Welcome to the Fantrax MLB Injury Report for Tuesday, September 24, 2024. In today’s edition, Yordan Alvarez had an MRI to determine the severity of his inflamed knee, Josh Jung will miss the rest of his injury-plagued season, and two Blue Jays will be working hard this offseason to get back to a healthy state before the 2025 season. All of that and so much more in today’s Injury Report from Fantrax.
MLB Injury Report
Yordan Alvarez – OF Houston Astros (knee)
Yordan Alvarez has a right knee sprain and will not play in this series against the Mariners, Joe Espada said. The Astros are not shutting the door on Alvarez returning this regular season.
— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) September 24, 2024
Earlier in the day, Alvarez had X-rays that determined inflammation in the knee after waking up feeling very sore. He then had an MRI scheduled for later in the afternoon to help determine what the root of the injury was. The results of that MRI were revealed late last night, and they’re not the greatest. With a right knee sprain, he has already been ruled out of action for the Mariners series with the hope that he can return this weekend. While hope has never been the best word to describe certainty, it at least doesn’t rule out the possibility that he can return. That being said, with the Astros still possibly playing for something here all season, they may force the issue if the need arises. It’s hard to gauge how serious this injury is too, given the team that is assessing him and their history with doing so.
Josh Jung – 3B Texas Rangers (hand)
Jung will miss the rest of the season with an ongoing injury to his surgically repaired hand. He will finish his disappointing 2024 season with just seven home runs and only 46 games played. He missed most of the season with injuries all over his body, including his wrist and shoulder, both of which lingered on for longer than they were anticipated to do so. He will meet with a hand specialist in the coming days to determine the next steps in his road to recovery, though he is now expected to be fully healthy for the start of the 2025 season.
Toronto Blue Jays – Team Update
#BlueJays injury updates to monitor this winter:
-Daulton Varsho had right shoulder surgery today, per John Schneider. No report back yet on timeline or what exact repair was.
-Bo Bichette travelling to AZ to see hand specialist before deciding best course of action for finger.— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) September 23, 2024
Daulton Varsho (shoulder) had successful surgery on his right shoulder yesterday, and his planned offseason recovery now begins. There have been some reports that he had right rotator cuff surgery and that Dr. Meister performed it in Texas, but the team has yet to confirm or deny that. If that is the case, he could require an extensive timeline for a complete recovery. Usually with pitchers, this sort of injury can take up to a full calendar year to pitch again. However, Varsho is a fielder, so the process is different. Details should outline his recovery timeline and process in the coming days and weeks. Still, the good news is that he can begin the recovery process with the hope that he can be fully healthy come Opening Day in 2025. As for Bo Bichette (finger), it sounds like this injury is serious enough to warrant a discussion on the possibility of surgery. Regardless of if an operation is needed, he should be ready for Opening Day in 2025. He is a great buy-low option for next year.
Kenley Jansen – RP Boston Red Sox (shoulder)
The #RedSox today placed RHP Kenley Jansen on the 15-Day Injured List with right shoulder inflammation.
To fill his spot on the active roster, Boston recalled RHP Chase Shugart from Triple-A Worcester.
— Red Sox (@RedSox) September 23, 2024
This likely ends Jansen’s tenure as a member of the Boston Red Sox, as he is a free agent this offseason. A reminder that Chris Martin and Justin Slaten will receive save opportunities this week.
Ketel Marte – 2B Arizona Diamondbacks (ankle)
This is an interesting quote from manager Terry Lovullo, as his being in a dangerous spot to play indicates that his injured ankle is still not fully healed. Should the team advance to the playoffs, there is added risk here of yet another re-injury, which could cost Marte significant time in the offseason. Lovullo went as far as to say that one night’s rest wouldn’t be enough for him to be healed and healthy. They need to be careful here if that is the case.
Gabriel Moreno – C Arizona Diamondbacks (back)
Gabriel Moreno says he got good news on his MRI. He is hopeful he can be back in action soon, perhaps tomorrow.
— Nick Piecoro (@nickpiecoro) September 23, 2024
Lovullo called the results of his MRI “fairly unremarkable”, but there is still some discomfort on the left side of his abductor, which is where his prior groin injury was. It’s worth noting that Moreno did not play in last night’s game despite the endorsement stating he would be available off of the bench.
Ryne Nelson – SP Arizona Diamondbacks (shoulder)
Ryne Nelson will throw a 25-pitch bullpen tomorrow, manager Torey Lovullo said.
It sounds like a return this weekend is still in play.
Lovullo said that whether Nelson returns as a starter or reliever depends on what pitch count they feel he can safely reach.
— Jesse Friedman (@JesseNFriedman) September 23, 2024
Nelson returning to the Diamondbacks by the weekend is still in play, though the fact that he may do so as a reliever shows that the injury is still prevalent and significant enough for now and in the future.
Paul Sewald – RP Arizona Diamondbacks (neck)
Sewald has missed the past ten days with neck discomfort but looks to be almost ready to return. If he does come back, chances are that it will be in low-leverage situations.