Injury Update: Top Hitters
By Bill Pivetz
Mar 8, 2015; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera (24) works out before a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Yesterday, I updated fantasy owners on the health of some of the game’s top pitchers. Today, we focus on the bats. There are less injuries that occur to batters than they do to pitchers. Hitters can pull a hamstring or break a bone and miss a few weeks. Pitchers can tear a ligament in their arm and miss 18 months. Granted, a hitter can miss multiple months, but it’s very rare. With that being said, here are the injury update for some the league’s best hitters.
More from Fantasy Baseball
- 5 fantasy baseball waiver wire pivots to replace Triston McKenzie
- Fantasy baseball mock draft 2023, 12-team: Aaron Judge over Trea Turner?
- 3 fantasy baseball sleepers being drafted too late
- NBA DFS picks December 25: Merry Bucking Christmas
- Fantasy Baseball: Hot pitchers worthy of starting this weekend
Cabrera has been one of the most consistent hitters in the game. He has played in at least 148 games since 2004. Last year, he played in 159, but was dealing with minor injuries throughout the season, resulting in just 25 home runs. He underwent foot surgery in October. He made his Spring Training debut on Sunday as the DH. Manager Brad Ausmus said there is a “better than 50 percent chance” he will be ready by Opening Day. Cabrera is still one of the game’s best hitters, but with age and injuries catching up, He may fall to the second round.
Encarnacion has stepped up to be one of the game’s best power hitters in recent years. He missed a week of Spring Training with back soreness. After hitting off a tee last week, he began his comeback in the minor leagues and should see some Grapefruit league action on Thursday. He doesn’t appear concerned about the injury and plans on being ready for Opening Day. A back injury could hurt Encarnacion’s swing. With all the twisting and turning the body goes through when swinging a bat, if this injury lingers, he could see a drop in power production.
The spring hasn’t been as good for Ellsbury. He is hitting .222 with just one RBI and has been shut down for 10 days with an oblique injury on March 18. He has yet to test it by swinging a bat or throwing a ball. He is running, but not doing many other baseball activities. Both he and manager Joe Girardi feel that Ellsbury is progressing great, but still no timetable for his return. Ellsbury is a top-20 outfielder being drafted in the fourth round. If he does begin the season on the DL, he could fall to the fifth or sixth round. He is a big question mark heading into Opening Day.
After a breakout 2014 season, Rendon’s 2015 Spring Training has been cut short with a sprained knee ligament. He was finally cleared for baseball activities on Sunday, allowing him to throw and run. He is still dealing with soreness and remains without a timetable for his return. Rendon not feeling 100 percent puts his Opening Day status in jeopardy. Rendon is a top 50 pick. However, just like with Ellsbury, if he starts the season on the DL, his ADP can drop another round or two.