Here is the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Monday, March 11, 2024. In today’s edition, Devin Williams will be going for a second opinion on a back injury that could have some serious consequences. Also, Gavin Williams will be shut down from throwing for two days after a workout gone wrong. Finally, Edward Cabrera left Sunday’s start before even throwing one pitch due to shoulder stiffness. All of this and more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
Fantrax MLB Injury Report – Monday, March 11, 2024
Devin Williams – RP Milwaukee Brewers
Devin Williams’ last appearance was on March 5 and he has been dealing with back stiffness. He had a MRI this past week and will see a back specialist. He’ll continue with treatment and time off as a precaution.
— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) March 10, 2024
There was another report stating that Williams would be looking for a second opinion on the situation. This would imply that the first opinion was not something that he particularly liked and/or agreed with. Williams will continue to be shut down until the diagnosis is handed down. The news here is quite ominous and fantasy owners should begin looking at alternate options as we head into the season. Joel Payamps and Abner Uribe figure to see some save opportunities due to any Williams absence.
Gavin Williams – SP Cleveland Guardians
Stephen Vogt said Gavin Williams made an awkward throw during his weighted ball routine and felt some discomfort in his elbow, which is why he's not starting today.
Vogt said this is out of an "abundance of caution," and Williams should be throwing again in a couple days.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) March 10, 2024
Manager Stephen Vogt didn’t seem overly concerned about this injury, but it’s still something to monitor. Williams was looking to solidify his role in the Guardians’ rotation this year, so any setback could be a problem. Still, seeing as how this happened during a workout with a weighted ball, there is the likelihood that this blows over in a matter of days. Stay tuned.
David Bednar – RP Pittsburgh Pirates
David Bednar (lat tightness) played catch for a second straight day today. Everything felt good, Derek Shelton reports.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) March 10, 2024
Bednar is slowly progressing through this injury and getting better daily. He maintains that he feels much better and is going to be okay. In the meantime, the team has and will continue to play things safely and slowly with Bednar. They have Aroldis Chapman waiting in the wings who is more than capable of closing games if need be.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is out of the lineup today with a left knee contusion from yesterday’s game.
No tests needed and it’s minor, Schneider said. #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 10, 2024
This is the second injury that Guerrero has experienced since the start of Spring Training with the other being a jammed finger. While this isn’t considered serious at all, it is something to monitor as he has missed time over the years with knee problems. Consider him DTD.
Edward Cabrera – SP Miami Marlins
Per the #Marlins, Edward Cabrera exited today's game due to right shoulder tightness. He was removed for precautionary reasons.
— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) March 10, 2024
The news here is quite disappointing, as Cabrera was having himself a nice Spring Training. With there not being much time before Opening Day, we could see him start the season on the 15-day Injured List in an attempt to allow him to build himself up. In the meantime, the Marlins rotation now finds themselves in a hole with both Cabrera and Braxton Garrett facing time off.
Jameson Taillon – SP Chicago Cubs
Counsell said Jameson Taillon's back is basically feeling the same as yesterday. Wasn't the improvement they hoped for, so they'll run more tests. Opening Day is in jeopardy, but there doesn't seem to be concern for a "long-term absence"
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) March 10, 2024
This is somewhat concerning, in that there was no real improvement from one day to the next. The hope was that Taillon would show something that would lead the team to believe that he could throw a Spring Training game at some point. With time running out, there is a very distinct chance that he will wind up on the 15-day Injured List to begin the season.
Matt Brash – RP Seattle Mariners, Gregory Santos – RP Seattle Mariners
Matt Brash will play catch out to 90 feet as he works his way back.
Gregory Santos will throw another bullpen session tomorrow.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) March 10, 2024
Both relief pitchers continue to work hard to try and pitch for the Mariners this season. Brash continues to slowly progress forward as the team doesn’t want to rush anything with him. He will likely begin the season on the 15-day Injured List for an extended amount of time. Santos, on the other hand, might be back sooner, but he has yet to be ready for olive pitching. He will also likely begin the season on the 15-day Injured List.
Tommy Edman – 2B/SS/OF St. Louis Cardinals
Some of the article from which this is sourced was filled with positive updates. It was noted that the injury is inflammation-based with non-structural damage to the wrist. However, what is concerning is the fact that the news was generated with not just a second opinion, but a third one. Furthermore, the quote in question could indicate that Edman is far from ready to return. He has yet to hit live pitching, and that would be the time to use a more aggressive approach at the plate. While it’s nice that he can take a smooth and easy swing, it is in a game where that aggressiveness is needed most. Once he’s able to clear that hurdle, he will still need to get himself ready for in-game action. All in all, it wouldn’t be surprising if he isn’t back until at least the beginning of May.
Brandon Marsh – OF Philadelphia Phillies
This is great news, as Marsh looks to be back at close to 100% from arthroscopic knee surgery. He should be ready for Opening Day barring any setbacks while on the field.
For more of the great fantasy baseball rankings and analysis you’ve come to expect from FantraxHQ, check out our full 2024 Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit! We’re here for you all the way up until Opening Day and then on into your championship run.