Three more weeks until the 2026 MLB regular season concludes with numerous teams still in the mix for a playoff berth. Tight playoff races are great for fantasy managers because they are more likely to keep players on the field, as teams can ill afford to rest players. The inverse is true for teams that secure a playoff spot as they may start to provide key members of their pitching staff and lineup routine days off to prepare for the postseason. Now more than ever it is important for fantasy managers to keep an eye on daily rosters to ensure they field a competitive team filled with active players.
The Dodgers superstar has missed four straight contests, though the team is optimistic he will avoid the injured list. His return could come as soon as Monday according to manager Dave Roberts, who noted his progress in a weekend workout. Ohtani has battled a left knee injury since mid-July and then saw his return to the mound delayed by lingering biceps soreness in his throwing arm. Injury reports have also noted neck soreness, which could be a major concern if the two issues are linked.
The neck or cervical region of the spine is made up of seven vertebrae, medically noted as C1-C7. Eight pairs of spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord in this region, providing both motor and sensory information to and from the head, neck and down into the upper extremity. The C5 nerve root
Three more weeks until the 2026 MLB regular season concludes with numerous teams still in the mix for a playoff berth. Tight playoff races are great for fantasy managers because they are more likely to keep players on the field, as teams can ill afford to rest players. The inverse is true for teams that secure a playoff spot as they may start to provide key members of their pitching staff and lineup routine days off to prepare for the postseason. Now more than ever it is important for fantasy managers to keep an eye on daily rosters to ensure they field a competitive team filled with active players.
The Dodgers superstar has missed four straight contests, though the team is optimistic he will avoid the injured list. His return could come as soon as Monday according to manager Dave Roberts, who noted his progress in a weekend workout. Ohtani has battled a left knee injury since mid-July and then saw his return to the mound delayed by lingering biceps soreness in his throwing arm. Injury reports have also noted neck soreness, which could be a major concern if the two issues are linked.
The neck or cervical region of the spine is made up of seven vertebrae, medically noted as C1-C7. Eight pairs of spinal nerves branch out from the spinal cord in this region, providing both motor and sensory information to and from the head, neck and down into the upper extremity. The C5 nerve root is responsible for innervating multiple muscles of the shoulder and arm, including the biceps brachii.Â
If Ohtani’s neck soreness is being caused by an impingement in the area, it could have a trickledown effect to the biceps. Potential causes of impingement include bone spurs or a disc issue like inflammation or herniation. The team has not confirmed the two problems are related, but concerns about Ohtani’s health are serious enough that it appears he will not return to the mound this season. The problematic symptoms lingered just long enough that a true ramp up for pitching has become unlikely.
While this may be a major blow for fantasy managers who currently roster Ohtani the pitcher, it could be a big step forward for those who roster Ohtani the hitter. The four-time MVP can focus on hitting instead of attempting to complete a throwing program that may be taxing his arm and exacerbating his symptoms. As a result, he’s more likely to emerge from his current mini-slump. Ohtani has not hit a home run in nearly three weeks and is hitting .130/.298/.196 in his last 12 games played.
Hopefully Ohtani continues to progress, and he can indeed return to the lineup Monday.  However, those invested here should have reliable backups available daily, with the phenom likely to receive routine days off as the Dodgers handle him conservatively with the postseason on the horizon.
Monday is a big day for the Other MVP, as Judge is slated to face live hitting in New York. It is a scheduled off day for the Yankees, but the team plans on keeping him with the club instead of sending him out on a rehab assignment. Judge has not played in more than three months due to a stress fracture in his right first rib. The team has hinted a return to action may occur in their upcoming six-game homestand that starts Tuesday against the Rockies. It seems likely Judge matches each game played with a rest day, at least initially, and regular images on the area may be incorporated into his routine. Still, fantasy managers who have remained patient and kept their fantasy aspirations alive will happily welcome him back to the fold, even in a limited capacity.
Check Swings
Chase DeLauter: The Guardians outfielder remains day-to-day with a sprained right wrist suffered Friday. Wrist sprains, even mild ones, can be extremely limiting in baseball, especially at the plate. Even if DeLauter managed to return quickly there’s reason to believe the lingering effects of the injury could limit him at the plate. Anticipate a small dip in productivity upon his return.
Trent Grisham: Judge’s return could help offset the loss of Grisham, who suffered a moderate hamstring strain. The Grade 2 strain is the outfielder’s second hamstring injury of the year and is expected to sideline him through the remainder of the regular season. He missed 20 days in June and July with the first ailment, and his latest injury appears comparable.Â
Ian Happ: The Cubs outfielder did not play Sunday due to left knee discomfort. The decision came very shortly before first pitch, though manager Craig Counsell relayed the issue first surfaced the previous day. Happ will be further evaluated on Monday to determine the severity of the issue, and he should be considered day-to-day for now.
Geraldo Perdomo: The Diamondbacks shortstop was hit in the head by a 93 mph line drive Sunday. Perdomo was between first and second following a single when Ketel Marte put the ball into play. The ball struck Perdomo on the helmet and he was removed from the game. It was later revealed he was recovering fine and would not be placed in the concussion protocol. That declaration should come with an asterisk, as that could change should Perdomo report any delayed symptoms over the next 24 to 48 hours. Still, it seems like he avoided a potentially significant injury and may not miss any time.
Ceddanne Rafaela: The 25-year-old outfielder was placed on the 10-day IL Sunday with a quadriceps injury. Originally listed as quad tightness, the injury was upgraded to a strain that downgraded Rafaela’s status. The stint marks the first IL trip of his young career, though the team is hopeful he will return when first eligible on September 13.
Joe Ryan: The Twins right-hander is expected back this week after completing a bullpen session over the weekend. Monday marks one month since Ryan suffered a left glute strain that forced him to the IL, but he was able to complete a three-inning rehab assignment with Triple-A St. Paul early last week. Given the brief appearance and his injury history, look for the Twins to ease him back into the mix and carefully control his workload.