MLB Injury Report – Should you drop Shohei Ohtani?

Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Wednesday, September 9, 2026. In today’s edition, we examine a difficult question about Shohei Ohtani, the Red Sox have a plan in place for Willson Contreras, and the Athletics made a surprising announcement that could provide a late-season boost to your lineups. You can read about all of this and so much more in today’s MLB Injury Report from Fantrax.

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MLB Injury Report

Shohei Ohtani – SP/DH Los Angeles Dodgers

Dave Roberts said the idea is to build Ohtani up slowly. He'll be available to pinch-hit tonight and should be back in the lineup tomorrow.
Roberts said he could see Ohtani getting some more days off in the final days of the regular season. https://t.co/4bu2S76RkO

— Sonja Chen (@SonjaMChen) September 8, 2026

This is discouraging. A day after being in the lineup for the Dodgers, he finds himself on the bench again, as he is not quite right. The MVP has seven hits over his last fourteen games played, putting him at a .130 batting average. What’s interesting is that he does have four stolen bases. Still, he is not quite the same and, while the team plans to build him up slowly, it feels like they are merely offering up excuses to avoid the elephant in the room: Ohtani doesn’t want to miss time and wants to play through this. As such, fantasy baseball managers may have a decision to make, thinking about a question I personally never thought I’d ask: Would you drop Shohei Ohtani? If he is unwilling to sit out long enough to fix the problem, then he is the problem. His presence at the plate is underwhelming; he’s striking out more, and he’s not showing much power. He also has some planned off days as well, meaning that he will sit on his team’s bench and yours. Would you rather have him or someone on the Rockies who gets to play his games at home? I don’t know if I could muster up the courage to drop him, but I’d understand the move if it’s made because flags fly forever. Maybe I would….I’m talking myself into it here.

Willson Contreras – 1B Boston Red Sox

Willson Contreras is taking batting practice on the field, which typically is an indication that an injured player is close to returning.

He is eligible to come off the IL on Thursday. TBA whether he goes on a rehab assignment first.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) September 8, 2026

This was the first real update that we’ve seen regarding Contreras. Now that we know the stage of progression that he is currently at, we can start to speculate on a time for him to return. Nothing is set in stone, but barring any setbacks this week, he should be back in the lineup by this time next week.

Devin Wiliams – RP New York Mets

Devin Williams is set to throw off a mound for the first time since he landed on the IL with a shoulder strain. He is still optimistic about pitching again this season.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) September 8, 2026

With two and a half weeks left in the season, Williams will only now start throwing from a mound. From there, he will need to do some side and bullpen sessions before live batters and a rehab assignment. Time is running out here, and as such, counting on Williams to provide any sort of fantasy value might be regrettable. The Mets are happy enough with Kodai Senga, and they also have Daniel Duarte to give some important opportunities to. They may opt to hold him out for the season.

Chase DeLauter – OF Cleveland Guardians

Chase DeLauter is out in right field taking fly balls and making throws. Vogt: “Chase is feeling a lot better, so he's going to do some work today. Obviously he's been doing work every day, but he's going to hit today and see where he's at.” pic.twitter.com/o5GoJAJMHR

— Joe Noga (@JoeNogaCLE) September 7, 2026

DeLauter was out of the starting lineup last night, but seeing that he was able to do outfield drills is a good sign that he might be back without needing time on the Injured List. The team has maintained that he is day-to-day, and nothing over the past two days should sway you away from that fact.

Shea Langeliers – C Sacramento Athletics

Shea Langeliers will begin a rehab assignment Thursday with Triple-A Las Vegas. Could return as early as next week’s road trip. Will only see playing time as the DH.

— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) September 8, 2026

It was originally believed that this knee injury would cost him the rest of the season. Now that he is starting a rehab assignment, his return could pay big dividends for fantasy baseball managers down the stretch. Go add him off the waiver wire in your leagues right now and stash him in leagues with IL spots. I just did that while writing this.

Ryan Helsley – RP Baltimore Orioles

Orioles closer Ryan Helsley (elbow) will throw his first live BP session today. https://t.co/Yv5CiR5y70

— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) September 8, 2026

This is a big step forward. If he can leave this without having any setbacks, there’s a chance that he could still provide some fantasy value over the last two weeks of the season. That being said, with Felix Bautista also aiming to return, both pitchers could share that role. Either way, time is running out.

Kansas City Royals – Team Update

Jac Caglianone (flexor) is hitting pregame today. How he feels will determine his availability. Still shut down from throwing.

Sounds like Maikel Garcia (hamstring) is progressing very well. Rehab assignment could be on the horizon if everything stays on track through this week.

— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) September 8, 2026

From the sound of it, Jac Cagianone has a better shot at returning than Maikel Garcia. Caglianone hitting at least gives him a chance to play as the team’s DH, whereas Garcia will need a rehab assignment. And since his injury is a recurring one, the team will likely take their time when deciding when he’s eligible to return. They have Garcia signed long-term, and as such, they will want to protect their investment.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. – OF New York Yankees

Jazz Chisholm Jr., who left the game in the bottom of the ninth, hurt his thumb sliding into second in the top of the inning. Boone said it’s numb right now, so they’ll know more tomorrow.

— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) September 9, 2026

Chisholm injured himself while sliding into second base late in last night’s game. Judging by the fact that it was numb afterward isn’t necessarily the news one would want to hear if they were wanting him to play this week. Imaging will tell us the results, but there’s a chance that he misses time here, even if it’s a game or two. At this point in the season, every appearance matters.

Gunnar Henderson – SS Baltimore Orioles

Gunnar Henderson is exiting this game.

He was seen by a trainer after fouling a ball off his foot. Henderson stayed in and worked a walk, but after he ran to second, Henderson exited with a trainer. Carlos Narváez pinch runs

— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) September 9, 2026

If this imaging reveals anything other than a contusion, this may be a season-ending injury for Henderson.

Ryan O’Hearn – OF Pittsburgh Pirates

According to Indianapolis Indians broadcaster Howard Kellman, the plan for Ryan O’Hearn is to play 1B tonight, DH tomorrow, and 1B on Thursday.

All indications that O’Hearn will be activated by the #Pirates, for the weekend series in Wrigley.

— Jason Shetler (@Jason_Shetler) September 8, 2026

The Pirates have a plan in place here for O’Hearn, who is seemingly on the last leg of his injury recovery program. From the sound of it, he may get some time at first base when activated as well. Last night he went 1-for-3 with a double and played seven innings worth of baseball. All in all, the end is near here, so fantasy baseball managers should be prepared.