Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Thursday, September 5, 2024. In today’s edition, Corey Seager may have just ended his season, Justin Steele heads to the Injured List, Luis Robert exits on Wednesday with a hamstring injury, and Kyle Tucker’s triumphant return gets a possible delay. All of that and so much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Corey Seager – SS Texas Rangers (hip)
Manager Bruce Bochy said that it’s too early to tell if he will even be able to be ramped back up, bringing up speculation that he could be shut down for the rest of the season. This seems par for the course with the talented shortstop as there is always the constant fear of an injury. Fantasy owners would be wise to have a backup ready for the rest of the season.
Justin Steele – SP Chicago Cubs (elbow)
#Cubs place Justin Steele on the 15-day IL with left elbow tendinitis. Corresponding move to come.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) September 4, 2024
There was no word on the long-term impact of this injury, but one would have to think that he has thrown his final pitch of 2024 with just over 20 games to go. While he could return in two weeks, elbow injuries are fickle in that a quick return could lead to an even bigger injury causing significant time missed. This way would lead to an offseason where he can rest and explore the situation more deeply. Nonetheless, the team has the final word and will likely offer some insight in the near future.
Luis Robert – OF Chicago White Sox (hamstring)
Luis Robert Jr. left tonight's game with right hamstring tightness.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) September 5, 2024
There was very little word after the game regarding an update on this situation and the severity of the injury itself. All that we know is that manager Grady Sizemore did say that he was fine and that the move to take him out of the game was precautionary. Given where the White Sox are in the standings and Robert’s injury history, there’s still a chance that this could be a season-ending injury.
Grayson Rodriguez – SP Baltimore Orioles (lat)
Grayson Rodriguez (lat) is throwing a bullpen session at Camden Yards
Another positive injury update pic.twitter.com/fjBCIimklp
— Baltimore Banner Sports (@AllBannerSports) September 4, 2024
This was the first time that Rodriguez had thrown off the mound since the injury. It will be interesting to see how he feels after yesterday’s big day and what the team decides to do going forward. If all goes well, he will likely begin a rehab assignment soon before returning to the team before the season ends.
Yoshinobu Yamamoto – SP Los Angeles Dodgers (triceps)
Dave Roberts said Yamamoto will pitch for #Dodgers next Tuesday at Dodger Stadium vs #Cubs
— David Vassegh (@THEREAL_DV) September 4, 2024
Be prepared.
Kyle Tucker – OF Houston Astros (shin)
Joe Espada said it’s “unlikely” the Astros would activate Kyle Tucker tomorrow but did not rule it out. He termed the decision “day-to-day” at this point.
— Matt Kawahara (@matthewkawahara) September 4, 2024
There were rumors that Kyle Tucker would make his triumphant return today after having run the bases yesterday in a planned workout session. It would appear now that his return will seemingly wait yet another day and fantasy owners will have to hold off on activating him in their lineups. There was no word on if he suffered a setback.
Jordan Romano – RP Toronto Blue Jays (elbow)
Jordan Romano has begun a throwing progression at Blue Jays complex in Dunedin — he's been out to 60-feet on flat ground.
Club still doesn't have a timetable for Romano to get back on a mound. Clock is obviously ticking quickly with only 22 games remaining in the season
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) September 4, 2024
From the sounds of it here, the team is hoping and expecting Romano to return at some point this year, even if it is a mid-inning appearance late in the season. All that being said, it is not anticipated that he will regain the closer’s role at this point, as the team is looking to undergo major changes in their bullpen in the offseason, causing some concern for his long-term value.
Bryce Harper – 1B Philadelphia Phillies (elbow)
Per the Phillies: Bryce Harper was removed from today's game with a left elbow contusion. He'll be evaluated further.
— Alex Coffey (@byalexcoffey) September 4, 2024
Both Harper and manager Rob Thompson said that he would be fine following this HBP on the elbow. The issue of resting a day or two was also brought up, and Harper said that he doesn’t foresee that happening because it likely wouldn’t make a difference. From the sounds of it, he will be back in the lineup in no time, healthy or not.
Andrew McCutchen – OF Pittsburgh Pirates (knee)
Manager Derek Shelton said Andrew McCutchen was scratched because his knee was a "little cranky" when showing up at the ballpark today:
“He’s 37 years old, and some days he wakes up and feels better than he does. He’s still available."
— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) September 4, 2024
His future for this season will likely depend on what he wants to do next year. If he is planning on retiring, he might want to push through here and get back out there, ending his career on the field. However, if he plans to return, then perhaps taking the rest of the season off given where the team is at in the standings is a good idea.