Wow. You really don't realize how many fantasy baseball relevant players are currently experiencing injury issues until you start writing the weekly injury update article.

To be clear, because there are so many players currently battling their own bodies, we will be focusing on those with the utmost relevance to fantasy baseball managers.

Stay tuned for weekly updates on player injuries down the fantasy baseball home stretch, as knowing who's going to be out of the lineup could be a difference maker. Let's get to it.

Just Returned From Injury

Jason Heyward
Nori Aoki
Carlos Gonzalez
Derek Holland
Freddie Freeman

Recent MLB Injuries

Billy Hamilton: Billy Hamilton is headed to the DL with a sprained shoulder and isn't expected back until at least early September. Even when he returns it is unclear how this injury could effect Hamilton's ability to steal bases head first.

Maikel Franco: Maikel Franco is yet another victim of what seems to be a new initiation ritual for rookies of fracturing their hands with pitches. Their is currently no timetable for Franco's return but it is very possible that he is out for the rest of the year.

Yasiel Puig: Yasiel Puig's MRI showed that he has only a mild hamstring strain. Team doctors do not expect Puig to hit the DL and Puig could return to the Dodgers this weekend.

Howie Kendrick: Howie Kendrick's strained hamstring, however, doesn't look as optimistic as his teammate Puig's. Kendrick is believed to be out until about mid-September. The Dodgers likely believe Kendrick will be out for awhile, as well as they are very close today to completing a deal for Chase Utley.

Hunter Pence: Right when you think the Giants may finally get a completely healthy roster back, Hunter Pence gets a strained oblique. Pence is headed to the DL and will be out for two weeks at the very least.

Glen Perkins: Glen Perkins is set to have an MRI on his neck that has caused him recurring injury since 2013. Perkins very well could be headed to the DL. While he is out, look for Kevin Jepsen to get the save opportunities for the Twins.

Mark Teixeira: After taking a foul ball to the all-bone area of his leg, Mark Teixeira has been day to day with a deep bone bruise. In all likelihood, Teixeira will get a few more days rest before returning to action. However with Greg Bird up in the majors to fill in, there is an outside chance Teixeira heads to the DL.

Ongoing Injury Issues & Updates

George Springer: George Springer is the spark that the Astros desperately need and they will get him back soon. Springer played catch on Tuesday and took light swings in his recovery from his wrist fracture. Springer can be expected back pretty soon.

Sean Doolittle: Seeing no need to rush back the All-Star closer, Sean Doolittle is likely to make a few more rehab appearances in Nashville in his recovery from his shoulder strain. Doolittle has been feeling good in Music City and can be expected back to Oakland rather soon.

Matt Holliday: Matt Holliday is likely to begin running this week. While this is an encouraging step, he is still expected out until mid-September. This is good for the Cardinals, bad for fantasy baseball managers expecting him back sooner rather than later.

Mike Leake: Mike Leake was expected to return to the San Francisco rotation on Tuesday but his hamstring was still bothering him enough that Ryan Vogelsong had to step into his place. The Giants are hopeful Leake can finally make his second start for the team this weekend.

Joe Panik: Joe Panik is eligible to return from the DL this week, but he flew to Arizona to consult with a back specialist. Until Panik receives further word about the best course of action for his back, there is no certain timetable for return.

Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton: The narrative on Jose Fernandez and Giancarlo Stanton is more or less the same. Fernandez started playing catch on Monday in recovery of his bicep strain. Stanton began facing live hitting on Monday in recovery from his hand fracture. Fernandez and Stanton are both optimistic about being able to return to the Marlins by the end of the season, but with a 49-71 record, the Marlins are not going to rush their franchise's cornerstones. Don't hold your breath, these two could be back later rather than sooner.

Steven Matz: In Steven Matz's first rehab start in St. Lucie; he went one inning, allowing one run, three hits, and producing two strikeouts. The Mets are looking to get their six man rotation to go on a reunion tour at the start of September, so expect Matz to make a few more rehab appearances for his strained lat, and then to be back up in the majors.

David Wright: David Wright has already played in five rehab games and is feeling ready to go. He could be back right after this weekend.

Denard Span: There is currently no timetable for Denard Span's return and he is to continue his rehab in Hagerstown. The very fact that he is making rehab game appearances is a good sign though, and you can count on the Nationals to rush him back in the midst of their offensive woes.

Wil Myers: Wil Myers took 20 swings with his own bat against balls on a tee on Friday and took 40 additional swings with a lighter bat. Myers still has a ways to go but he is expected to play again this season. His personal main focus is to be 100% healthy going into the off season. Given the Padres current roster situation, it is likely that is what they are mainly concerned with as well.

Corey Dickerson: Corey Dickerson is currently on the DL for rib fractures but has also battled plantar fasciitis this season. While Dickerson has been progressing well in his recovery there is still a good chance he doesn't see the major league field again this year.

Alex Gordon: Alex Gordon will start his rehab assignment this weekend and is looking to push the Royals into October with momentum starting very soon.

Michael Pineda: Michael Pineda is set to make his second rehab start on Friday and the Yankees hope it will be the last one Pineda needs. When Pineda returns to the Yankees, the Yankees plan on going with a six man rotation. Pineda should be back very soon.

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