Here is the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, March 1, 2024. In today’s edition, Josh Lowe developed some inflammation in his left hip, resulting in him being shut down for the immediate future. Also, the Boston Red Sox will get a plethora of players returning from injury, all of whom are making their spring debuts this weekend. Finally, Nick Lodolo took a huge step forward en route to returning, but the biggest step could be coming soon in the form of how his body recovers from yesterday’s throwing. All that and more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
Fantrax MLB Injury Report
Julio Rodriguez – OF Seattle Mariners
Servais said that Julio Rodriguez will likely play in Saturday’s Cactus League game.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) February 28, 2024
Rodriguez has been nursing a case of hand inflammation but appears to be close to returning to the field. He was able to swing a bat and put on a glove earlier this week, which were both encouraging signs that this is a minor ailment. He aims to play in a game tomorrow, which is great.
Josh Lowe – OF Tampa Bay Rays
#Rays Josh Lowe has left hip inflammation, will be shut down from baseball activities for 6 days, likely not play in a game for 10-15 days.
Cash says they’re “not overly concerned” and doesn’t feel it will impact his status for opening day.— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) February 29, 2024
This injury cropped out, seemingly out of nowhere, and was a surprise to many. However, it has been reported that Lowe was bothered by it in the off-season and that it just wouldn’t go away. He also said that he could play now if he needed to, but he felt that it would be best to address the issue before the season starts. This shutdown is a long time to be without baseball activities and is a red flag. The hope is that he can make it for Opening Day and be done with this issue.
Boston Red Sox – Team Update
Alex Cora says Jarren Duran will make his spring debut tomorrow and will DH, and they're aiming for Sunday for Vaughn Grissom.
Plan is for Triston Casas to get back in the lineup Saturday, and for Wong to get behind the plate that day as well.
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) February 29, 2024
This is a big update for almost half of the Boston lineup. Duran has been recovering this offseason from a flexor tendon in his toe and looks just about ready to get into game action. He worked hard this winter to get to this point, so it will be interesting to see how that translates onto the field. As for Grissom, he’s been battling a hamstring issue, but that appears to be behind him as he prepares to debut this Sunday. Casas looks to be past the flu and is ready to begin his journey breakout in 2024 with a debut on Saturday. Finally, Wong’s elbow has been bothering him, but he appears all but ready to play this weekend as well.
Robert Stephenson – RP Los Angeles Angels
Angels RHP Robert Stephenson (shoulder) said he’s confident he’ll be pitching in games in spring training but he’s not sure it would be enough games for him to be active Opening Day.
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) February 29, 2024
The hope is that he won’t miss any time in the regular season, but it’s looking like he will. The unsure nature of that statement could lead to the team (and Stephenson) playing it safe and understanding the bigger picture. This is something to keep an eye on as we move toward April.
Christian Walker – 1B Arizona Diamondbacks
Christian Walker has a right hand contusion, the Diamondbacks say.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) February 29, 2024
There was a scare when the injury originally happened, as Walker himself looked incredibly frustrated when he walked off the field. It turns out that this is nothing more than a bruise and that he will be DTD while it heals. Much better news than what it could have been. There’s no word on when he will return, but it probably won’t be too long of a wait to see him back in the lineup.
Max Muncy – 3B Los Angeles Dodgers
Max Muncy said x-rays on his hand came back negative. Said the swelling has gone down significantly, but hasn’t tried swinging a bat yet.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 29, 2024
Muncy got hit by a pitch on Wednesday, and it was revealed on Thursday that it was only a bruise. Even better is the report that the swelling on his hand has subsided, leading one to believe he’ll be ready to play shortly. He should be able to swing a bat soon enough before playing again.
Nick Lodolo – SP Cincinnati Reds
Earlier today, David Bell said it’ll be important to regroup with Nick Lodolo tomorrow and see how he responds as the Reds determine the next step in his progression following today’s live bullpen (which just occurred).
Lodolo looked really impressive. Some big swings and misses…
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) February 29, 2024
While it was a big day for Lodolo for what he did on the mound, it will be an even bigger day afterward to see how his body responds. If everything feels like natural exhaustion and he’s able to recover in a normal fashion, he might be ready to push things to be ready to be placed into a live game situation.
Walker Buehler – SP Los Angeles Dodgers
Walker Buehler facing Miguel Vargas. pic.twitter.com/48lJHQSGXH
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) February 27, 2024
Buehler looked good in his first session of live BP and felt great. He has said that he’s trying to get his body ready and into a game as he works his way through more of these sessions. He wants to get his body more acclimated into his pitches coinciding with the amount of usage of his arm.
Bo Naylor – C Cleveland Guardians
Bo Naylor, out with back spasms since Monday, was cleared to catch Triston McKenzie's sim game Thursday. Myles Straw, trying to keep his CF job, not practicing because of a viral infection. Shane Bieber makes ST debut Sat. vs. KC.
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) February 29, 2024
Naylor has been out of action because of back spasms, but this was a promising development. He looks to be close to in-game action and is still DTD.
Alek Thomas – OF Arizona Diamondbacks
Alek Thomas is dealing with wrist soreness that kept him out of the lineup today. He's been ball tracking during live BP without swinging.
Torey Lovullo said concern is minimal and Thomas could have played today if needed.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) February 26, 2024
Thomas is planning on swinging a bat later today to test out his ailing wrist. There should be an update afterward regarding a potential timeline for a return. Stay tuned.
Kerry Carpenter – OF Detroit Tigers
Kerry Carpenter (hammy) out early doing some running work. Good sign
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) February 27, 2024
It’s been about a week now since Carpenter injured his hamstring. If he’s back to running, there’s a good chance that he can get into some exhibition games soon.
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