Here is the Fantrax Injury Report for Monday, March 6, 2023.
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MLB Injury Report
Pavin Smith – 1B/OF Arizona Diamondbacks
Pavin Smith has left the game after what appeared to be an awkward slide at home plate in the second inning. Tim Tawa takes his place in right field.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) March 4, 2023
Pavin Smith left a game early after an awkward slide at home plate on Sunday. The injury is not considered to be serious.
Michael Brantley – OF Houston Astros
Dana Brown, speaking on the Astros' radio broadcast, said Michael Brantley will be ready "maybe opening day, a week into the season at the worst."
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 5, 2023
Michael Brantley, who is recovering from season-ending shoulder surgery, may miss the start of the season. It doesn’t look like much time will be missed, however, as he’s on his way to being fully healthy. It was also revealed that when he does come back, he will be placed second in the Astros’ lineup.
Lance McCullers – SP Houston Astros, Yordan Alvarez – OF Houston Astros
Lance McCullers Jr. is not playing catch yet and Yordan Alvarez still hasn’t swung a bat, Dusty Baker said.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) March 5, 2023
Obviously not good news for either player, as both haven’t taken that next step forward. While McCullers is slated to miss some time to start the season, it was noted last week that Alvarez is expected to be ready for Opening Day. A wait-and-see approach is on the table in the meantime.
Jose Quintana – SP New York Mets
Buck Showalter says there is some concern with José Quintana's left side tightness, but it's too early to know the severity of it. pic.twitter.com/6984k6KZDR
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 5, 2023
Jose Quintana left a game early with tightness on his side. He has since withdrawn from the WBC in order to take care of this ailment. More updates should be made available in the coming days.
David Peterson – SP New York Mets
David Peterson update: He is day-to-day with a bruised left foot, the Mets say.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) March 5, 2023
After some inconclusive x-rays, David Peterson went for a second set, and it was determined to be a bruise on his foot. He will likely be back within the upcoming week after some prep and tests.
Sam Haggerty – UT Seattle Mariners
Sam Haggerty could return soon after some rest for general soreness in his lower body. He would likely be in a reserve role when healthy and back in the lineup.
Jack Flaherty – SP St. Louis Cardinals
Oli Marmol said RHP Jack Flaherty was pushing to make his Grapefruit League debut today, but it was the #STLCards manager who conferred with the training staff & pushed the start to Mon. vs. the #Astros.
Starters Steven Matz & Flaherty will each throw approximately 50 pitches.
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 5, 2023
Interesting to note that it was the manager’s decision to push back his start. With no noted reasoning as to why this happened, it’s important to make a mental note nonetheless. Still, Flaherty looks ready to make his Spring debut later today after battling the flu this weekend.
Leody Tavares, OF Texas Rangers
To the best of my medical understanding, “left side tightness” is not contagious, but ALSO, Leody Taveras is being scratched from today’s lineup with exactly that. He joins Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi on the list of player who’ve had the ailment this spring.
— Levi Weaver (@ThreeTwoEephus) March 5, 2023
It’s unclear as to the severity of this injury at this time. This situation is one to monitor to see if extended missed time is warranted.
Jon Gray, SP Texas Rangers
Jon Gray says that he feels normal after treatment for his back. It sounds like he could be pitching sooner rather than later, though it all depends on how his body responds.
Whit Merrifield – 2B/OF Toronto Blue Jays
Whit Merrifield has been out of games since Friday due to right quad tightness.
It’s considered minor and Blue Jays are being extra cautious. Merrifield went through a full workout Saturday and says he has more than enough time remaining in camp to be ready for regular season.
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 5, 2023
Obviously, Merrifield’s value is dependent on his speed, so this is a letdown. He was looking for a bounce-back season, and, for now, that comeback is put on hold. Updates later in the week will make things more clear.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B Toronto Blue Jays
Vlad Guerrero Jr. (knee) said he isn’t going to rush back to games. Said he’s thankful it’s not worse. His priority is #BlueJays though he would have wanted to play for DR at WBC.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) March 5, 2023
It’s positive that he is progressing, and playing it cautiously is the best idea. The likeliest of all scenarios probably do not see him in game action anytime soon.
For more great analysis check out the 2023 FantraxHQ Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit!