Week 1 Fantasy Baseball Injury Report: Must-Know Updates on Key Pitchers

In baseball, we have 9 batters in the lineup and 5 in the rotation. This is basic information, so why do we float it? It matters a lot in fantasy baseball roster management. Naturally, there is much less depth at the starting pitcher. That means that, if you endure injuries on your roster, the fill-in options are more sparse. However, we can help guide you with that. This is our week 1 pitchers' injury report.

Merill Kelly

The Diamondbacks are likely to get Kelly back this upcoming Wednesday, April 8. Kelly is a starter in fantasy baseball, so make sure to do just that. As time goes on, we can gauge his true ranking.

Chris Sale

The Cy Young contender popped up on Thursday with an illness. It is likely chalked up to a common cold or something generally minor. Sale is due to start in the next three days. Keep an eye on his status, but he will likely either start Monday or be set back 1-2 days. If Sale does not start on Monday, he will not pitch twice in week 2 of fantasy baseball.

Spencer Strider

Strider is carefully rehabbing his start back. The Braves expect Strider's return in about two weeks, in which he is a must-start in fantasy baseball with sub-3.50 ERA upside.

Josh Hader

A bicep injury is not an easy comeback task for any pitcher. Hader is rehabbing his way back and is due for a return three weeks from now. Stay closely tuned in to his rehab updates to gauge how close to 100% his pitching will be upon return to the Astros bullpen.

Carlos Rodon

The Yankees expect Rodon back by May 1st. We know that Rodon is an elite MLB pitcher at his absolute best. In the meantime, the Yankees roll with Max Fried and Cam Schlittler up top for now. The Yankees actually have their current depth chart listed as a 4-man rotation, which is moderately concerning. They do have multiple prospects in Triple-A that you can tag as potential stashes: Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange.

Zach Wheeler

Wheeler had a promising rehab start in Triple-A last week. The Phillies expect Wheeler back in two weeks. Expect a pitch-count to begin, and thus keep Wheeler on your bench in start number one.

Jason Adam

Adam is one of the best non-closing relievers in the MLB. His return will come next week, with no concern for fantasy baseball owners.

Shane Bieber

Once Bieber returns, we will expect very big things out of the former Cy Young candidate. The Blue Jays have their ace due back in mid-May, so hold on for the time being.

Click here for our key batters week 1 injury report.