Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Thursday, September 26, 2024. In today’s report, Nestor Cortes will miss at least some of the Yabnkees’ playoffs with an elbow injury that could lead to serious problems. Also, Yordan Alvarez and Grayson Rodriguez have already been ruled out for the rest of the regular season, while Reynalod Lopez could return as soon as today. All of that and much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Houston Astros – Team Update
Yordan Alvarez and Chas McCormick will not accompany the Astros to Cleveland, Joe Espada said. Both will stay in Houston to work with the team’s doctors and training staff. McCormick will take live at-bats. Alvarez is still not doing baseball activity, but is feeling better.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 25, 2024
Unfortunate news here for the Astros, as both Yordan Alvarez (knee) and Chas McCormick (hand) will not play again during the regular season. This puts a cloud over the postseason for them as there is no guarantee that either will be ready to play once the playoffs begin. The biggest worry is that Alvarez is also the biggest asset to be missed. There will surely be updates throughout the week, but until he resumes baseball activities, Alvarez shouldn’t be considered close to returning. At least he’s feeling better.
Nestor Cortes – SP New York Yankees (elbow)
Prior to tonight’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed LHP Nestor Cortes on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 9/22) with a left elbow flexor strain.
• Recalled RHP Cody Poteet (#72) from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Additionally, RHP Marcus…— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 25, 2024
The day started with the news that Nestor Cortes would be getting an MRI done on his elbow. The news quickly soured as it was revealed that he had a left elbow flexor strain and would be shut down for seven to 10 days from throwing. He’s already received a PRP injection and Marcus Stroman took his spot in last night’s game. The only real good news in all of this is that his UCL has remained intact, so surgery appears to be avoided. However, rushing back too soon could do more damage than good. He is not expected to return for the early parts of the playoffs, and the hope is that he can pitch if the Yankees make a deep playoff run. Essentially, it’s not looking good at this point.
Reynaldo Lopez – SP Atlanta Braves (shoulder)
Reynaldo López said he threw Tuesday’s bullpen session at about 80%. He said he’s ready to come back whenever the team believes he’s ready. He’s eligible tomorrow. He said he wouldn’t need to face batters before coming back.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 25, 2024
Finally, some good injury news for the Braves, who have a very important week ahead of them. Additionally, with their games getting postponed until Monday, they may have a starter lined up for them in Lopez who gets additional time to rest beforehand, though he may pitch in relief to warm up in the coming days.
Grayson Rodriguez – SP Baltimore Orioles (lat)
Hyde says no setback. Progressing. Just ran out of time https://t.co/XD6CUd8Uxa
— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) September 25, 2024
The bad news here is that Rodriguez won’t be able to help fantasy owners now or the Orioles throughout the playoffs. The good news is that he didn’t suffer a setback and he should be ready for Opening Day.
Jonathan India – 2B Cincinnati Reds (concussion)
Jonathan India has cleared concussion protocol.
— Charlie Goldsmith (@CharlieG__) September 25, 2024
India was removed from the game on Tuesday after getting hit by a pitch in the head. The good news is that he has left concussion protocol and can begin focusing on getting better and back onto the field. The hope is that he will return on Friday.
Matt Wallner – OF Minnesota Twins (oblique)
Matt Wallner is headed to the IL with an oblique injury. He said he still feels the same pain today. Austin Martin is here at the ballpark.
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) September 25, 2024
This ends Wallner’s season, as he will finish the year with thirteen home runs and a 36.4% strikeout rate. He remains an option for power late in drafts next season, but until he lowers those strikeouts, he’s nothing more than a streamer at best.
Toronto Blue Jays – Team Update
Middle finger surgery for Bo Bichette today. They’re putting a pin in to make sure it heals properly.
Daulton Varsho’s shoulder surgery ended up being standard rotator cuff fix, no other damage found.
Even without setbacks he’ll be toeing line to be full-go when camp starts.— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) September 25, 2024
Bo Bichette (finger) ends his disappointing year, but the good news is that he will likely be ready ahead of Spring Training. He remains a great buy low because of his track record for success. As for Daulton Varsho (shoulder), his surgery was timely in that it likely works into him being close to ready for Spring Training next year. There is a chance that he will suffer setbacks, in which case he may miss some time next season. His progress this offseason will be one to monitor closely.
Chicago Cubs – Team Update
Seiya Suzuki (right ankle sprain) and Michael Busch (right triceps contusion) are not in Cubs lineup tonight.
Both got checked out pregame & were questionable. Cubs aren’t ruling Suzuki out for rest of season hence him not going on IL. But it prompted them to bring up Alcántara.
— Meghan Montemurro (@M_Montemurro) September 25, 2024
Now that the Cubs are out of postseason contention, all bets are off for Seiya Suzuki (ankle) and Michael Busch (tricep) returns. It all depends on if they are back to 100% health with those pre-existing injuries all but one. Otherwise, any return could mean an offseason filled with rehabilitation instead of 2025 prep.