5 MLB Injuries To Track This Week

Spencer Strider’s Status in Question After Oblique Strain

The Atlanta Braves rookie right hander was placed on the 15-day injured list backdated to Sept. 21 with a left oblique strain. The soft-tissue injury ends his regular season and does not guarantee he will be ready for the first playoff round, according to the Pro Baseball Docs. The Braves are currently tied with the Mets atop the NL East and could secure a first-round bye if they win the division. If not, Strider would be a long shot to pitch in the NL Wild Card series.

Yordan Alvarez Leaves With Ankle Sprain

Houston Astros designated hitter Yordan Alvarez left Tuesday night’s game against the Diamondbacks with a minor left ankle sprain.

The hulking left-hander suffered the injury on a single in the bottom of the 1st and remained in the game until the 5th inning.

Alvarez will likely miss the next stretch of games with the Astros already locked into a first-round bye. He has also dealt with a troublesome right hand injury since June 18.

The hand injury sapped his power in August, when his slugging dipped to .312 and he hit just 1 home run. This month, he’s hit 6 home runs in 19 games.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Santiago Espinal Nearing Returns

The Blue Jays currently hold the top wild card spot in the American League and could be getting  two starters back soon before the playoffs. Designated hitter/outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has been out since Sept. 9 with a left hamstring strain, but has reportedly started his “running progression.” With the top wildcard spot within reach they may activate him soon for a pinch hit role. 

All-Star second baseman Santiago Espinal has been out since suffering a left oblique strain last Thursday, but has reportedly started hitting off a tee. Oblique strains linger and are notoriously difficult to return from for power hitters. Luckily, Espinal is not typically a power threat and that could allow him to return a little quicker.

Justin Verlander Back at Full Strength From Calf Injury

The Astros Cy Young candidate made his return from a late August calf strain last Thursday and will start Wednesday against the Diamondbacks. He leads the AL in ERA at 1.82. He has racked up 167 strikeouts across 163 innings and 26 starts. He also leads the AL in wins (17) and WHIP (0.84).

Byron Buxton Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery

Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton reportedly underwent a “clean up” surgery on his ailing right knee, according to Twins manager Rocco Baldelli. Buxton was limited to 92 games this season and hit the injured list Aug. 22. 

He also dealt with a hip issue that Baldelli said was related to his knee troubles. The hope is he can enter next season with his knee issues in the rearview mirror. Buxton finishes the season hitting .224 with 28 home runs, 51 RBIs and a .306 on-base percentage.