Welcome to the final Fantrax MLB Injust Report for Friday, September 27, 2024. In today’s edition, Freddie Freeman sprained his ankle, Clayton Kershaw suffered a setback, and Vinnie Pasquantino took a step forward in his recovery. All of this and so much more is in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Freddie Freeman – 1B Los Angeles Dodgers (ankle)
Andrew Friedman said they aren’t overly concerned about Freddie Freeman’s ankle
He won’t play this week in Colorado, but Friedman said he likely could have if the Dodgers hadn’t already clinched https://t.co/BD6aOao2jg
— Jack Harris (@ByJackHarris) September 27, 2024
Freeman injured himself while trying to avoid a tag. He exited the game early and was seen wearing crutches after the game during the team’s celebration. He won’t play again this season, but he said he would do whatever it took to play next week. That seems a bit optimistic for him in that a sprained ankle can have many complications and setbacks. Still, he hasn’t missed much time over the years, and it appears he doesn’t plan on starting now. The Dodgers will likely update his situation today after seeing how he feels one day after the incident.
Clayton Kershaw – SP Los Angeles Dodgers (toe)
Dave Roberts said Clayton Kershaw is “not going to be viable for a couple weeks.” His progression has stalled. Still dealing with stuff involving “the toe, the body.”
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) September 26, 2024
There were murmurs of Kershaw still wanting to return before the end of the regular season with him allegedly putting in the work to make it happen. It would appear now that those efforts may go to waste as his body just doesn’t seem ready and able to withstand the rigors of what awaits. For full context, it’s his toe that just can’t seem to heal properly and he is thus overcompensating with the rest of his body to make the pitches look like what they should. Instead, he may be available for the middle of the playoffs. With stalled progression, chances are that he gets shut down and allows his body to heal for a while. At the end of the day, there is a chance that this ends his season.
Miguel Rojas – SS Los Angeles Dodgers (abductor)
#Dodgers SS Miguel Rojas said an MRI test revealed a tear in his left adductor muscle that will have to be surgically repaired in the offseason. He received a cortisone injection today and expects to play through it in postseason.
— Mike DiGiovanna (@MikeDiGiovanna) September 26, 2024
This is just another dose of bad luck for the Dodgers who are running out of healthy bodies as the season winds down. While Rojas at the plate wasn’t anything to write home about, his defense behind the pitcher will be missed and could cause more balls to head into the outfield.
Vinnie Pasquantino – 1B Kansas City Royals (thumb)
#Royals 1B Vinnie Pasquantino taking batting practice today at Nationals Park.
Another step in his recovery after his right thumb injury. pic.twitter.com/jBOprcqeZF
— Jaylon T. Thompson (@jaylonthompson) September 26, 2024
This was great to see and a step in the right direction. Pasquantino will remain out of action for the rest of the regular season, but he hasn’t yet ruled out the postseason, should the Royals advance. His bat and locker-room presence has been missed and would be a big boost for the playoffs.
Zach Neto – SS Los Angeles Angels (shoulder)
Zach Neto said his shoulder was feeling fine after the game. He said he expects to play this weekend. Ron Washington said he'll give him tomorrow off.
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) September 26, 2024
Neto injured his shoulder while sliding into second base on an attempted steal. He says that he is fine, but his return will depend on how he feels later today after reporting to the team. With only two games left in the season, he may try to push it and play, but the hope is that it’s not too serious and that he can make it out there. If this does end his season, the 2024 breakout will be a popular player to move up draft boards in the spring.
Nolan Schanuel – 1B Los Angeles Angels (leg)
Lower right leg contusion for Nolan Schanuel. pic.twitter.com/UZ8Xg730kU
— Jeff Fletcher (@JeffFletcherOCR) September 26, 2024
Schanuel left last night’s game with a right leg contusion after fouling off a pitch. It remains to be seen if this will be a season-ending injury. Consider him DTD until we hear otherwise.
Chris Paddack – SP Minnesota Twins (forearm)
Chris Paddack faced hitters in St. Paul for a 25-pitch live batting practice session this morning, and said he felt great. It's possible he could be activated from the IL this weekend.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 26, 2024
For anyone needing a start this weekend, Paddack could be activated. He may not go far in the game, but the Orioles may rest some starters if their positioning for the playoffs is set in stone.
Jose Miranda – 3B Minnesota Twins (back)
Jose Miranda was scratched from the Twins lineup with lower back tightness. Austin Martin now in the lineup.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 26, 2024
Miranda has been off and on the Injured List all season and hasn’t had a hit since September 10. It remains to be seen if they will rush him back to play this weekend.
Reynaldo Lopez – SP Atlanta Braves (shoulder)
Sale will start whenever the Braves are facing elimination. Fried is going Friday because he's more of a creature of habit, who doesn't like too many extra days of rest. Reynaldo Lopez will be the wild card, who could be used at any point between Sat.-Mon.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 26, 2024
The good news is that Lopez is feeling better, and these past few days of extra rest while the team has been rained out will no doubt help him come back healthy in whatever capacity the team needs. Both he and the Braves are in a good spot, for once.
Austin Wells – C New York Yankees (knee)
Austin Wells was tended to after taking a ball to the knee, but he's staying in the game. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) September 26, 2024
This is something to monitor over the next few days as the Yankees prepare for the postseason. If there is something more to this than just a potential bruise, the team may want to rest Wells this weekend to ensure that he is ready for the playoffs.