This article is part of our Fantasy Baseball Injury Report series.
Jose Fernandez
After missing the first 69 games of the season recovering from 2014 Tommy John surgery, Fernandez appeared to be back to his old self, putting together a 4-0 record with a 2.30 ERA and 53 strikeouts through seven starts. Unfortunately, returning to his previous ways may not have actually been a good thing. The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year has displayed dominant stuff this season but his pitching mechanics appear to have remained the same. If the manner in which Fernandez delivers the ball was in any way involved in the breakdown of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, resuming the same approach on the mound would leave him susceptible to both elbow and shoulder problems. Sadly, a new injury sustained over the weekend suggests that is precisely the situation.
Fernandez was diagnosed with a right biceps strain over the weekend and is headed for the 15-day disabled list. While most people associate the biceps with elbow flexion, this is without a question a shoulder injury. As its name suggests, the biceps is a two-headed muscle that originates at two locations on the scapula or shoulder blade. The short head of the muscle attaches to the shoulder blade at a hook-like projection known as the coracoid while the long head attaches to the supraglenoid tubercle near the "socket" of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. Furthermore, the long head runs into joint and helps stabilize the head of the humerus during motion. As
Jose Fernandez
After missing the first 69 games of the season recovering from 2014 Tommy John surgery, Fernandez appeared to be back to his old self, putting together a 4-0 record with a 2.30 ERA and 53 strikeouts through seven starts. Unfortunately, returning to his previous ways may not have actually been a good thing. The 2013 National League Rookie of the Year has displayed dominant stuff this season but his pitching mechanics appear to have remained the same. If the manner in which Fernandez delivers the ball was in any way involved in the breakdown of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow, resuming the same approach on the mound would leave him susceptible to both elbow and shoulder problems. Sadly, a new injury sustained over the weekend suggests that is precisely the situation.
Fernandez was diagnosed with a right biceps strain over the weekend and is headed for the 15-day disabled list. While most people associate the biceps with elbow flexion, this is without a question a shoulder injury. As its name suggests, the biceps is a two-headed muscle that originates at two locations on the scapula or shoulder blade. The short head of the muscle attaches to the shoulder blade at a hook-like projection known as the coracoid while the long head attaches to the supraglenoid tubercle near the "socket" of the ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder. Furthermore, the long head runs into joint and helps stabilize the head of the humerus during motion. As a result, the biceps is extremely important in pitching, specifically during the late cocking and deceleration phases of delivery. Any excessive motion that effects timing or muscle activation during the pitching process would put undue stress on both the shoulder and the elbow, leaving them vulnerable to a breakdown.
Fernandez's track record over the past few seasons suggests something is amiss. As a result, he will carry a major medical red flag moving forward. Miami has left the door open at a possible return this season but it's hard to imagine the Marlins rushing him back with little to play for, even if a mechanical flaw isn't the culprit behind the injuries. Consequently, his fantasy value in one year formats AND keeper leagues takes a hit. Fernandez has electric stuff but is no good to anyone if he can't stay healthy.
Check Swings
Mookie Betts
Betts has completed a rehab assignment and the league-mandated concussion protocol, and he is expected to be activated from the 7-day DL on Tuesday. Betts went 2-for-4 with a home run in his one-game appearance with Double-A Portland and can safely be reinserted into fantasy lineups.
The 2012 Triple Crown winner is nearing the final stages of his rehab protocol for his calf strain. He is scheduled to run the bases and take batting practice Tuesday, a major hurdle in his recovery. The calf plays a crucial role in acceleration and running, and completing these tasks without any pain or a significant setback would be a good sign Cabrera's nearing a return. The Tigers haven't announced whether or not he will head out on a rehab assignment so it's safe to keep him benched for at least one more week.
Edwin Encarnacion
The Blue Jays slugger was held out of Sunday's win over the Yankees with soreness and tenderness in his left middle finger. The team doesn't appear overly alarmed and is optimistic that a scheduled off day Monday will allow him to return to the lineup.
Alex Gordon
The Royals admitted the earliest Gordon will begin a rehab assignment is late August, with a September return still likely. Gordon has not played since suffering a Grade 3 groin strain on July 8. Stash him if you can but teams scrambling for points or playoff positioning would be wise to consider cutting him loose.
Derek Holland
Holland threw 53 pitches Sunday in a rehab start for Double-A Frisco, allowing three runs on seven hits with five strikeouts and one walk in 3.1 innings, and he is scheduled to pitch for the Roughriders again Friday. Holland has not pitched in the big leagues since suffering a subscapularis strain in his first start of the season. He has progressed steadily through his recovery program and could be a solid late-season addition if he can continue to improve. He may be at least two weeks away but add him to your watch list if you need some help in your rotation.
George Springer
The Astros outfielder isn't slated to see a physician until later this week as his fractured wrist continues to heal. In the meantime, Springer has been able to maintain his conditioning, which could allow him to avoid a rehab assignment. Still, I will feel more confident about a potential return when I see him shed is removable cast and take batting practice on consecutive days.
Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton is another outfielder attempting to come back from a wrist injury. He has not played since June 26 when he suffered a fractured hamate bone. The issue was treated surgically and the recovery has continued at a pace slower than he anticipated. However, he hasn't suffered a true setback and still plans on returning this season. The required surgery has a high success rate and Stanton should be fine upon his return.
David Wright
The Mets captain will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with Class-A St. Lucie. Wright, working his way back from hamstring issues linked to lumbar stenosis in his back, will DH in his first game before taking the field Tuesday. The rehab assignment will likely last until the weekend but it's hard to determine what Wright will be able to contribute when he returns to the big leagues. The surging Mets finished the week atop the National League East and don't have the luxury of slotting Wright at DH. Expect him to receive routine days off, meaning his risk will be high AND playing time could be sporadic.
