Fantasy baseball managers were dealt a tough blow a couple weeks ago when news surfaced that St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Tyler O'Neill was headed to the 10-day IL with a shoulder injury. Well, those managers can breath a sigh of relief. It appears his return to the lineup in St. Louis is imminent. O'Neill is slated to begin a rehab assignment Friday at Triple-A Memphis, according to St. Louis Dispatch writer Derrick Goold.

The Cardinals outfielder was placed on the 10-day IL on May 19th with a right shoulder impingement. In his place, the Cardinals turned to Corey Dickerson, who is hitting just. 194 this season.

Fantasy managers had been very disappointed with O'Neill's production this season. He was hitting just .195 prior to his injury. That's obviously a far cry from his .286 average a season ago. In 2021, O'Neill hit 34 home runs and stole 15 bases, being one of a few players in the majors to accomplish both of those numbers. That likely led to fantasy baseball managers using an early-round draft pick on him.

The Cardinals found no reason to rush him back from injury. They are 30-22 and only 2.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers. As the summer months warm up, likely so will O'Neill. The Cardinals lineup has become one of the more potent ones in baseball this year. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado and Tommy Edman have led the way.