Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Tuesday, July 9, 2024. In today’s edition, Mike Trout progresses even further in his recovery process, the news on Parker Meadows isn’t as bad as was first believed, and the Diamondbacks have a big day lined up for their rotation. All of that and much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report for Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
Oneil Cruz – SS Pittsburgh Pirates (hamstring)
Oneil Cruz's hamstring tightened up while rounding the bases in the sixth inning, manager Derek Shelton said
Putting Ke'Bryan Hayes in for Cruz was out of an "abundance of caution"
— Andrew Destin (@AndrewDestin1) July 8, 2024
The good news on Cruz is that he was able to play through the injury and last a few more innings. The hope is that he is able to return within a few days and avoid the Injured List. That said, with so little time before the All-Star Break, it’s quite possible that he gets the rest he needs before the second half of the season.
Mike Trout – OF Los Angeles Angels (knee)
Mike Trout hit on the field today, hitting some soft toss. He said he should progress to BP in a few days. He also jogged on the field for the first time. The running progression is the most important part, he said. He’ll continue to build up and believes he’ll be back late July
— Rhett Bollinger (@RhettBollinger) July 8, 2024
Trout professed that he was basically pain-free a few weeks ago and is now in the process of ramping up his workouts. He started by running on a treadmill and hitting on the field (not at the same time) and now has progressed to hitting on the field and participating in soft-tossing. These are incremental steps forward for him, and continues to look better and better each day. It remains to be seen if his end-of-July proclamation comes true, but for now, it looks possible.
Taylor Ward – OF Los Angeles Angels (knee)
Taylor Ward said he feels good today and expects to be back in the lineup tomorrow.
He banged his knee crashing into the wall at Wrigley. https://t.co/8ELDkVjomO
— Sam Blum (@SamBlum3) July 8, 2024
Ward returning today would be good for the Angels and for baseball, given how many hardships he’s had to overcome. While anything is possible, a quick return seems to be in the cards for him.
Parker Meadows – OF Detroit Tigers (hamstring)
Hinch on Parker Meadows: "The news is better that it's not a massive injury (right hamstring strain), but it's one that is going to take him out of the lineup for a few weeks."
— Chris McCosky (@cmccosky) July 8, 2024
The good news is that this isn’t seen as a major strain on his hamstring, which would have cost him possibly multiple months. That said, due to the nature of the injury, it could cost him multiple weeks.
TJ Friedl – OF Cincinnati Reds (hamstring)
TJ Friedl (hamstring) is set to start his running progression. The follow up with the doctor went well.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) July 8, 2024
Fantastic news here as Friedl’s follow-up was a positive one. His ability to begin running was the last step for him in order to get himself ready for a return. Once he is able to run without any issues, a short rehab assignment might be in order.
Arizona Diamondbacks – Team Update
Merrill Kelly, Eduardo Rodriguez and Jordan Montgomery will throw bullpens tomorrow, Torey Lovullo said. 20-25 pitches.
Plus, Drey Jameson will throw a second bullpen.
"Tomorrow is going to be a busy day over at Salt River Fields."
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) July 8, 2024
Fantastic news for all three of Merrill Kelly (shoulder), Eduardo Rodriguez (shoulder), and Jordan Montgomery (knee), all of which will be busy throwing their respective bullpens today. How they come out of this will help gauge what’s next for all of them. Stay tuned. As for Drey Jameson (Tommy John Surgery), he remains a dynasty stash for 2025 as it was announced that he won’t pitch at all for the Diamondbacks in 2024.
Micahel Harris II – OF Atlanta Braves (hamstring)
Michael Harris II (hamstring strain) is with the team in Phoenix. Here he is taking BP, with Eli White and Zack Short waiting for their next swings. pic.twitter.com/XXWFiVosIV
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) July 9, 2024
Harris II looked great during this BP, and he did start some light running last week. He has yet to run at full strength, which will be a major hurdle and likely one that will push him to the finish line of his recovery. That said, a rehab assignment is expected to happen as well.