Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Wednesday, July 3, 2024. In today’s edition, Royce Lewis is off for an MRI of his injured groin, Kyle Tucker is still weeks away from returning, Jack Flaherty gets some concerning news, and Corey Seager will seemingly avoid the Injured List. All of this and so much more is in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report for Wednesday, July 3, 2024.
Royce Lewis – 3B Minnesota Twins (groin)
This is not ideal. Lewis said that he felt his groin tighten up as he was running into second base on his double. He said that his past with injuries has left him very pessimistic about what the future holds for this test and the results that will come with it. For what it’s worth, the team doesn’t believe that he will miss more than ten days if he is to go on the Injured List. That being said, anything can happen and now we wait for the results. Stay tuned.
Corey Seager – SS Texas Rangers (wrist)
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy on Corey Seager: "He's day-to-day. He's doing better. He took some swings today, so we're getting good news on that end."
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) July 2, 2024
Seager didn’t play in last night’s game, but the news is promising. He continues to progress every day, just not enough where he’s ready to play. It remains to be seen when he will return, but he appears poised to avoid the Injured List.
Josh Jung – 3B Texas Rangers (wrist)
Rangers 3B Josh Jung said he’s just taking everything day-by-day at this point.
He hasn’t swung a bat since his last rehab assignment game on June 20, and is still sore, but everything remains fine structurally in the wrist after seeing a specialist
— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) July 2, 2024
Jung appears to be at a standstill here. Everything seems fine structurally, but he cannot get past the point where the inflammation in his wrist prevents him from swinging. Whether or not he clears that hurdle in the near future remains to be seen. The team has been cautious with their approach to his development here too.
Michael Harris II – OF Atlanta Braves (hamstring)
Michael Harris II has yet to test his hamstring by running, but that could happen soon. Still no exact timetable for his return. #Braves
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) July 2, 2024
Harris has done other activities on the field, such as playing catch and some exercises. However, running has not been attempted, and until it is, he remains at a standstill.
Houston Astros – Team Update
Joe Espada on Kyle Tucker and Justin Verlander’s injuries:
-Kyle Tucker is improving: “He is improving at a faster pace than last week… he’s still a few weeks away from joining us in action”
-Justin Verlander played a light game of catch, 60 feethttps://t.co/wkYW2qG5TJ
— Michael Schwab (@michaelschwab13) July 2, 2024
While the words of manager Joe Espada regarding Kyle Tucker (shin) are comforting, they come across as quite vague too. For instance, his gains, while a good thing, are very subjective in that they don’t quantify the improvements. They just don’t explain how much he has improved and how far he has to go before clearing whatever hurdle he wants him to clear. That being said, he is still a few weeks away from returning, as he will need to start running on the field. Once he can do that, it would appear that he’s a short rehab assignment away. As for Justin Verlander (neck), this update is the same one that was reported over the weekend.
Philadelphia Phillies – Team Update
Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber did some jogging today. Hit in the cage. Progressing as expected, Rob Thomson said. J.T. Realmuto will hit on the field for the first time. He’s jogging. Also, it’s an incredible day at Wrigley Field.
— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) July 2, 2024
Good news all around here for the Phillies. Both Bryce Harper (hamstring) and Kyle Schwarber (groin) are doing exactly what’s expected of them and progressing as they should. Their original timelines remain intact and they could return just before or just after the All-Star Break. As for J.T. Realmuto (knee), this was a big step forward for him, as he was able to hit in the batting cages today successfully. If his knee tests out fine afterward, he may continue to do have sessions like this in order to maintain these growths. That said, he will also need his knee to sustain the vigors of catching games as well.
Detroit Tigers – Team Update
Tigers' medical report: Kerry Carpenter (back) experienced discomfort while rehabbing. pic.twitter.com/7PiKYAyOaM
— Evan Woodbery (@evanwoodbery) July 2, 2024
A lot to unpack here. First off, Javier Baez (spine) started his rehab assignment with one hit in two at-bats while not striking out. His time there could be lengthy for a multitude of reasons. As for Kerry Carpenter (spine) had been progressing, but this setback will likely keep him sidelined until after the All-Star Break. Additionally, Jack Flaherty (back) has now had multiple injections in his back and has missed starts over the last little while as well. These are all concerning trends that could lead to an extended stay on the Injured List. It’s a disappointing development for a pitcher who has had one of the best comeback seasons of 2024. Finally, Casey Mize (hamstring) will likely head to the Injured List for his hamstring, as hinted by manager AJ Hinch on the radio yesterday.
Pittsburgh Pirates – Team Update
More updates from Todd Tomczyk:
-David Bednar is playing catch out to 120 feet. He'll throw from a slope in the coming days
-Hunter Stratton will also throw off a slope in the coming days
-Endy Rodriguez is now hitting live BP from the left side— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) July 2, 2024
Great news here on David Bednar (oblique), as he could return to the mound very soon. It’s important for the team to take their time since this is an oblique injury. As for Hunter Stratton (triceps), the same goes for him, as he will attempt to throw from a mound for the first time since being placed on the Injured List weeks ago. Finally, Edny Rodriguez (Tommy John Surgery) is advancing to hitting here, but that doesn’t change his timeline of being absent for the entire season.
Giancarlo Stanton – OF New York Yankees (hamstring)
Giancarlo Stanton, who hit today, is moving in the right direction. The original four-week return timeline remains in play, Boone said.
— Laura Albanese (@AlbaneseLaura) July 2, 2024
Stanton appears to be headed in the right direction here as he is progressing without any setbacks. That being said, he is expected to miss at minimum the next three weeks of action.
Jordan Montgomery – SP Arizona Diamondbacks (knee)
Torey Lovullo said the Jordan Montgomery injury occurred during his bullpen session on Saturday. He does not expect this to be an extended IL stint, but no timeline was given.
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) July 2, 2024
Montgomery’s disastrous season continues, this time with a knee injury. The hope is that he can return when first eligible, but it’s hard to tell at this point.
J.D. Martinez – DH New York Mets (ankle)
J.D. Martinez said his ankle is sore because he tried a new cleat that didn’t quite fit right. His shipment from Adidas was delayed, so he bought new cleats on Amazon.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 3, 2024
I really don’t know what to add to this, other than go out and buy your baseball cleats from Adidas (not a sponsor).