Here is the Fantrax Injury Report for Tuesday, March 21, 2023.
The season is not here yet, but why not get a head start and jump in a Fantrax Classic Draft contest? Get a jump on the season with a Best Ball league or maybe a Draft and Hold. Or put some green on the line with a new season-long league to try and conquer. There’s no better time than now to get your baseball on!
Michael Soroka – SP Atlanta Braves
Kyle Wright is slated for three innings (approx. 45 pitches today). Michael Soroka will likely be targeted for two innings when he makes his spring debut on Wednesday in Lakeland.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 20, 2023
This is a big day for Soroka, who yesterday was noted to have needed a while to ramp up. Looks like Wednesday will be the first step along that journey.
Garrett Whitlock – SP Boston Red Sox
Garrett Whitlock is scheduled to throw 3 innings today – but Alex Cora said he’s not likely to be a consideration for the 5th start of the year. Sox will want him to build with three more starts – 4 innings, then 2 x 5 innings – before having him in big league rotation.
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) March 20, 2023
Whitlock will be in consideration for the rotation, just not right away. This could mean that Kutter Crawford will be the team’s fifth starter in their rotation. For what it’s worth, Whitlock walked two batters yesterday with three strikeouts and three hits over three innings pitched.
Aaron Bummer – RP Chicago White Sox
Aaron Bummer threw his first bullpen today, at normal effort. He said they’ll have to see how he recovers tomorrow but it went to plan and he feels good.
— James Fegan (@JRFegan) March 9, 2023
Great that the first bullpen went as planned. Bummer hasn’t thrown from a mound at all since he experienced tightness in his lat about a month ago.
Charlie Blackmon – OF Colorado Rockies
#Rockies DH-RF Charlie Blackmon (back stiffness) is doing all baseball activities while keeping in mind "the most important thing is just don't take any steps back." Took a couple days off, taking BP today. Should be ready for Opening Day.
— Thomas Harding (@harding_at_mlb) March 20, 2023
Blackmon took some batting practice reps yesterday and continues on the slow trajectory onward toward Opening Day. He’s at the stage of his career where he might be better served as the team’s DH, rather than in the outfield.
Michael Lorenzon – SP Detroit Tigers
Michael Lorenzen was scratched from his start today. Reported groin tightness. Bullpen game for Tigers
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) March 20, 2023
Projected to be in the Tigers’ rotation, this news comes with the hope that it’s a minor setback. The team needs his arm this season if they are going to compete. Stay tuned.
Jarred Kelenic – OF Seattle Mariners
Jarred Kelenic has some minor quad tightness and was pulled out of precaution per Scott Servais
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) March 20, 2023
Kelenic has had himself a solid Spring Training, so anything more than a DTD designation would be disappointing. He is currently battling for an outfield spot, and any setback would be detrimental to that. More updates to follow over the next few days.
Paul DeJong – SS St. Louis Cardinals
Paul DeJong said setback with lower back pain came today while fielding grounder. He hoped to DH Tuesday before it but now doubts he will be able to play before camp breaks. Can’t flex and rotate spine without pain. Looks likely he will head to injured list. #STLCards
— Ben Frederickson (@Ben_Fred) March 20, 2023
DeJong had been recuperating from an earlier back injury, and this puts a huge dent in any hope the team had of him returning. Look for Tommy Edman to get the start at shortstop to begin the season.
Hyun Jin Ryu – SP Toronto Blue Jays
Both Ryu and the team have postseason aspirations, and it’s within the realm of possibilities that they both get to contribute in the playoffs. Ryu has been working hard to get back to even this point. Ryu himself has set a mid-July return as his goal, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can maintain that.
Mitch White – SP/RP Toronto Blue Jays
The #BlueJays’ pitching plans:
José Berríos pitches in the Wednesday game against the Orioles.
Chris Bassitt moves to a Minor League game on Wednesday.
Mitch White will pitch in a Minor League game Wednesday (45-50p)
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 20, 2023
This would be White’s first appearance in a game this spring. A pitch-count that high shows some level of readiness too. With his role unknown at this time, his performance in this game could be pivotal as the team makes a decision.
Alejandro Kirk – C Toronto Blue Jays
Blue Jays injury updates:
Alejandro Kirk (illness) is feeling better; went through a full workout Monday
Ricky Tiedemann (shoulder) is continuing a mound progression; plan is to throw a bullpen Tuesday or Wednesday
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 20, 2023
With a non-Covid illness, Kirk looks like he’ll have needed a few days of normal rest to get better. He should be ready for Opening Day and fantasy owners can draft with confidence.