2 min read • August 19, 2024
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As the MLB season enters its final stretch, teams are feeling the impact of injuries to key players. Here's a roundup of the most significant injuries affecting teams and their playoff aspirations.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are facing multiple injury challenges. Freddie Freeman exited Saturday’s game against the Cardinals after jamming his right middle finger. Although X-rays were negative, his discomfort has increased, and he's scheduled for a CT scan. Tyler Glasnow has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to right elbow tendinitis, leaving a significant void in the Dodgers' rotation. Meanwhile, Yoshinobu Yamamoto is making strides in his recovery from right triceps tightness, having thrown 17 pitches in a simulated game, with hopes to return soon.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are dealing with injuries to two key players. Ketel Marte aggravated his left ankle sprain during a pinch-hit appearance on Sunday. Although he returned to the lineup briefly, the team is cautious about his workload and he has been added to the 10-day IL. Christian Walker is recovering from a left oblique strain and has been limited to light activities, with no clear timetable for his return.
The New York Mets' Brandon Nimmo left Sunday’s game due to right shoulder discomfort, adding to the Mets' injury woes.
Over in Atlanta, Austin Riley was hit by a 97 mph pitch on his right hand and had inconclusive X-rays and CT scans. Today Riley has been diagnosed with a fractured right hand following an MRI. He is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks, which likely rules him out for the remainder of the regular season. There is a possibility that he could return in time for the postseason, as Atlanta is currently in contention for the NL's final Wild Card spot.
The Braves are also without Jorge Soler, who is recovering from a mild left hamstring strain.
The Tampa Bay Rays' injury list continues to grow. Yandy Díaz suffered a left forearm contusion after being hit by a pitch and had to leave Sunday’s game. Zack Littell was placed on the 15-day injured list due to right shoulder fatigue, and Pete Fairbanks exited a recent game with a right lat concern, pending an MRI.
The Cincinnati Reds are monitoring the health of Hunter Greene, who was placed on the 15-day IL with right elbow soreness and will soon undergo an MRI. Matt McLain is recovering from left shoulder surgery but has resumed swinging a bat, though his return date is still uncertain.
The Texas Rangers are hopeful for the return of their star pitchers. Jacob deGrom and Jon Gray both faced hitters in simulated games recently, indicating they could be back in action soon. Max Scherzer also made progress with a pain-free bullpen session, inching closer to his return.
The Houston Astros are managing injuries to several key players. Alex Bregman is out with a swollen right elbow but is expected to avoid the IL. Justin Verlander continues his rehab assignment, and Kyle Tucker is slowly progressing in his recovery from a right shin contusion. Ryan Pressly was placed on the 15-day IL with a lower back strain, further depleting the Astros' bullpen.
The Baltimore Orioles are keeping an eye on Grayson Rodriguez, who recently resumed throwing after a right teres/lat strain. Félix Bautista, recovering from Tommy John surgery, made his first mound appearance, but the Orioles have ruled out his return for 2024.
In a significant blow, the Milwaukee Brewers’ Christian Yelich underwent season-ending back surgery, but he's expected to be ready for Spring Training next year. Blake Perkins is also working his way back from a calf strain, with plans to run the bases soon.
The New York Yankees are monitoring Jazz Chisholm Jr., who was placed on the 10-day IL with a left UCL injury but is optimistic about a quick return. Clarke Schmidt is close to beginning a rehab assignment, and Jon Berti is making progress after being cleared for full baseball activities.
The San Diego Padres are without Fernando Tatis Jr., who is recovering from a right femoral stress reaction, and Ha-Seong Kim, who exited Sunday’s game with a right shoulder injury after a dive back to first base.
The Minnesota Twins are awaiting the return of Carlos Correa, who recently resumed running as he recovers from his injury. Byron Buxton is also on the mend, but his return to the lineup remains uncertain.
Bo Bichette of the Toronto Blue Jays has begun baseball activities as he recovers from a right calf strain. His progress will be crucial as the Blue Jays push for a playoff spot.
As the postseason approaches, teams are keeping a close eye on these injuries, hoping to have their star players back in action for the final push. Stay tuned to see how these developments impact the race to the playoffs.
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