Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Friday, August 30, 2024. In today’s edition, it’s a recap of a multitude of hand injuries, as Vinnie Pasquantino, Lucas Erceg, and Alec Bohm all suffered injuries to their hands. That and so much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Kansas City Royals – Team Update
Lucas Erceg and Vinnie Pasquantino both exit this game with apparent injuries in the bottom of the eighth inning. #Royals pic.twitter.com/a7jl7eWd31
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) August 30, 2024
This was an unfortunate series of events for the Royals, as both their closer and their first baseman may have suffered significant injuries. First, Lucas Erceg (hand) took a comebacker off the hand, which may have caused him to inappropriately throw that ball to first base. Then, Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) was forced to catch it in an awkward position, causing the runner to collide with him. Of the two injuries, the more worrisome one is Pasquantino’s, as he seemed to be in significant pain almost immediately, but both players have the potential to be major ailments. After the game, manager Matt Quatraro said that they were undergoing x-rays and that more would be divulged when the results were back. It’s time for fantasy owners and Royals fans to collectively hold their breaths.
Alec Bohm – 3B Philadelphia Phillies (hand)
"He's sore right now."
Rob Thomson provides an update on Alec Bohm's left hand. pic.twitter.com/iOkILsd2OW
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) August 30, 2024
Bohm swung and fouled off a pitch, but immediately grasped his hand in pain. It appeared as if he pinched a nerve, or received a “zinger”, as manager Rob Thompson put it. The good news is that he had x-rays done and they came back negative. However, that doesn’t mean that he’s in the clear just yet, as he will be re-evaluated today to determine the extent of the injury.
Freddie Freeman – 1B Los Angeles Dodgers (finger)
Dave Roberts said Freddie Freeman will be back in starting lineup tomorrow for big #DBacks series. #Dodgers
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) August 29, 2024
Freeman has missed the last three games while managing a fracture in his hand. This was part of the process, as manager Dave Roberts has said it will be a pain tolerance situation for him moving forward.
Tyler Glasnow – SP Los Angeles Dodgers (elbow)
#Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Tyler Glasnow will resume catch play on Friday and they’re “hopeful” he can get back this season.
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) August 29, 2024
Today is a big day for Glasnow, as his ability to throw will be tested and examined. The hope is that he comes out fine from this and can move forward. If there is still tightness and pain, then the odds of him missing the rest of the season increase drastically. The team remains “hopeful” that he can return this season, but that word instills anything but hope.
Grayson Rodriguez – SP Baltimore Orioles (lat)
#Orioles RHP Grayson Rodriguez (right lat/teres strain) threw again today and says he feels good as he continues to throw from longer distances. He thinks he’ll be throwing off a mound “here pretty soon.”
— Jake Rill (@JakeDRill) August 29, 2024
Despite this progress, it remains unclear if he will throw again for the Orioles this season other than for a handful of games to end the season. He is too big of a piece of the team’s future to push a return so quickly. That being said, this progress is encouraging and a step in the right direction.
Zach Eflin – SP Baltimore Orioles (shoulder)
Zach Eflin (shoulder) is indeed a possibility to start for the Orioles on Sunday, per Hyde. He’s throwing a bullpen session today in what will be one of the final checkboxes for him.
— Matt Weyrich (@ByMattWeyrich) August 30, 2024
There was no word on how he felt afterward, but perhaps hearing no news is good news. Regardless, fantasy owners should be prepared.
Jordan Westburg – INF Baltimore Orioles (hand)
Jordan Westburg has been doing one-handed work in the cage and on the field to be as ready as possible for his IL return, which Brandon Hyde said is still on schedule to occur before the regular season ends
— Andy Kostka (@afkostka) August 30, 2024
Westburg continues to show progress here as his return before the season ends looks to be on track. It’s hard to see him having significant value when he does return given how different the roster looks now, but healing-wise it’s great to see him close to full health.
Rafael Devers – 3B Boston Red Sox (shoulder)
Plan is for Devers to DH Friday and Saturday and play third on Sunday. Yoshida will be off tomorrow
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) August 29, 2024
Devers has missed the last three games with renewed soreness in his shoulder, which may help explain his recent slump at the plate. He will be brought back into the lineup and limited to no throws to help ease his way into the mix. That being said, it’s good news nonetheless to see him ready to return.
David Hamilton – INF Boston Red Sox (hand)
Hamilton said the finger hurts pretty bad. Normal timetable would be 4-6 weeks he’s hoping he can make it make in 2-3 weeks but it’ll be a pain tolerance thing
— Jen McCaffrey (@jcmccaffrey) August 29, 2024
Hamilton will likely miss the rest of the season with this injury, as two or three weeks seems like a very advantageous attempt. Even if he doesn’t return, his season should be viewed as a success, totaling 33 steals and eight home runs. With the Red Sox still fighting for a Wild Card spot, it’s not inconceivable to see him return for a late push, but the likelihood seems low.
Brandon Woodruff – SP Milwaukee Brewers (shoulder)
Woodruff has been working hard all season to keep himself active, focused, and ready to return. He will be throwing a bullpen session this week and joining the team for a while. He remains a nice buy-low option in dynasty formats for the 2025 season.