2 min read • April 19, 2022
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As the MLB landscape begins to take shape, here are five injury-related stories to follow this week. Continue to check Sports Injury Central's ProBaseballDoc page for further, more detailed coverage.
BONUS: Wander Franco's Sore Quad
Rays' phenom Wander Franco was scratched from the lineup Monday night with a sore right quad.
He is expected back in the lineup Tuesday, according to The Tampa Bay Times' Marc Topkin, but the Rays are unlikely to rush him back until he feels 100%.
The 21-year-old shortstop signed a massive 11-year, $182 million contract last November to potentially be the face of the Rays franchise into his 30s.
A's Weathering COVID-19 Outbreak As Positive Cases Increase Around MLB
Two teams – the Athletics and Mets – have placed multiple players on the Covid-19 injured list in the last week.
Oakland has placed or transferred seven key players to the COVID IL with an “unspecified” designation: Closer Lou Trivino, outfielder Stephen Piscotty, infielder Jed Lowrie, utility man Chad Pinder, pitcher A.J. Puk, catcher Austin Allen, and reliever Kirby Snead are all out until they can post negative tests.
Six other teams have placed individual players on the list, but only two players, Mariners’ outfielder Mitch Haniger and Red Sox catcher Kevin Plawecki, have confirmed positive tests.
As part of the agreed-upon CBA this March, the league loosened restrictions for testing, PPE, and postponing games. After being tested as the players gathered for spring training, teams will only test players who are symptomatic, meaning outbreaks may happen quicker.
Hyun Jin Ryu Placed on IL
The Blue Jays placed their veteran lefty starter on the IL Sunday with left elbow inflammation, a vague and always concerning designation. Hopefully it is simply a consequence of overuse after a short spring training, but inflammation and soreness is often a sign of deeper ligament damage. This is definitely a situation to watch.
Sonny Gray Woes Continue, Out With Hamstring Strain
The Twins put veteran starter Sonny Gray on the 10-day IL with a right hamstring strain. Gray left Saturday’s game with 2 outs in the 2nd inning after he appeared to injure the hamstring during his follow-through. He grabbed at his right leg and immediately called for the trainers.
Minnesota traded for the 32-year-old last month to bolster its young rotation.
Gray has been a card-carrying member of the IL in recent years and the ProBaseballDocs detailed earlier this spring how his various injuries may be catching up to him.
White Sox Players Returning To Lineup?
The White Sox will hopefully get some key players back from early-season IL placements.
Starter Lucas Giolito and outfielder A.J. Pollock are each reportedly vastly improving after their soft tissue ailments and would complete their required 10-day stints later this week. Relievers Joe Kelly, who is dealing with a biceps injury, and Yoan Moncada, who has an oblique strain, are advancing in their rehab but a little further away, according to manager Tony La Russa.
Jonathan India In Injury Purgatory
Reds’ manager David Bell has reportedly yet to decide whether he will place second baseman Jonathan India on the IL with his hamstring strain.
India, the 2021 NL Rookie Of The Year, left last Thursday’s loss to the Dodgers after injuring his right hamstring, and despite hope he would return to the lineup over the weekend, he is unlikely to be available until this Friday, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer's Bobby Nightengale.
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