Fantasy Baseball Injury Report April 4: Evan Longoria, Andrew McCutchen and More

Another day, plenty of more injury news to report.  Let’s take a look at the latest from around the diamond:

Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay Rays

So much for the hope of Longoria avoiding the DL, huh?  Now on the DL, he’s going to be out a few weeks due to his strained left oblique.  Sean Rodriguez is going to replace him at 3B, making him a solid option for those in deeper formats.  He is already eligible at 2B and OF and brings the potential for speed and power.  Yes, there is the threat for a low batting average, but the risk is worth the potential reward for those in deeper formats.

Andrew McCutchen, Pittsburgh Pirates

Chris Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (click here for the article) is reporting that a stiff neck caused McCutchen to be scratched from Sunday’s lineup.  He says that “McCutchen said he injured the neck on Saturday as he was diving for a ball in the outfield. He landed on the Wrigley Field grass, likening the grass to cement.” 

It doesn’t sound like the injury is serious and it wouldn’t be shocking to see him return to the lineup in the next day or so.  Monitor the pregame lineup if you are in a daily format, but there’s certainly no reason to panic.

David Aardsma, Seattle Mariners

Shannon Drayer of ESPN Seattle (via Twitter) quoted Aardsma as saying he was “Lights out. Last ten I really let it go” in a bullpen session.  The only reason fantasy owner’s care is that he will likely step back into the role of Mariners closer when healthy.  Once he loses that job (and it feels fairly inevitable, doesn’t it), he will become fantasy irrelevant.

Jake Peavy, Chicago White Sox

Mark Gonzales (via Twitter) reported, “Peavy 4 innings, 59 pitches, no problems in simulated game in Glendale.”  No word on the White Sox' exact plans, but you would think he’ll need a few rehab appearances and then he should be ready to return barring a setback.  Just keep him on the bench, but he has the potential to reward owners who took the gamble on him.

Brian Matusz, Baltimore Orioles

He has officially hit the DL due to a strained intercostal muscle.  He should be out a few weeks, so just stash him for now and wait for him to be ready to return.  Zack Britton certainly looked like a viable alternative, didn’t he?

Frank Francisco, Toronto Blue Jays

According to John Lott (via Twitter), Francisco could “pitch in Thurs. game in Dunedin.”  That means his return could be close and the opportunity to get much value out of Jon Rauch could be dwindling.

Zack Greinke, Milwaukee Brewers

According to mlblogs.com (click here for the article), “Zack Greinke took part in an aggressive throwing session for the second straight day Sunday and could throw off a mound during a weeklong homestand that begins Monday.”  While he’s still a little ways away, hitting the mound is a big step towards his Brewers debut.  Just sit tight for now, as when healthy, Greinke has the potential to be one of the elite in the game.

Johnny Damon, Tampa Bay Rays

He was a late scratch due to a tight right calf, according to Marc Topkin (via Twitter).  While he didn’t appear in yesterday’s game, there were rumors that he may have been available.  Those in daily leagues should move him to the bench, but he shouldn’t miss much time.

Jair Jurrjens, Atlanta Braves

According to Dave O’Brien (via Twitter), “Jurrjens isn’t scheduled to come off DL to start until April 16; will start April 11 for Triple-A Gwinnett.”  Not a huge loss for fantasy owners.  Mike Minor has been recalled to take his spot in the rotation and is a must own in all NL-only formats.  He made quick work of the minor leagues with a 3.09 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 10.94 K/9 and if he pitches well, he could supplant Brandon Beachy in the Braves rotation.

Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies 

According to David Murphy of The Philadelphia Daily News (click here for the article), “Victorino said he expects to be in the lineup on Tuesday, when the Phillies open a three-game series against the Mets. They are off on Monday.”  It’s good news, but those in daily formats will want to confirm that he’s in the pregame lineup before putting him back in (though he did appear in yesterday’s game, helping to ease some concerns).  The article also notes that “Victorino still feels some tightness in the calf,” so don’t consider it a lock that he plays.

What are your thoughts on these news items?  Which injury concerns you most?  Which concerns you least?

For more stories around the league, make sure to check out this morning’s Around the Majors, looking at Jaime Garcia’s gem, Joe Nathan’s struggles and more by clicking here.

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