Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!
This roundup is a biweekly article, published on Mondays and Fridays, where I aim to detail approximately five relevant injuries that have occurred over the past few days, or provide an update on the injury of a prominent MLB player. I will try to incorporate the available information as well as my own knowledge and experience to approximate a return date in each case, noting the individual characteristics of the injuries and of the players themselves.
If you have questions regarding an injury not detailed in this article, feel free to comment below, and I will give my best effort to provide a timely update.
Max Scherzer – Rhomboid Strain
Max Scherzer is not likely to make his next start due to a right rhomboid strain. The rhomboids are muscle that help stabilize the scapula during the throwing motion and will need to be back at full strength before Scherzer continues throwing. Reports have this at a minor strain, which puts us in the two- to four-week range to begin with, though there is potential for a longer absence.
Estimated return: Mid- to late August.
Ronald Acuna Jr. – Neck Stiffness
Ronald Acuna Jr. was removed from Sunday’s game due to neck stiffness. This appears to be a minor concern, and the removal was precautionary. Acuna is considered day-to-day, and an IL stint is not likely.
Estimated return: Regular play within this week.
Dansby Swanson – Left Heel Contusion
Dansby Swanson is dealing with a left heel contusion and has now hit the IL. This contusion is not a major injury, and Swanson should be able to return when first eligible or shortly thereafter.
Estimated return: Early August.
DJ Lemahieu – Groin Strain
DJ Lemahieu is dealing with a minor groin strain. This injury does not appear to warrant an IL stint, and Lemahieu should continue as day-to-day. He will likely be able to return to full play within two weeks, though the Yankees will keep him in the lineup intermittently until the full return.
Estimated return: Day-to-day with regular absences from the lineup.
Tommy Pham – Right Hand Sprain
Tommy Pham is dealing with a sprained right hand. X-rays were completed and came back negative, and the sprain has been reported as minor. Pham may end up on the IL with this injury, though no move has been made at this time.
Estimated return: Day-to-day for now with the potential for an IL move. Roughly two weeks until return to regular play.
If there is a player on whom you would like information who I have not detailed in this article, please comment below, and I will reply as I am able.
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Do you know much about Josh Bell’s injury? Seems minor, but I can’t tell if it’s going to keep him out of the lineup this week.
Thanks!
This does appear minor and should not keep him out of the lineup for an extended period. There is a chance that there is some lingering pain that may be affecting his power since the break but it’s more likely to just be random variation at this point than any real concern.
Can you fill us in on Jean Segura?
Shin injury rather than knee, which is a very good thing. Appears to be a contusion though I haven’t seen any X-ray results. Day-to-day, but shouldn’t hold him out for long.
Giancarlo Stanton – is he even still alive? Are they just going to weekend at Bernie’s him out for the post-season? Thanks!
You joke, but I’d rather pay to see that then paying to watch Stanton strikeout 30% of the time.
There is still a chance he returns for the fantasy postseason however he needs to return to baseball activities very soon (next 2 weeks) for that to be a reality.
Any updates on Ross Stripling? I’ve seen simply skipping a start (neck) to out several weeks (biceps). Not sure where the truth lies on his issues and if we should expect the Dodgers to slow play everything with their lead.