previously removed from a game due to oblique soreness. Now, he was taken out of Sunday’s action after having experienced tightness in both of his quads. The Rays are taking a “wait and see” approach with Meadows heading into the season. It now seems more likely that he is going to miss Opening Day for the Rays. Recently acquired Harold Ramirez (OF – TB) should now get the chance to find his way onto the Rays’ Opening Day roster.
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Cristian Crespo is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Cristian, check out his archive and follow him @CCres_26.