8 Biggest MLB Injury Insights of the Week

DCM

David Chao, MD

2 min read • June 19, 2023

Posted in

MLB
8 Biggest MLB Injury Insights of the Week

Aaron Judge OF, SIC Score 35

The New York Yankees superstar received a 2nd PRP injection in his foot to promote healing in two ligaments. Due to the second injection being so quickly after the first, the outfielder will likely be out past the All-Star break because each PRP needs time to take effect.

Judge originally suffered the right big toe injury while making a running catch against the Dodgers on June 3. Before the injury Judge was at 19 HRs slugging .674 percent.

Tim Anderson SS, SIC Score 84

The 2x All-Star was diagnosed with right shoulder soreness after leaving the White Sox June 18 game versus Mariners. The short stop is reportedly day-to-day and our panel of Pro Baseball Docs believe this is a minor issue and shouldn’t miss much time if any at all.

His situation will be monitored closely in the coming days but we fully expect the star SS to return sooner rather than later. Anderson has started slow this year batting just .250 with no HRs.

Pete Alonso 1B, SIC Score 78

The 2019 NL Rookie of the Year winner returned to the lineup June 18 after a 10-day absence but is in no way he is 100% healthy. His power numbers will likely see the biggest downgrade in the short term with the left hand being crucial for providing power during a right-hander's swing.

The next closest HR total on the Mets is 9 away from Alonso’s 22 meaning the bottom dwellers in the NL East will struggle from a HR standpoint for the coming weeks.

Sean Murphy C, SIC Score 80

The former Oakland Athletics catcher left the Atlanta Braves Saturday match due to a right hamstring injury. An MRI revealed mild inflammation but the catcher has yet to be placed on IL with the Braves wanting to wait and see how he feels in the coming days. Atlanta recalled catcher Chadwick Tromp who will serve as a backup catcher while the Braves play the wait and see game. There is a slight chance a 10-day IL is in the cards as more rest may be needed.

The Braves catcher is in the midst of a tremendous season slugging 12 HRs and driving in 42 RBIs good for fourth of the team.

Triston McKenzie SP, SIC Score 45

After starting the 2023 season on IL due to a rotator cuff injury, McKenzie is back on the list due to inflammation in his right elbow. Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona mentioned that the UCL is involved and our panel of Pro Baseball Docs have worry that McKenzie will need Tommy John surgery. For now the SP will sit on the 15-day IL with a move to the 60-day IL a real possibility.

In his injury riddled start to the year the hard throwing right hander has only logged 10 innings.

Alejandro Kirk C, SIC Score 83

The 2022 Silver Slugger award winner at the catcher position left the Toronto Blue Jays June 18th game due to a left hand contusion and laceration but no fracture after being hit by a pitch. Kirk is traditionally a pure contact hitter and with the left hand important for power the catcher will be less affected unlike Alonso. Kirk was unable to avoid an IL stint but with just rest needed he should return soon after the 10 days are up.

The Jays C/DH has played poorly at the plate batting .253 after flashing a .285 average in 2022.

Gio Urshela IF, SIC Score 12

The former Yankee utility infielder will be out an extended period of time with a pelvis fracture. A return for the Angel in the infield around the 60-day mark would be the best case scenario. Urshela suffered the injury on an awkward step after running past first base on June 15.

His ability to play everywhere in the infield will be missed as he has played at least one game at four positions in 62 games.

Anthony Rendon 3B, SIC Score 47

The 2019 World Series winner was hit by a pitch on the base of his left hand on June 15. Our fear at sicscore.com was for a distal ulnar fracture which would land him on the 10-day IL. He has since been reported dealing with a left wrist contusion but was unable to avoid an IL stint. We still have worry for something more than a contusion but for now he remains out of the lineup.

Depth will be an issue for the Angels infield with the backup at the 3B position mentioned above (Gio Urshela) and shortstop Zach Neto on 10-day IL with an oblique injury.