David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 27, 2023
Posted in
The NL MVP front runner will start the year on the shelf because of an oblique strain.
However, the oblique strain is said to be mild and is in the right side, which is less serious for left-handed hitters.
He should be able to return at the end of April or early May at the latest.
It may seem like a no-brainer, but don't be afraid of drafting Soto at his high ADP.
Although Altuve will miss close to two months after his thumb fracture in the WBC, he will have plenty of opportunities to produce once back in the lineup.
Recovery for his thumb fracture is also reliable, thus he shouldn’t have any setbacks.
The 32-year-old hit .300 with a .387 on-base percentage, 28 home runs and 18 stolen bases in 141 games last season.
The Yankees lefty has been elite when healthy, but he starts the year on the injured list with a forearm strain.
While forearm strains can lead to the dreaded two-letter surgery, Rodon’s issue is on the other side of the forearm and does not involve his UCL.
The team is smartly being cautious by not letting him pitch through the issue and he should have no trouble ramping up when ready. With luck he could be fully stretched out by mid-May.
Although he has a checkered injury history with his right arm dating back to last season, the Astros righty is dealing with a low-grade forearm strain unrelated to his 2019 Tommy John surgery.
He will begin the season on the 15-day IL, but should be back in late April or early May.
When healthy his stats speak for themselves. He owns a career 3.48 ERA and had a 4-2 record with a 2.27 ERA in 8 starts last season.
McCullers also finished seventh in Cy Young voting in 2021 with a 3.16 ERA in 28 starts.
The bad news: the Yankees outfielder will miss at least the first month and a half with an oblique strain.
The good news: he is likely worth the wait and will join a high-powered Yankees offense that needs him everyday in center field.
Despite battling non-Hodkins Lymphoma during the offseason, Hendricks appears to be in a position to contribute sooner rather than later for the Chicago White Sox.
He has one final hurdle to clear before beginning the ramp-up process, according to teammate Lance Lynn.
While the return timeline remains murky for the 34-year-old, his recovery so far has exceeded expectations.
The Australian closer had 37 saves last season with 85 strikeouts in 57.2 innings and a 2.81 ERA.
The much-hyped Japanese outfielder didn’t have the season everyone anticipated in 2022 and will start the season on the shelf with an oblique injury. However, Suzuki provides a ton of upside as a power and speed threat.
In 111 games, Suzuki hit .262 with 14 home runs, 46 RBIs and a .336 on-base percentage.
His oblique injury will likely keep him out until mid-May but represents a diamond in the rough for fantasy owners who missed out on the top outfielders.
Written by David Chao, MD
