Possible routine days off for Harper

With most teams having played nearly 150 games, the MLB season is entering a critical part of the year. The playoff situation is becoming clearer as teams begin to solidify their spots in the standings. Three teams are already out of the race, while others are slowly coming to terms with the fact that it's not their year. As these teams turn their focus to 2025, the normal aches and pains associated with the rigors of playing nearly every day since late March will more likely result in season-ending stints on the injured list. These decisions often coincide with the fantasy postseason, making it even more important for fantasy managers to keep an eye on their players' health and proactively seek out suitable replacements.

Bryce Harper

The Phillies superstar is one of the most notable players to play through injury. Harper recently admitted that his surgically repaired elbow has been sore lately, as has his wrist. The issues sound minor, but could explain Harper's drop in performance, as he hasn't hit a home run since August 9.

The situation got worse when he was hit by a pitch on the other elbow and had to be taken out of the game on Wednesday. He was back in the lineup the next day, however, and posted a .375 batting average with three RBIs in the next four games. Despite the discomfort, Harper has missed only two games since returning from a hamstring strain on July 9. That will likely change soon.

With most teams having played nearly 150 games, the MLB season is entering a critical part of the year. The playoff situation is becoming clearer as teams begin to solidify their spots in the standings. Three teams are already out of the race, while others are slowly coming to terms with the fact that it's not their year. As these teams turn their focus to 2025, the normal aches and pains associated with the rigors of playing nearly every day since late March will more likely result in season-ending stints on the injured list. These decisions often coincide with the fantasy postseason, making it even more important for fantasy managers to keep an eye on their players' health and proactively seek out suitable replacements.

Bryce Harper

The Phillies superstar is one of the most notable players to play through injury. Harper recently admitted that his surgically repaired elbow has been sore lately, as has his wrist. The issues sound minor, but could explain Harper's drop in performance, as he hasn't hit a home run since August 9.

Things got worse when he was hit by a pitch on the other elbow and had to be taken out of the game on Wednesday. He was back in the lineup the next day, however, and has posted a .375 batting average with three RBIs in the next four games. Despite the discomfort, Harper has missed only two games since returning from a hamstring strain on July 9. That looks set to change, as Philadelphia manager Rob Thomson admitted he is keeping an eye on the team's quest for the best record in the NL and Harper's health, telling reporters, “If we need to rest, [Harper]we will.”

For now, Harper is still a must-have, but he could be free soon. Those investing in Harper may want to have a serviceable first baseman available for the home stretch to hedge against that growing possibility.

The Texas Rangers

The Rangers' defense in the franchise's first World Series did not go as expected, as injuries have been a problem all season. Texas' pitchers have been hit especially hard, as every starter in their projected five-man rotation except Andrew Heaney has spent time on the IL. Several pitchers, including Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle and Jon Gray, have been placed on the IL multiple times, with both Mahle and Gray recently being ruled out for the rest of the season.

Gray's most recent injury is a neuroma in his foot. A neuroma is a tumor that often develops benignly around a nerve. The condition is often very painful and can cause radiating pain along the affected nerve. Morton's neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot, and sufferers often report feeling as if there is a rock stuck in their shoe, irritating the ball of the foot. Surgery is often required to correct this problem, and the Rangers said they are considering that option for Gray. While he should have a relatively normal offseason, it's worth noting that the recurrence rate for neuromas is relatively high, even with surgery.

Mahle's injury is shoulder stiffness and although the right-hander has indicated he would like to return this season, manager Bruce Bochy said that is unlikely. Mahle has had minor shoulder issues in the past and missed the start of the season recovering from Tommy John surgery. With a normal offseason, Mahle has a better chance of returning to top form in 2025.

A mix of young talent and experienced aces will fill out Texas' rotation for the rest of the season. Scherzer looked good in a recent rehab start with Triple-A Round Rock and could rejoin the team later this week. Jacob deGrom has also pitched well during his rehab assignment and is expected to make his 2024 debut this week. DeGrom will likely have a strict pitch count but could be worth a shot for fantasy teams in desperate need of pitchers. Jack Leiter has returned to the major leagues and has flashed his potential, while Kumar Rocker, the team's top pitching prospect, is mowing down batters in the minor leagues. Rocker could get a chance at a spot or two before the end of the season, but a final decision hasn't been made.

Check swings

Luis Castillo: Castillo is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his strained left hamstring to determine the severity of the injury. Castillo sustained the injury over the weekend and was forced out of his starting spot after three innings. A mild strain would be the best outcome, but would still likely mean at least one missed start. Anything more moderate would likely result in a trip to the IL and could end his season early. Expect an update soon, but plan to invest in a replacement player.

Teoscar Hernandez: The veteran outfielder missed both games over the weekend after being hit by a pitch on his left foot. Tests at the injury site, including a CT scan, X-rays and MRI, showed no fracture, and the diagnosis remains a contusion of the left foot. The team initially expected him to be placed on the injured list, but tests gave hope that some rest and treatment would be enough to avoid an extended absence. He will continue to play day-to-day, with a return on Monday still a possibility.

Justin Steele: The Cubs left-hander is on the injured list with flexor tendonitis in his throwing arm. While it's promising that Steele's injury did not involve the UCL, Steele's status for the rest of the year remains unclear. While most pitchers with elbow tendonitis miss an average of about 15 days, Dodgers pitcher Tyler Glasnow has missed nearly a month with the injury and only recently pitched from the mound. Additionally, the flexor bundle stabilizes the elbow along with the UCL, and weakness in either can affect the other. While Steele remains optimistic he will return this season, history suggests that could prove difficult. For now, look elsewhere.

Corey Seager: The Rangers' injury concerns weren't limited to their pitchers, as their All-Star shortstop landed on the injured list with right hip soreness. The exact cause of Seager's pain hasn't been disclosed, but it sounds like his season could be over. Josh Smith has taken over the shortstop position and could be worth a waiver-wire claim. Smith has hit a surefire hit in nine of his last 10 games, including four doubles and five RBIs.