Doug Mann
2 min read • May 27, 2024
Posted in
Stay informed about the latest injuries impacting Major League Baseball with our weekly update on players sidelined due to various ailments.
Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves' star outfielder, exited Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning due to left knee soreness. Subsequent MRI scans have confirmed the worst fears: Acuña has suffered a complete tear of his left ACL. This devastating injury will require surgical intervention, sidelining Acuña for the remainder of the 2024 MLB season. The Braves will undoubtedly feel the impact of losing their reigning NL MVP.
Third baseman Austin Riley has been on the injured list since May 12 due to left side inflammation. Initial reports suggested a return to the lineup might happen sooner, but recent updates indicate that Riley is likely to be out until at least Monday. The Braves are closely monitoring his recovery to ensure he does not exacerbate the injury, focusing on a full recovery before he resumes playing.
Catcher Sean Murphy has shown promising progress during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett. Battling a left oblique strain, Murphy has gone 5-for-14 (.357) with two home runs in the first three games of his assignment, catching two of those games. This performance indicates a strong recovery, and Murphy could rejoin the Braves' lineup soon if he continues on this trajectory.
Promising pitcher AJ Smith-Shawver was placed on the 15-day injured list following a left oblique strain. This injury occurred after a stellar performance where he pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings against the Chicago Cubs. The Braves are taking a cautious approach with Smith-Shawver, ensuring he undergoes the necessary rehabilitation to prevent further injury.
Dodgers' superstar Shohei Ohtani suffered a right hamstring contusion during a recent homestand. Manager Dave Roberts explained that Ohtani's injury stemmed from being hit in the hamstring while on first base. Although not a strain, the contusion requires careful management to prevent worsening. Ohtani's condition is improving, but the Dodgers are monitoring him closely to avoid any setbacks.
Max Muncy is dealing with a Grade 1 right oblique strain, a delicate injury that necessitates careful handling. Manager Dave Roberts indicated that Muncy's recovery is progressing slowly, with hitting off a tee being the current focus. Muncy will need several more days before advancing to more intensive activities.
Evan Phillips, recovering from a right hamstring strain, has thrown 21 pitches in live batting practice and is set to start for Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Bobby Miller, meanwhile, threw 50 pitches in a simulated game and will pitch in a rehab game with Single-A Rancho Cucamonga. Both players are making significant strides towards returning to the Dodgers' active roster.
Mike Trout is on the mend from a torn meniscus. Currently, Trout is undergoing twice-daily treatments and has progressed to low-impact activities like biking and using an elliptical. His next steps include walking and eventually jogging on an Ultra G treadmill. The Angels are optimistic about his recovery as he ramps up baseball activities.
Miguel Sanó, who has been dealing with left knee inflammation, suffered a minor setback by accidentally burning his knee with a heating pad. This incident is expected to delay his return by a few days. Despite this, Sanó has been actively playing in the Rookie League and is making gradual progress.
Tyler O'Neill was removed from Saturday's game against the Brewers in the eighth inning due to right knee soreness and is considered day-to-day. He was out of the lineup on Sunday.
Garrett Whitlock, sidelined with a damaged UCL in his right elbow, will not pitch again in 2024. He is expected to undergo an internal bracing procedure, though the final decision is still pending.
Stay tuned for more injury updates on MLB injuries as the season progresses.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, dealing with right elbow discomfort, threw two 15-pitch innings in a simulated game against Minor Leaguers on Saturday at the Yankees' complex in Tampa, He remains on track for a potential June return to the rotation.
Manager Aaron Boone announced that DJ LeMahieu, recovering from a non-displaced fracture of his right foot, is expected to rejoin the active roster during the Yankees' series against the Angels in Anaheim, starting Monday.
Yankees infielder Jon Berti was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday after suffering a left calf strain during Friday's game against the Padres.
Nick Burdi has been placed on the 15-day injured list as of Friday due to right hip inflammation.
Written by Doug Mann
