Fantasy Baseball Week 1 Injury Report

The 2016 regular season just begun, but there are already some big names dealing with some injuries. Here is the Week 1 injury report.

As if the injuries that happened throughout Spring Training weren’t enough, we’ve been graced with injuries to some big-name players. Luckily, most of them are minor and the players are listed day-to-day. In the meantime, you should look to your bench and waiver wire for a short-term replacement. So, here is the Week 1 injury recap.

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Josh Donaldson: Donaldson left Wednesday’s game in the seventh inning. It was later revealed that he is dealing with a calf strain. He shouldn’t be out of action too long, but the Toronto Blue Jays shouldn’t push him too quick to action this early in the season. However, early reports say that he will be back in time for the Blue Jays home opener on Friday against the Boston Red Sox. A confirmation should be available closer to game time.

Donaldson is hitting well so far this season. He is hitting .250 with two home runs and four RBI.

If you own Donaldson, like I do, there’s nothing you should be worried about. If he plays Friday, you start him. If not, then leave him on your bench and fill in his spot with someone else. He won’t be placed on the disabled list for this injury.

Adam Jones: Reports surfaced that Jones will not play on Thursday as he is dealing with an oblique injury. That injury will definitely affect one’s swing. Baltimore Orioles Manager Buck Showalter disputed the report and said Jones has soreness in his ribs.

Jones said he felt discomfort in his final at bat in Wednesday’s game. Joey Rickard will take his place in center field and hit leadoff against the Minnesota Twins. Jones is 2-for-10 with two RBI this season.

Just like with Donaldson, Jones is optimistic that he’ll be ready to return for Friday’s game. Keep checking the lineup and injury reports with up-to-date news. If he feels any more discomfort during warm ups, he’ll likely be out Friday, too.

Howie Kendrick: Kendrick hasn’t played a game so far this season. That could come to an end early next week. He began on the DL with a calf injury. He began batting practice on Monday and played in a simulated game on Wednesday. He is scheduled to play in three rehab games, beginning on Thursday.

Kendrick is scheduled to be with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday for the team’s home opener, Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports. He hit .295 with nine home runs and 54 RBI in 2015. He will be a nice boost to the Dodgers lineup, although they may not need it considering how well they started the season.

Kendrick is currently owned in 52.8 percent of ESPN leagues. He’s been dropped in 8.6 percent of them. Once he’s activated, his ownership percentage should get back to the 60-65 percent range. He finished as the No. 12 second baseman last season. If he’s able to come back next week, he’ll have a great chance to have a repeat performance.

Next: Aaron Sanchez: Waiver Wire Target

The 2016 season is still young, but the injuries are eye-opening. While they may seem small now, they could have lingering affects later in the season. The Donaldson and Jones injuries should just be a one-day deal. The latter could be longer if he strains it during batting practice Friday afternoon.

Regardless, it’s important to keep tabs on injuries no matter how small so you can get a leg up on the No. 1 player on the waiver wire as a replacement.