Biggest MLB Injury Insights of Week

Juan Soto - SIC score 94

The Padres left fielder collided with the outfield wall while making a catch in the second inning on Sunday but remained in the game. San Diego has a day off on Monday but expect Soto in the lineup on Tuesday with no limitations.

Aaron Judge - SIC score 43

Our panel of doctors detailed Judge’s recovery timeline here, indicating that the team will have to wait until after the All Star break to get their MVP back.

Manager Aaron Boone was noncommittal when answering whether Judge will return this season. The Pro Baseball Docs assert that Judge will return this season, but having him back before August would be fantastic news at this point.

Yordan Alvarez - SIC score 48

The Houston Astros lefty slugger has not played since suffering an oblique strain on June 8. His reported recovery timeline is 4-6 weeks and currently he’s at nearly three weeks. Alvarez was seen doing some light stretching before a game last Monday, but he’s still a ways out from returning to the defending champions.

Jose Altuve - SIC score 91

Altuve has been plagued by injuries this season, but his latest ailment does not appear serious. Altuve sat during Sunday’s contest with a sore right heel he suffered while beating out a bunt single in Saturday’s game.

By video, the rest appears to be precautionary and Altuve should be trusted in your fantasy lineups this week.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. - SIC score 68

Miami’s flashy second baseman turned outfielder has not played since suffering a turf toe injury in mid-May. He will reportedly need surgery in the offseason to fully heal the injury, but will play through it for the time being. 

Chisholm began a rehab assignment in Triple-A last Tuesday and should be ready to rejoin the big league club this week. There may be some rust associated with his long absence and he’s unlikely to be a stolen base threat the rest of the season, thus it might be smart to keep him on your bench for the moment if you have other options.

Alex Cobb - SIC score 73

Cobb has not pitched since suffering a left oblique strain on June 13. He threw 66 pitches and allowed just one run in a recent rehab start on Saturday, signaling he should be ready to rejoin the rotation some time this week.

The 35-year-old is 5-2 with a 3.09 ERA in 14 starts this season.

Byron Buxton - SIC score 88

Twins’ DH Byron Buxton exited Saturday’s game with back spasms, but was available off the bench on Sunday and made a pinch hit appearance. Manager Rocco Baldelli told reporters that Buxton’s back has been an ongoing issue and he has worn a wrap on his back most of the season.

Although any injury is worrying given Buxton’s history, this issue is on the mild side and can be managed with stretching and heat pads.

Expect Buxton to avoid an IL stint. He appeared fine in his multi-home run game on Thursday.