Hello! Today’s fantasy baseball injury report touches on 7 players. I go over who may replace the injured parties and their fantasy potential with an increase in opportunity.
Hitters: Kris Bryant, Hunter Renfroe, Victor Robles, Kyle Farmer, Drew Ellis
Pitchers: Zach Davies, Robert Stephenson
Hitters
Arizona Diamondbacks: Drew Ellis (3B) - Following the injury to Josh Rojas a couple of days ago, the team decided to start Ellis at 3B over Yonny Hernandez. Unfortunately, Ellis would be injured early on last night against the Royals which has tested their depth. Jake Hager played at 3B over Hernandez, despite it not being a position he’s listed under within the depth chart. The three infielders are combined 5/45 (.111), and not worth an add.
Cincinnati Reds: Kyle Farmer (SS/3B) - I feel like this isn’t the first time that Farmer has been sat due to “soreness” this season. He must be working through something that the team simply won’t shut him down with at this time. Matt Reynolds is the only SS left on the MLB roster at the moment, hitting .240 through 50 at bats this season.
Colorado Rockies: Kris Bryant (LF/1B/3B/CF/RF) - It seems that we have a classic case of a player being rushed back to the field too early. Bryant was held out of the lineup yesterday due to a back issue. He just returned from the IL with a back injury. Yonathan Daza should be starting over Sam Hilliard, not the other way around. Daza is underutilized year in/year out with his plus .300 average, going at a .354 rate through 79 at bats. Hilliard doesn’t hit the ball half as often as Daza, but he does provide a bit of speed and power.
Milwaukee Brewers: Hunter Renfroe (RF) - Riding a six-game hit streak, Renfroe was coming in hot to the series against the Padres yesterday. Unfortunately, he was injured against his former team last night, suffering a hamstring issue. Tyrone Taylor and Jace Peterson are the utility options with outfield flexibility. They are similar, combining for 39/175 (.223) at the plate with six home runs. Peterson however provides speed, sitting on six stolen bases already thus far.
Washington Nationals: Victor Robles (CF) - Although he did not start the game against the Dodgers last night, Robles did end up getting in the action. Robles however would not play enough to earn an at bat, leaving with a calf cramp. Lane Thomas has hit .228 this season as a utility outfielder, getting 101 opportunities at the plate.
Pitchers
Arizona Diamondbacks: Zach Davies (SP) - The veteran hurler left his start last night against the Royals after 3.2 innings with a leg injury. He had given up 8 hits prior to his exit. Caleb Smith is the extra arm in the bullpen at the MLB level who could start a game if necessary. Smith has struggled this season, posting a near-7 ERA through 16 innings. The team has a few subpar options in Dan Straily, Tyler Gilbert and Corbin Martin sitting in the minors. I wouldn’t add them, nor Smith for that matter.
Colorado Rockies: Robert Stephenson (RP) - Another day, another player placed into COVID protocol. Stephenson is the next player to be placed into quarantine, unavailable out of the bullpen. Tyler Kinley has been great in relief this season, giving up only one run through 15.1 innings pitched. His WHIP sits under one, and K/9 nearly 10.