The bad news never seems to stop, but could we be getting a few big hitters back over the next few days? Dave Funnell brings you the Fantrax Injury Report for Friday, April 21, 2023.
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Fantrax MLB Injury Report
James Paxton – SP Boston Red Sox
James Paxton tonight out of the bullpen in Worcester:
0.2 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 7 ER, 0 Ks 😣 pic.twitter.com/TrlQRLf2le
— Boston Sports Gordo (@BOSSportsGordo) April 20, 2023
It’s unclear if he was scheduled to be a bullpen arm in his rehab assignment in preparation for the same role when called back to Boston. Either way, this wasn’t what the team wanted to see. He will need at least one more outing in order to get himself truly ready.
Jameson Taillon – SP Chicago Cubs
Cubs: RHP Jameson Taillon to 15-day IL with “mild to moderate” left groin strain. RHP Javier Assad will be recalled from @IowaCubs to start today vs. Dodgers.
— Jordan Bastian (@MLBastian) April 20, 2023
The “mild to moderate” part makes a difference in the recovery time. It also matters which leg is being affected with regard to how he pitches. That said, he will miss some time while recovering, and it’s likely more than 15 days. Javier Assad has struggled to start the year but remains an option. Also, Kyle Hendricks is getting closer to returning too.
Kyle Hendricks – SP Chicago Cubs
Cubs pitcher Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to throw three innings on Saturday in Arizona, at which point his next step could be starting a minor-league rehab assignment. Cubs president of baseball ops Jed Hoyer: “He feels great. It’s just a matter of now building up his stamina.”
— Patrick Mooney (@PJ_Mooney) April 20, 2023
Great news that he is ramping himself up and working on his stamina. No timeline yet for when he should return, but he is getting closer.
Joey Votto – 1B Cincinnati Reds
David Bell said Joey Votto is in Cincinnati this weekend training/rehabbing. No set date for him to return on a rehab assignment.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) April 20, 2023
Votto struggled in his rehab assignment, and the structure of it felt pushed and rushed. He’s not only trying to get better physically, but he’s also working on his timing and mechanics too. He might be gone for a while yet still.
Jared Walsh – 1B Los Angeles Angels
Walsh has had an extensive list of injuries over the last little while. He went through thoracic outlet syndrome last year and then started the year with headaches and insomnia. There’s no timeline for him to return, but once he ramps things up, he’ll likely enter a rehab assignment. Walsh did hit .400 during Spring Training over 35 at-bats.
Logan O’Hoppe – C Los Angeles Angels
Logan O’Hoppe said he’ll be evaluated in the next couple days. He said he doesn’t know if he’ll be unable to play or if he’ll be seeing a specific specialist.
The same thing happened in Boston. He’s not sure if there’s a dislocation of his shoulder.
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) April 20, 2023
O’Hoppe injured himself while swinging a bat, as it appeared to be either a shoulder subluxation or a biceps tendon injury. There will be updates to follow, but it’s almost certain that he will miss time while on the Injured List.
Michael Grove – SP Los Angeles Dodgers
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Michael Grove will be going on the IL with the right groin strain
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 21, 2023
While the injury isn’t thought to be overly serious, it’s enough to warrant the next two weeks off. The team might push up Tony Gonsolin to start or call one of their prospects from Triple-A to make a spot start.
Will Smith – C Los Angeles Dodgers
Dave Roberts doesn’t expect Will Smith to play during 4 game series in Chicago, but said he is improving. #Dodgers #Cubs
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) April 20, 2023
Smith was eligible to return from the 7-day concussion list on Sunday, but that appears to be out of the question. At least he’s feeling better now.
Kenta Maeda – SP Minnesota Twins
Kenta Maeda said X-rays showed no breaks. He is walking and doesn’t even have the ankle wrapped. Will see how he feels tomorrow and in the coming days.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) April 20, 2023
It will be interesting to see if Maeda makes his next start. It might be time to call up Bailey Ober, who has been stellar this season.
Jorge Polanco – 2B Minnesota Twins
Rocco said Jorge Polanco is "pretty close to coming back" and that the plan was to huddle with Falvey and Paparesta after this game to figure it out.
I wouldn't be surprised to see Polanco activated early in the coming homestand.
— Do-Hyoung Park (@dohyoungpark) April 20, 2023
Be prepared.
Starling Marte – OF New York Mets
Couple Mets notes:
-Joey Lucchesi will indeed start tomorrow against the Giants, making his first MLB appearance since 2021.
-Starling Marte remains day to day due to neck stiffness. There's *some* hope that he could return to the lineup tomorrow.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) April 20, 2023
Great news that Marte is just DTD with no other need. He should be back at some point this weekend.
Luis Severino – SP New York Yankees
Luis Severino threw a split bullpen today — 15 pitches in the bullpen and 20 facing Harrison Bader and Willie Calhoun. Said he felt good, will head to Tampa this weekend and then throw another live before possibly heading out on a rehab assignment
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) April 20, 2023
It’s good to see that he was able to not just throw a regular bullpen, but also a live bullpen as well. It’s looking like he will be back after a shortened rehab outing if things go well.
Carlos Rodon – SP New York Yankees
Carlos Rodón is not gonna throw for a few days, Aaron Boone said. He's gonna get a CT scan for his back. Boone is still calling this a "nagging" issue, but that's a few more days added to the lefty's timeline. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) April 20, 2023
Rodon’s nagging back has been an issue for a short while, and the CT scan will be done in order to get rid of any speculation. For now, consider this shutdown a minor roadblock until otherwise noted.
Bryce Harper – UT Philadelphia Phillies
Bryce Harper threw from 60 feet today.
— Scott Lauber (@ScottLauber) April 20, 2023
He’s also been working with the hitting clock as well. Just another step on the road to recovery.
Alex Wood – SP San Francisco Giants, Mitch Haniger – OF San Francsico Giants
Giants injury news: Alex Wood will miss “several weeks at least” per Gabe Kapler … Bryce Johnson is doing well but not ready to come off concussion IL … it’s not likely that Slater and Haniger will be back for a lefty tomorrow but they’re getting close.
— Alex Pavlovic (@PavlovicNBCS) April 20, 2023
Wood’s injury timeline sounds lengthy and will likely be greater than the 15-day minimum. Ross Stripling is expected to take over for him in the meantime. As for Haniger, be prepared, as it could be any day now.