David Chao, MD
2 min read • July 18, 2023
Posted in
Ohtani exited Friday’s start with the same issue that kept him from pitching in the All-Star game. His middle finger blister remains a minor nuisance, but manager Phil Nevin said he expects him to make his next scheduled start on Friday. He boasts a 3.50 ERA with a 7-5 record, but he’s 2-2 with a 3.99 ERA in his last 5 starts. His finger issue will not affect his hitting.
Cleveland’s ace is currently on the 15-day IL after a post-All-Star MRI revealed right elbow inflammation. He will be shut down from throwing for two weeks, then reportedly be evaluated on a week-by-week basis. This is guardedly good news but Bieber is not out of the woods yet. Cleveland is already down Triston McKenzie and may just be holding out hope that Bieber can make it back at some point this season.
San Diego’s flashy right fielder turned his right ankle on Saturday, but was available to pinch hit on Sunday. He should rejoin the lineup soon, potentially when the Padres face the Blue Jays starting Tuesday. Tatis is hitting .285 with 17 home runs this season.
The Pro Baseball Docs expect Mullins to land on the 10-day IL with a quad strain he suffered while on the base paths Saturday. Soft tissue muscle strains are never a good sign for a speedy outfielder and Mullins will likely require at least two weeks of rest before returning to the lineup. Mullins missed 20 games with a groin strain he suffered in late May.
The Yankees third baseman was diagnosed with a high-grade calf strain he suffered Saturday and is on the 10-day IL. His recovery will take him well into August and it’s possible he’s shut down for the season. The 2015 MVP is hitting .142 this season with 10 home runs in 33 games.
Altuve ran the bases on Sunday in his first action since suffering an oblique strain while hitting in the batting cage on July 4. Although manager Dusty Baker said Altuve is recovering well, he will require at least another week before being considered for a return. Oblique strains are difficult to play through for hitters who rely on power and the Astros will want their star second baseman healthy for the stretch run.
The trade deadline is a key date to watch for the Yankees and for Judge. Based on recent video of Judge throwing in the outfield, the Pro Baseball Docs do not expect to see last year’s AL MVP before August. His recovery has stretched to a month-and-a-half because of how crucial the back foot is in the swing. He is unlikely to return as a designated hitter before he’s ready to field because it will still be tough to turn on the inside pitch and hit for power.
The man at the Angels’ hot corner has not played since suffering a left leg tibia contusion on July 4. He was originally on crutches for the deep bruise, but was back to walking last week. He shouldn’t be out of the lineup much longer. The 33-year-old is hitting .236 with 2 home runs in 43 games this year.
Written by David Chao, MD
