Things get even more difficult at close range this week with Edwin Diaz, Joan Duran and Daniel Palencia hitting the injured list. Mick Abell’s strong run was halted by an elbow injury. Sonny Gray will also miss some time after exiting Monday’s Patriots Day game. Let’s break it all down as we go through relevant injury news surrounding baseball.
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Ryan Pepiot (hip)
Pepiot’s condition appears to have gradually worsened since he was placed on the injured list before the start of the season due to inflammation in his right hip. He was not expected to need much time, but was moved to the 60-day injured list last week after it was determined he needed more time. Head coach Kevin Cash told reporters on Monday that Pepiot felt instability in his hip while catching the ball. While this isn’t exactly a setback, it’s certainly not encouraging news. At this point, a return even if eligible in late May seems unlikely.
action: Can be pitched in 12 teams and is shallow with no IL position
Edwin Diaz (elbow)
This incident is an ominous sign. Diaz raised concerns with head coach Dave Roberts after he showed a loss of velocity early in the game. He gave up three runs with no outs against the Rockies on Sunday after a nine-day gap. The Dodgers placed him on the 15-day injured list on Monday due to looseness in his right elbow. He will undergo surgery to correct the problem and is expected to be sidelined for about three months. It’s another blow affecting the closer landscape. The team will likely rely on the combination of Tanner Scott, Alex Vicia and Blake Treinen to close out the game.
action: Waiverable in all leagues without IL roster spot; added Tanner Scott
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Joan Duran (oblique)
On Saturday, the incident came as a surprise. The Phillies placed Duran on the 15-day injured list with a left oblique strain, retroactive to April 15. The fact that Duran is one of the only elite closers to pitch well thus far is a huge blow to a volatile closer landscape. The 28-year-old right-hander missed about a month in 2024 with an oblique strain. We may see a similar timeline here. Brad Keller is considered the most likely candidate to get the most saves in Duran’s absence.
action: Save all formats; add Brad Keller
Daniel Palencia (oblique)
Palencia was another close game we lost due to a left oblique strain. He has been on the 15-day injured list since April 14. He has made just five appearances this season and reportedly suffered the injury while throwing last Wednesday. Palencia threw a bullpen Friday that went well but still felt issues with the run, according to manager Craig Counsell. There is currently no timetable for a return, but it does not appear to be a high-level issue that would keep Palencia out long-term. Caleb Thielba got the first save without Palencia and will likely get the bulk of the ninth inning work.
action: Save all formats; add Caleb Tilba
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Mick Abell (elbow)
News broke Monday morning that Abel was placed on the 15-day injured list due to inflammation in his right elbow. That’s extremely unfortunate, as the 24-year-old right-hander has made real progress on the mound, throwing 13 scoreless innings with 16 strikeouts in his past two starts. Preliminary reports indicate that the injuries are not too serious, but you take that with a pinch of salt. Hopefully Abel won’t be out long-term, but I still expect him to be out for at least a few weeks.
action: Save all formats
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Top fantasy baseball prospects: Charlie Condon hits Triple-A, Eli Willits makes big strides
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Take a look at the top fantasy baseball prospects who could help their teams in 2026 and beyond.
Brendan Donovan (Quad)
Donovan missed Friday’s game against the Rangers with tightness in his left hip and missed the next two games before eventually being placed on the ten-day disabled list with a strained left groin. It seems unlikely that it will be an extended absence. Still, the 29-year-old infielder has started .304/.437/.518 with three homers, eight RBIs and a steal in 18 games, which is a big blow for him.
action: Save all formats
Sonny Gray (hamstring)
Gray left the game in the third inning of Monday’s game against the Tigers after a visit from athletic trainers. He took one pitch under the guidance of his coach and left frustrated with hamstring tightness. The 36-year-old right-hander will undergo an MRI on Tuesday to determine the severity, but the team has decided he will need to stay on the injured list for at least some time. Gray likened the injury to the hamstring strains he suffered in 2022 and 2024, both of which sidelined him for 2-3 weeks. We should know more about the severity in the next day or two. Gray’s injury could open the door for top prospect Peyton Tolle. The 23-year-old left-hander posted a 3.00 ERA and 19/4 K/BB ratio in 15 innings in Triple-A and will be a must-add if he gets a few starts in the majors.
action: Save all formats; Added Peyton Tolle
Jeremy Pena (hamstring)
Pena did some running Monday, his first since going on the 10-day injured list with a strained right hamstring. He could be eligible to return as early as Friday, but that will depend on how he progresses through the rest of the week. The team may also want him to have some time for minor league rehab. That makes sense considering he got off to a slow start and missed time in late spring due to a broken finger.
action: Save all formats
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Edwin Urceta (shoulder)
Uceta was working his way back from a shoulder impingement he suffered this spring until Monday when he was sidelined with a new shoulder strain. He will be off throwing for 2-3 weeks before being re-evaluated. Ucita was expected to be added to the late-inning mix, but it looks like Bryan Baker will have more control in the closer role.
action: Can serve in all formats
Brent Rucker (slash)
Rooker began ramping up his activity level over the weekend after being sidelined earlier this month with a right oblique strain. On Monday, he started to improve offensively. There’s no timetable for a return, but it’s certainly a good sign that his recovery is making progress. An early May return seems likely.
action: Save all formats
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Juan Soto (Mavericks)
Soto is still expected to return to the Mets during the team’s homestand from Tuesday, April 30 through next Thursday. Although the latest updated timing seems to suggest he could be activated in the first half at home. This would be a much-needed return for the Mets and fantasy managers. Soto’s activation could move any of Carson Benge, Brett Batty or Mark Vientos out of the everyday lineup.
action: celebrate
Jorge Polanco (wrist)
Polanco has seemingly been dealing with various ailments since the start of the season. He had been playing with Achilles issues earlier this month and was eventually placed on the injured list on April 15 with a right wrist contusion. There is no timetable for a return, but the 32-year-old first baseman will be given the time he needs to get back to normal. His absence leaves the door open for either Brett Batty or Mark Vientous at first base, though both have struggled at the plate.
action: Maintain 12-team leagues and deeper leagues
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George Springer (toe)
Springer threw for the first time since injuring his toe on Monday, among other activities. “It would be great if he’s ready on Friday,” head coach John Schneider said as the Blue Jays open a three-game series with the Guardians in Toronto.