Albert Pujols
The Angels slugger is expected to take over as the team's everyday designated hitter after reoccurring pain in his right foot has become too limiting. The team has yet to diagnosis the injury though Pujols has battled plantar fasciitis in his opposite foot throughout his career. He has pinpointed the problem to the area around his second toe and a MRI is scheduled for Monday.

Even if plantar fasciitis isn't the issue, there's another reason to fear this ailment. The three-time NL MVP has already admitted the foot injury has had a cascade effect on his surgically repaired right knee, causing him to experience pain and soreness in the joint. Factor in Pujols' August slump and it's quickly becoming a situation that may be difficult for fantasy owners to manage. Hopefully by limiting his activity and preventing him from playing defense, the Angels medical staff will be able to get ahead of the associated symptoms on both the knee and foot. However, it looks as though Pujols will be a precarious play moving forward. Look for the MRI results to be released sometime Monday afternoon, allowing for a bit more insight into the long-term ramifications. C.J. Cron will take over at first base and could be a nice short-term replacement as he has hit .300 with nine RBI over the last eight games.

Alex Rios
The Royals outfielder missed his eighth straight game Sunday after contracting the varicella-zoster virus, more commonly known as chickenpox. Chickenpox is highly contagious and Kansas City relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera also contracted the virus. The infected individual initially suffers from flu-like symptoms including fever, fatigue and overall body soreness before developing an irritating rash marked by itchy, red blisters. Once you have had the chicken pox virus, your body will develop its own immunity to the infection. Furthermore, most people born within the U.S. are now vaccinated at a young age to help prevent the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, not all countries outside the U.S. are able to offer an immunization program and foreign-born players like Herrera, who is from the Dominican Republic, never received the chickenpox vaccine and are susceptible to contracting the infection. Rios, born years before the immunization was widely offered, was never exposed to chickenpox growing up.

While adults run the risk of several complications, both Rios and Herrera are improving and were able to participate in light activity over the weekend. Kansas City hopes to bring them back this week. However, fantasy owners should avoid utilizing Rios until he's able to return to everyday activity, which means keeping him inactive for at least another week in weekly formats.

Kyle Schwarber
Schwarber has emerged as a legitimate fantasy weapon after his July call up, hitting 12 home runs with 35 runs scored and 32 RBI. Unfortunately, a rib cage injury has slowed his hot bat and forced him out of three straight games. The Cubs are referring to the injury as a rib cage strain, suggesting it is one of two injuries. The term "ribcage strain" is often used to describe an oblique strain or an intercostal strain. The oblique muscles are located on either side of the rib cage while the intercostals can be found between each individual rib. Both muscles groups are involved in trunk rotation though the intercostals also play a role in elevating and depressing the rib cage. Injuries to either area acts similarly, though intercostal strains generally have a quicker recovery rate.

Given that the Cubs recently referred to Jorge Soler's injury specifically as an oblique strain, it seems likely that Schwarber's injury involves his intercostals. The pain has already become manageable and the rookie is hoping to return during the team's upcoming series against the Cardinals that starts on Monday. However, manager Joe Maddon didn't express the same optimism and admitted the team will handle the situation conservatively. As a result, utilizing Schwarber in weekly leagues isn't advised and those in daily formats should exhibit patience. Veterans David Ross and Miguel Montero will platoon at catcher until Schwarber's return.

Check Swings

Nelson Cruz
The Mariners slugger was able to hit in the batting cage Sunday and hopes to be cleared for running Monday. Cruz, who has not played since suffering a mild quadriceps strain last Wednesday, could be back in the lineup by mid-week if he can perform each activity without any limitation.

Corey Dickerson
Dickerson has endured an injury-filled 2015 season but plans to return Monday against the Padres. He has not played since late July when he fractured multiple ribs. He's performed well on his recent rehab assignment and could be a nice, though risky, play down the stretch.

Billy Hamilton
The speedy outfielder started a rehab assignment over the weekend and could be back with the Reds within the next few days. Cincinnati initially believed Hamilton would only need three games with Double-A Pensacola, putting him line for an early week activation. The shoulder shouldn't affect his ability on the base path and Hamilton should remain a reliable source of stolen bases.

Matt Harvey
The debate surrounding Harvey's usage following Tommy John surgery and a clear pitch limit highlights the importance of communication between a player, the front office and a team's medical staff. The disconnect between the groups is apparent though a compromise could make the initial 180-inning limit discussed a bit more fluid. Harvey says he will pitch in the playoffs and a regular season innings limit will likely be established to make that possible. Unfortunately, this doesn't do much for fantasy owners who could see their rotations altered just in time for the fantasy playoffs. Keep an eye on the situation to see when Harvey will next take the mound and consider bolstering your pitching staff just in case.

Stephen Vogt
The Oakland catcher was sent to the hospital after taking a foul tip to the groin region. Vogt was in a noticeable amount of pain, writhing on the ground following the injury. The extent of the damage was not revealed, though Oakland manager Bob Melvin did mention the possibility of a fracture of some sort. Vogt tweeted a message to fans late Sunday night saying he was feeling better but it looks as though he will miss a few games.

Feeling much better tonight. Thanks @Athletics nation for all your thoughts and kind words! Hopefully be back out there soon!

— Stephen Vogt (@SVogt1229) September 7, 2015