Here is the Fantrax Injury Report for Wednesday, March 8, 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!
MLB Injury Report for March 8
Mike Soroka – SP Atlanta Braves
Some Braves notes: Mike Soroka, whose latest comeback attempted was stalled by sore hamstring, will throw a throw a second side session and hopes to throw to hitters next week. His last game in majors was August '20, when he tore his Achilles. He pitched 6 games in minors in '22
— Jeff Schultz (@JeffSchultzATL) March 7, 2023
It’s been a long road back for Soroka, and it’s unclear if his body will withstand the rigors of pitching. His return is the feel-good story of the season. That said, all expectations should be tempered due to the fact that he hasn’t pitched for so long.
Kyle Wright – SP Atlanta Braves
Kyle Wright will throw a side today and live BP on Friday. He might make his spring debut next week. Sets him up to make three starts before camp ends. Could make one more vs. minor leaguers and be lined up for the season's second series (at St. Louis)
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 7, 2023
Positive news regarding Kyle Wright, who seems to be feeling great after an earlier letdown. A small draft discount might yield some rewards in-season if this continues. Still, it’s far too early to make that conclusion.
John Means – SP Baltimore Orioles
John Means threw off a half mound yesterday. 20 fastballs at 50 percent. Said he felt great. Felt like a baseball player again. Another half mound tomorrow and full mound Friday. #orioles
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) March 7, 2023
A big step forward here, as Means himself, said that he felt like a baseball player again. While it’s dependent on how his body responds, he looks to be on the road to recovery. A post-All-Star Break debut looks to be in the works.
James Paxton – SP Boston Red Sox
Cora says James Paxton is moving well and could play catch tomorrow. All in all he's trending in the right direction.
"Obviously we're not rushing but if he's able to get on the mound by the end of the week we're in a better spot than what we thought a couple days ago."
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) March 7, 2023
James Paxton seems to be progressing well and inching closer to a return. That being said, this isn’t the first time won’t be the last time that sort of statement gets said about him. Nonetheless, he could be in the rotation sooner than originally expected.
Adalberto Mondesi – SS Boston Red Sox, Connor Wong – C Boston Red Sox
More #RedSox injury updates:
– Connor Wong (hamstring) is doing agility drills and may take BP tomorrow.
– Adalberto Mondesi (ACL rehab) did agility and took grounders today. Set to take heavier workload but "that doesn't mean he'll be able to break camp with us."
— Mac Cerullo (@MacCerullo) March 7, 2023
Connor Wong seems to be slowly progressing toward a return. Adalberto Mondesi was set to take tests two days ago, though the results were never released. That said, if he’s taking on a heavier workload, chances are those tests revealed that he was doing well. Still, it’s important to wait for the official word before all else.
Nick Senzel – OF Cincinnati Reds
Nick Senzel is still not running at 100 percent, though he is progressing well. He is taking in batting practice and also doing defensive drills. He is not game-ready yet, with no timetable for that in place.
Lance McCullers Jr. – SP Houston Astros
No update on Lance McCullers Jr., manager Dusty Baker said. He's still not throwing.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) March 7, 2023
The update on Lance McCullers Jr. is that there is no update. He still hasn’t started throwing. Obviously, this is not good news.
Tanner Scott – RP Miami Marlins, A.J. Puk – RP Miami Marlins
Tanner Scott and A.J. Puk threw live BP sessions this morning. Next step for both of them is to play in a Grapefruit League game on Friday if there are no hiccups between now and then. #Marlins pic.twitter.com/gsjNqz6O04
— Jordan McPherson (@J_McPherson1126) March 7, 2023
Both Tanner Scott and A.J. Puk took a nice step forward by throwing a live batting practice session yesterday. A bigger step will be this Friday when they play in a game. Both have interesting profiles on this team and could compete for saves in 2023. This situation is something to monitor to see how this bullpen shakes itself out.
Seth Brown – 1B/OF Oakland Athletics
It was noted by manager Mark Kotsay that his removal was precautionary, so hopefully, it’s nothing too serious. Perhaps a day off this early will straighten things out.
James Kaprielian – SP Oakland Athletics
Fantastic news with some reassuring comments from his manager. James Kaprielian looks almost game ready. We’ll see how much he needs to ramp up his arm for the season, but things are looking great.
Dylan Carlson – OF St. Louis Cardinals
Dylan Carlson seems to be ready to return to the field after experiencing arm fatigue earlier this week. It will be interesting to see how the gluttony of outfielders plays itself out for the upcoming season. Carlson hasn’t impressed for a while but could win the spot outright.
Nathan Eovaldi – SP Texas Rangers
Nathan Eovaldi isn’t throwing off a mound yet, but his setback isn’t considered to be too serious. His progression is something to monitor. It’s unknown if he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
Jake Odorizzi – SP Texas Rangers
Jake Odorizzi might not be ready for Opening Day due to arm fatigue. Obviously, not a good sign for him, and his role has been changed to a long reliever instead of a starter. The often-injured pitcher is likely one to avoid in most leagues going forward.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – 1B Toronto Blue Jays
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit off a tee Tuesday for the first time since suffering a right knee injury Friday (withdrew from the WBC). After hitting in the cage said the knee continues “to feel better.” No timetable yet on when he’ll test the knee out on the base paths. #BlueJays
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) March 7, 2023
Great news that the knee continues to get better and better. His status for Opening Day doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy and he should continue to be drafted as an elite first base option.
For more great analysis check out the 2023 FantraxHQ Fantasy Baseball Draft Kit!