My projected return dates are based on medical protocols, established rehabilitation guidelines, and evidence-based data. Most of the time I will not agree with the timelines given by teams, beat-writers, or others on social media.
Players to Add Now
Luiz Gohara – ETA – Late April
Dinelson Lamet – ETA – Mid-May
Recent Injuries
Xander Bogaerts – Left Ankle Injury (“Alleged” stress fracture of talus)
This injury is getting a lot of press and a lot of conflicting reports. Let’s go by the evidence. Bogaerts is out of the walking boot two days after the injury suffered when he slid into the dugout and landed awkwardly on his left foot. An MRI revealed a “crack” on the talus (the bone that sits on the top of your foot, connecting it to your leg bones).
A stress fracture to the talus is not all that uncommon in athletes who do extensive running or weight-bearing exercise. We see them in military recruits all the time who are not used to extensive running. The takeaway here is that the MRI showed something on the talus very mild. If it were an actual fracture, Xander would not be putting weight on his ankle, let alone be out of the boot. The Red Sox will not let him return until he is pain-free, but not being confined to a boot speaks volumes about the medical staff’s opinion of his status. Chances are he will be on the field within 14-20 days.
Estimated Return: April 25th
Eugenio Suarez – Thumb Fracture
An errant pitch by James Taillon caught the tip of Suarez’s right thumb on April 8, resulting in a fractured thumb. The team hasn’t announced an official timetable, but this type of fracture needs six weeks to heal and another week or two to complete a rehab assignment and get his timing back. It’s a severe blow for the young third baseman, who just signed an extension.
Estimated Return: Early to Mid-June
Wil Myers
The trouble started with some triceps soreness that later was diagnosed with a nerve problem, specifically a radial nerve impingement problem. Although Myers said he expected to return after the minimum 10 days, Padres manager Andy Green is on record saying that, “It’s not coming as quickly as we’d like it to.” Myers doesn’t exactly have a sparkling reputation of health as it is, and nerve problems can turn into lingering or more significant issues pretty quickly. These feels like an injury that may cause problems for more than just a few more days.
Dr. Tanner,
Thanks for the post in Fantasy Alarm. What have you heard about Scott Schebler and Charlie Blackmon when they will return?