Taylor Bicht
2 min read • September 30, 2024
Posted in
As the 2024 MLB postseason gets underway, injuries remain a crucial factor influencing each team's success.
For the past few years we've seen our health ratings for the MLB playoffs have a strong correlation to team performance success.
See our MLB Team Health Ratings from the 2023 Postseason here and our 2022 analysis on teams with health advantages including Padres and Guardians.
For the 2024 playoffs here are the teams and their current injury concerns heading into October.
Spencer Turnbull (Phillies) threw live batting practice as he eyes a potential return for the postseason.
Javier Baez is out for the season after undergoing hip surgery
The Guardians enter the postseason missing key contributors. Shane Bieber, their ace, has been sidelined with a forearm strain and is out for season
Alex Cobb (Guardians) is testing a right-hand blister in a simulated game to determine his ALDS availability.
Ha-Seong Kim (Padres) will have season-ending surgery on a “small tear” in the labrum in his right shoulder.
Jeff McNeil and Kodai Senga (Mets) McNeil is recovering from a fractured right wrist and is due for a follow-up X-ray which will give clarity on his potential return date. Senga is recovering from a high-grade left calf strain and is due to throw a live batting practice session but not likely back for the playoffs.
Vinnie Pasquantino (Royals) is recovering from a right thumb fracture and is scheduled for a live batting practice session today. Able to make wild card series roster which is solid news for Royals.
The Yankees clinched the AL East, but they’ve dealt with a few key injuries. Starting pitcher Nelson Cortes has been nursing an elbow issue and was placed on IL just before the end of the season sidelining him at least for the first round series. This injury will impact the rotation's depth.
Anthony Rizzo suffered fractures to his fourth and fifth fingers on his right hand after being hit by a pitch during Saturday’s game. While manager Aaron Boone hasn’t ruled him out for the American League Division Series (ALDS), Rizzo’s chances remain a "long shot."
DJ LeMahieu is recovering from a right hip impingement but hopes to participate in baseball activities soon. His target is to be available for the ALDS starting October 5.
Two of the best Brewers best players will miss the postseason. Outfielder Christian Yelich is out for the season as he recovers from a back surgery while ace Brandon Woodruff has missed majority of season recovering from shoulder surgery. Amazingly the Brewers have played through these issues but maybe come to bite them at crucial moments in postseason.
Pitching depth will be a concern heading into the postseason with 4 viable starting pitchers sidelined. Grayson Rodriguez is the biggest loss as he is out recovering from lat discomfort something that will sideline him entire postseason. John Means (Tommy John surgery), Tyler Wells (elbow surgery) and Kyle Bradish (Tommy John surgery) are all out for season.
Yordan Alvarez (sprained right knee) returned to baseball activities and could be available for the Wild Card Series, while Chas McCormick (right hand fracture) is taking live batting practice and remains an option for the roster.
The Braves clinched a spot in the playoffs on the final day of the season. Incredible perseverance for a squad that looked down and out after losing star Ronald Acuna Jr. for season due an ACL injury his second of career. Big losses that will not return for playoffs include power hitter Austin Riley (fractured right hand) and pitcher Spencer Strider (Tommy John surgery)
Just before Game 1, news was released that NL Cy Young candidate Chris Sale is dealing with back spasms and will miss wild card series versus San Diego Padres. Knocks the braves SIC Scores multiple points and now have an even bigger mountain to climb as they face a healthy Padres team.
Freddie Freeman (Dodgers) suffered an ankle injury but is expected to be ready for the NL Division Series.
Miguel Rojas (Dodgers) aggravated a groin injury mid last week and did not play for the remainder of the week. Bye gives him extra time to rest injury but may not be 100% to start series.
Injuries will play a defining role as these teams push toward a World Series run, making it essential to follow sicscore.com for updates closely.
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Written by Taylor Bicht
