PSA: September Baseball Injuries
Sep 12, 2014; New York, NY, USA; New York Mets third baseman David Wright (5) looks on from the dugout during the ninth inning of a game against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. The Mets won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
I am sure everyone who reads this is aware that MLB rosters are expanded to 40 men in September. However, we may forget about the implication that expanded rosters has on injured players.
Due to the fact that the roster space is no longer a concern, a Major League club can carry a player without designating them for the disabled list. For example, both David Wright and Dustin Pedroia have both been shut down for the year, but neither player is listed on the DL.
Also, teams are more likely to shut down their players, especially if they are a star player on a non-contender. Again, this rings true in the case of Wright and Pedroia because both the Mets and Red Sox are out of playoff contention, respectively.
On the other hand, Anthony Rizzo just returned on September 15th from a lengthy absence to hit a walk-off home run in his first game back. If he is somehow unowned in your league, then there may be no better pickup than the elite fantasy first baseman for the home stretch.
Finally, there are players in limbo, such as Philadelphia’s Jimmy Rollins. Rollins has been an incredible fantasy shortstop this season with 17 homers and 28 stolen bases. The 2014 season was quite the resurgence for the former MVP.
Jimmy Rollins took ground balls and could return as early as this weekend. For those of you still competing, keep a close eye on Rollins because he could be the difference for you with his pop and speed even at the age of 35. Of course, I would not expect much running coming off a balky hamstring.
There are quite a few scenarios with injuries in September that all deserve a close look. The baseball season is a marathon, so a lot of guys are quite beat up by the time September rolls around.
If you own a player like Wright or Pedroia, then drop them. (Plus, those two were lousy all year long). If Rizzo or Rollins is available, then it is time to jump on the premature drop by another owner.
When it comes to September injuries, you can no longer just rely on the DL symbol next to your player’s name. You have to follow the news for yourself.