This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
When Tatis initially injured his shoulder in early April I warned the joint would likely be an issue all season. The glenohumeral joint (the ball-and-socket joint) of the shoulder is highly mobile but stability is sacrificed to allow for the extra movement. Once one of the stabilizing structures, the labrum in Tatis' case, becomes compromised, the odds of re-injury or aggravation are elevated. Tatis has already endured multiple subluxations or partial dislocations and appeared to have once again irritated the area after diving to make a catch. Fortunately, the rising superstar returned to action Monday after sitting out Sunday's contest. I'll repeat my earlier sentiment that the shoulder will be a lingering concern until he has the problem surgically repaired, hopefully in the offseason. For now, continue to utilize Tatis as you normally would with the understanding that his MVP-caliber production comes with an elevated level of associated risk.
The Rays right-hander is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) as well as a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. The UCL is the ligament infamously repaired in Tommy John surgery, though Tampa will see if a nonsurgical approach will return positive results before they send Glasnow under the knife.
The success of a nonsurgical approach likely will be linked to the amount of the ligament that's damaged. A partial tear indicates individual fibers of the ligament have frayed, but how many fibers remains the big question.
When Tatis initially injured his shoulder in early April I warned the joint would likely be an issue all season. The glenohumeral joint (the ball-and-socket joint) of the shoulder is highly mobile but stability is sacrificed to allow for the extra movement. Once one of the stabilizing structures, the labrum in Tatis' case, becomes compromised, the odds of re-injury or aggravation are elevated. Tatis has already endured multiple subluxations or partial dislocations and appeared to have once again irritated the area after diving to make a catch. Fortunately, the rising superstar returned to action Monday after sitting out Sunday's contest. I'll repeat my earlier sentiment that the shoulder will be a lingering concern until he has the problem surgically repaired, hopefully in the offseason. For now, continue to utilize Tatis as you normally would with the understanding that his MVP-caliber production comes with an elevated level of associated risk.
The Rays right-hander is out for the foreseeable future after suffering a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) as well as a flexor strain in his throwing elbow. The UCL is the ligament infamously repaired in Tommy John surgery, though Tampa will see if a nonsurgical approach will return positive results before they send Glasnow under the knife.
The success of a nonsurgical approach likely will be linked to the amount of the ligament that's damaged. A partial tear indicates individual fibers of the ligament have frayed, but how many fibers remains the big question.
In the meantime, Glasnow will be shut down for an extended period of time and begin treatment that likely will include physical therapy and a potential biologic treatment like platelet-rich-plasm (PRP) injections. Former Yankees pitcher Masahiro Tanaka had success with a similar approach back in 2014 and was sidelined just over 10 weeks. If Glasnow does not show signs of improvement and needs to undergo surgery, then he will miss the remainder of the season and likely most, if not all, of the 2022 season.
As far as Glasnow's belief that MLB's crackdown on applying illegal substances to baseballs attributed to his injury, I'm taking a bit of a wait-and-see approach. His logic does make sense, as forearm and elbow injuries can occur with the tightening or alteration of a pitcher's grip, but an isolated incident isn't certain proof. Instead, I'll be closely tracking the overall number of elbow and forearm injuries over the next weeks and months to see if the frequency does become elevated.
Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy and Corey Seager
Help is on the way for the Dodgers as they look to chase the Giants from the top of the NL West standings. Bellinger, out since June 11 with a hamstring strain, is expected to rejoin the team at some point this week, perhaps as early as Tuesday. Bellinger's return will be a welcome site for fantasy teams as well, though managers should be prepared for the 2019 NL MVP to receive routine days off as the team works him back into things.
Muncy is also slated to return this week after missing time with an oblique strain. The 30-year-old infielder has progressed nicely through his rehab protocol and should be inserted back into lineups regardless of format.
As for Seager, the Dodgers shortstop could begin a rehab assignment by the end of the week as his fractured hand reportedly held up well after he returned to batting practice. Seager has not played since suffering a fifth metacarpal fracture in his right hand on May 15.
The speedy Royals shortstop is on the IL for the third time this season, this time with a left oblique strain. He has previously missed time with a hamstring strain and an oblique strain on the opposite side of his ribcage.
Mondesi's previous injury may have contributed to this latest ailment, as the obliques often function with their counterparts on the opposite side of the body. The obliques are divided into two distinct groups, the internal and external obliques. Together they work with the contralateral (opposite) group located on the opposite side of the ribcage to complete trunk rotation. For example, the left internal obliques contract along with the right external obliques during trunk movement. If Mondesi's right side was still functionally limited, it could have influenced his new strain.
Look for him to miss another extended period of time, likely multiple weeks recovering. Nicky Lopez likely will takeover at shortstop and look to extend his recent hot streak. He is batting .588 with a 1.220 OPS in his five most recent starts.
Check Swings
Alex Bregman: The Astros will be without Bregman for an undetermined amount of time after the third baseman suffered a left quadriceps strain. Lower extremity strains remain a major issue in baseball this season, and now another player is set to miss time. Bregman's timeline will be dictated by the degree of the strain, and while Houston has yet to reveal those specifics, pessimistic comments from manager Dusty Baker and Bregman insinuate it is a more moderate injury. Look for Bregman's absence to extend beyond the minimum 10 days.
Josh Donaldson: The veteran third baseman is once again managing a problem with his historically problematic calf. Donaldson has missed four straight outings, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him end up on the IL given his lengthy injury history.
Max Scherzer: The Nationals plan on starting Scherzer Tuesday against the Phillies. Scherzer, out with a groin strain, completed his bullpen session over the weekend and reported no setbacks. Based on his progression, it is clear the injury was mild, and the team's decision to place him on the IL was precautionary to insure his long-term health. Activate him and hope the proactive approach to treatment was as successful as it appears.
Mike Trout: While the Angels All-Star remains a ways away, the latest update from the team is encouraging. Trout has yet to jog as he rehabs his strained calf, but he remains in line to return from the IL shortly after the All-Star break. I will caution calf injuries can be fickle, but no news is good news for now.
