Here are some current players and their updates while they rehab:
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Jose Altuve – 2B Houston Astros
Jose Altuve finished 0-for-4 in the first game of his minor league rehab assignment. Three of the four balls he hit in play left his bat harder than 95 mph. He played seven innings of defense and made a couple routine plays. Bit his nails a lot between pitches. All seemed normal.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) May 13, 2023
This is about as good a debut as one would have hoped. Altuve needs to get his mechanics back together, and gripping a bat is a part of that development. He was able to hit the ball hard and make good solid contact. It’s unclear as to how many more rehab games he will need, but he will likely need a lengthy amount of time off, given that he has yet to play this year. The time to buy low on him is officially over and owners everywhere should prepare to make room for him in their lineups.
Jared Walsh – 1B Los Angeles Angels
Great to see Jared Walsh playing baseball again: pic.twitter.com/jF2YZTGmAf
— Angels MiLB (@AngelsMiLB) May 13, 2023
Walsh took what looked to be a good and healthy swing in this at-bat. He could not make contact but finished the night with two walks. He has been away from the game for quite some time with an abundance of injuries. He has seemingly overcome his Thoracic Outlet Syndrome but struggled with migraines to start the year. The team would be wise to let him return slowly before bringing him back. He has potential but needs to keep his health in order to make him worth rostering.
Liam Hendriks
Liam Hendriks' fastball velos in his rehab outing tonight:
94 94 96 94 94 95 94 94 95 94 95 94 95 94 95 95 95 95 pic.twitter.com/DgTHfAAx2X— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) May 12, 2023
The velocity readings here are very promising indeed, as this was his first rehab game. While the numbers are a bit lower than his previous two years where he averaged just under 98 mph, it’s a step in the right direction. Hendriks himself has said that he’s not yet ready and that he would need another week or so before returning. While it’s speculative to think that velocity is a part of the reason why, it’s fair to assume it’s at least in part. All that being said, Hendriks has looked good minus one shaky outing.
Pete Fairbanks – RP Tampa Bay Rays
Rehab outing complete for @RaysBaseball RH #PeteFairbanks
23p (13 strikes) over 2/3 IP, 2K, but a pair of wild pitches on splitters, including one on strike three.
FB hit 99.1 & charged with one run.
Relieved by @DurhamBulls #JoshRoberson after 2-out single.#RaysUp
— Patrick Kinas 🇺🇦 (@PatrickKinas) May 13, 2023
That fastball velocity is very encouraging, as it matches his 2022 average velocity for that pitch. It also represents the highest that it’s been all season since it averaged just over 98 mph in early April. It’s hard to say if this will continue or not, but it’s a big step in the right direction. It could also indicate that he is just about ready to return. He is eligible to be back on May 16, and all signs point to that being an appropriately timed day.
Corey Seager – SS Texas Rangers
Corey Seager two-run double!
The rehabbing @Rangers shortstop puts @RidersBaseball on the board.
Watch FREE: https://t.co/FYs0HvrDLu pic.twitter.com/hno3SFTBgQ
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 12, 2023
Seager has played in two games while rehabbing, and he’s hit safely in both of them. It’s not anticipated to be a long rehab at all, and he’s looked great in both games. There are rumors that he will return once Texas returns home this Monday, and Seager owners should be ready to insert him back into their rosters for next week’s games.