Here is the Fantrax Injury Report for Thursday, February 22, 2024. In today’s edition, Kodai Senga arrived at Mets’ camp with general arm fatigue, causing some concern at the outset. Also, Noelvi Marte’s hamstring strain has been revealed as Grade 2, which helps to explain why it’s taken so long for him to recover. Finally, Kyle Bradish has been throwing, but it’s nowhere near where it should be for him to be pitching this season. All this and more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
Fantrax MLB Injury Report
Riley Greene – OF Detroit Tigers
Riley Greene faced a real, live pitcher today for the first time since last September. His 2023 season ended with Tommy John surgery.
"I didn't even think about my arm. I feel normal…I wasn't nervous. I wasn't breathing hard. I was just ready to get in the box."
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) February 20, 2024
Check this off as another hurdle that Greene has overcome as he recovers this off-season. The mindset of him not even thinking about his arm is a good sign too, as he seems to be feeling more like his normal self. It will be interesting to see how feels physically afterward, but all things considered, this is a big step forward for Greene. Since undergoing Tommy John Surgery in September, the plan was for him to be ready for the start of this season, especially because the surgery was performed on his non-throwing elbow.
Kyle Bradish – SP Baltimore Orioles
Kyle Bradish is playing light catch on the main field at Ed Smith Stadium. Looks like he's at about 60 feet again
— Jacob Calvin Meyer (@jcalvinmeyer) February 20, 2024
Bradish later threw from 90 feet, which is a great sign of where he is physically. Progressing that far within a day is an indication that he felt good and was able to extend himself. After receiving a PRP injection last week, his status for this season is still up in the air. It is unclear if and when he will pitch for the Orioles this season.
Kodai Senga – SP New York Mets
Carlos Mendoza says that Kodai Senga is dealing with some arm fatigue and that he will be getting checked out by the trainers: pic.twitter.com/PgCpPBz6SH
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 21, 2024
After throwing yesterday, Senga came into camp today saying that his arm was tired and not its usual self. This is not good news, especially because he is a big piece of the Mets’ rotation and their hopes for 2024. He was set for testing on Wednesday afternoon with not much else known. The team doesn’t want to speculate anything without having all of the facts in front of them. Stay tuned.
Brandon Woodruff – SP Milwaukee Brewers
Brandon Woodruff said he’s just over four months from his shoulder surgery. He said the surgery went better than expected, and started a throwing program last week. He feels completely normal and said it will be a slow and steady progression rehabbing.
— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) February 21, 2024
Days after re-signing with the Brewers, it was revealed that he began a throwing program last week. While he is expected to miss the entire 2024 season, he has not yet ruled out the possibility of coming back late in the year. That said, he has said that he will follow the advice of the doctors and medical professionals to ensure that when he does come back, it is on the right terms and timeline.
Noelvie Marte – 3B Cincinnati Reds
This news is interesting on many levels. First, we now know that Marte suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain. This helps explain why he is still nursing the injury after so many months and is not at full strength. Secondly, this at least gives a timeline of when he should return, which seems to be after the first five games of Spring training. Finally, it would appear that he is in line to be ready for Opening Day, which is ultimately what matters most.
Corey Seager – SS Texas Rangers
Corey Seager (sports hernia) just met with the media. He's doing some incline walking and stationary bike. He's hopes to be ready for Opening Day, but isn't sure. #Rangers
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilsonTXR) February 19, 2024
Seager had sports hernia surgery last month to repair a lingering injury that just wouldn’t go away. He has since been cleared for some form of exercising and training, but not for baseball activities. It remains to be seen if he will need to start the season on the Injured List, but it’s looking more and more likely each day. No matter the case, it doesn’t appear that he will miss much time if any at all, though that’s not a definitive conclusion.
Manny Machado – 3B San Diego Padres
Mike Shildt says a number of Padres regulars will play tomorrow's Cactus League opener. Manny Machado, coming off elbow surgery, will not play, but is "trending in a really good place," Shildt says. He adds that Machado could DH "sooner rather than later."
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) February 21, 2024
Machado has been progressing in a positive direction since arriving at camp. He’s been able to clear himself of the hurdles of playing catch, swinging a bat at 100 percent, and even taking some ground balls. That being said, he’s not quite ready to participate in real-game action and will miss his team’s opening game at Spring Traning. Still, it’s looking like he’ll be ready to play shortly, albeit as the team’s designated hitter. There is still no timeline for him to return to playing defensively on the field.
Matt McLain – SS Cincinnati Reds
Reds IF Matt McLain tweaked oblique in area where had last year's injury. MRI clear. But he'll be sidelined next 5-7 days. "Shouldn't" keep him from being ready for season opener, mgr David Bell said. But the next 5-7 days should give better idea, Bell said.
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubMLB) February 20, 2024
This is somewhat concerning in that he has already reinjured an ailment from last season. He has been able to exercise and train since the injury was reported by doing light athletic work in the field. Still, missing any amount of time is a negative, especially on a team that is absolutely loaded with talent.
Tommy Edman – 2B/SS/OF St. Louis Cardinals
Edman needs several weeks before returning to participate in full activities, though the team believes that he can still be ready for Opening Day. Time is running out for that to come true, but it doesn’t sound like the Cardinals are overly worried. Still, returning from wrist surgery can be tricky in that it can take players a long time to fully feel themselves at the plate. With limited power to begin with, there’s a chance that fantasy owners will need to exercise patience with him early in the season.
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