Sunday July 26 was a pretty bad day for player injuries and absences. It seemed to all come in an onslaught, capped off with the news that Justin Verlander has a forearm strain and is likely to miss three-plus weeks. Despite the unfortunate news, a fantasy manager is always seeking to capitalize. Here’s the game plan for how to navigate the landmines that were set off today.
As more info becomes available on injury timelines (or more guys go down later on Sunday), I will update.
Justin Verlander
What: forearm strain, re-evaluated in two weeks
Who Benefits: Jose Urquidy was always going to return to the rotation and now they really need him. He’s recovering from the coronavirus and was recently cleared to rejoin the team, so the team still needs a starter for at least two turns. My guess is Cristian Javier could get a spot. He debuted from the pen on Saturday but has been a starter in the minors. He relies on strong sequencing and a funky delivery to keep hitters off balance and rack up the strikeouts. He’d be mixed league worthy if he got the nod. I know we’d all love it if Forrest Whitley would slide in here but the reality is that he actually needs more development. He took a step back in 2019 and isn’t ready for a rotation spot. As for what to do with Verlander, if you’re in 12-teams or shallower cut him. Hold for two weeks elsewhere and then see what the team says.
Ken Giles
What: Elbow soreness, 10-day IL, will undergo MRI
Who Benefits: I don’t know, but us fantasy managers lose. Anthony Bass pitched a clean inning to set up Giles today, but came in the 6th in Giles’ lone save earlier in the year. Rafael Dolis, who was pitching in Japan and hadn’t appeared in a major league game since 2013, originally set up Giles in his save but allowed an earned run on a couple of hits (still got a hold) in the 7th inning today but pitched the 8th in Giles’ only save. I’d go Bass then Dolis in terms of saves preference for now, but worth noting Bass is sitting 93 mph in 2020 after 95 mph in 2019. This could get ugly.
Eloy Jimenez
What: “Light-headedness” after crashing into OF wall
Who Benefits: The hope is Jimenez misses a couple of games at most and avoids any concussion systems. the light hitting Adam Engel, who stepped in and notched three hits on Sunday, should get the bulk of the plate appearances. AL-only and deep league material.
JOHN J. KIM / CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Corey Kluber
What: “Shoulder tightness, Severity of the injury is still unknown at the time of this posting.
Who Benefits: The Rangers’ top level pitching depth is very, very thin. Ariel Jurado stands to gain some starts if Kluber misses too much time. Avoid him and his career 13 K% at all costs. Tyler Phillips can be mildly intriguing in deeper leagues. He’s a command-heavy righty with three average pitches, strong walk rates and who' can eat innings, all of which the Rangers need right now.
Reynaldo Lopez
What: Shoulder soreness, left start early. Reevaluated Monday.
Who Benefits: Michael Ko—damn it. Gio Gonzalez, who pitched 3.2 innings after Lopez left and gave up six runs, should slide in here. Avoid on your teams. I’d love to say Dane Dunning but missing all of 2019 along with only 62 (really good) innings in Double-A feels like it’d be a stretch. On skill alone though, it should be him.
Mike Moustakas
What: Coronavirus, placed on IL
Who Benefits: Josh VanMeter steps in as the everyday guy for Cincinnati. He’s below average in the lash line department (slight boost in OBP leagues) but provides a chance at both modest home runs and steals. Should be rostered considering the park and strong lineup. He hit sixth on Sunday.
Nick Senzel
What: Woke up and didn’t “feel well”
Who Benefits: Considering Moustakas was placed on the IL and Senzel wasn’t, this could just be a one or two day absence. This likely ends up being a mishmash option with Travis Jankowski and Aristedes Aquino getting at bats with other outfield pieces shuffling in and out. Not enough full time at bats to make anyone fantasy worthy.
Marlins COVID-19
What: Jose Ureña, Garrett Cooper, Harold Ramirez all reportedly tested positive for coronavirus.
Who Benefits: Jon Berti becomes an unquestioned everyday player, a big boost for owners seeking steals. Monte Harrison who made loud impressions in Summer Camp — but still struggled with strikeouts — should join the big league club and take some at-bats. He likely isn’t up until Wednesday so the team can gain an additional year of control. Ditto with Jesus Sanchez, who Craig Mish mentioned is another potential option. As for Ureña’s spot, Robert Duggar took the mound today. He’s a backend option at best and provides no fantasy upside. Nick Neidert has a chance to slide in and take the spot, he had an injury shortened 2019 but a strong full year in 2018 in Double-A.