Guten Tag, Razzball Beings!
It may be an “off” week for most of the league, but I wanted to share a few updates with you as we shift into the second half of the 2023 MLB season.
First, did you catch the Home Run Derby and/or the All-Star Game?
Despite a record-breaking performance of 41 HR by Julio Rodriguez, Vlad Jr. walked away as the Derby King. ESPN said Vlad Jr. is the “2nd Cuban-Born HR Derby Champion” despite the fact Vlad Jr. was born in Montreal and is, of course, of Dominican descent.
Does ESPN know? pic.twitter.com/mhxav3ZCZd
— Addison (@YankeeWRLD) July 11, 2023
Julio Rodriguez was not the only player to make history. Vlad Jr., in the footsteps of his dad Vlad Sr., became the first father-son duo to win the Home Run Derby. Sarah Langs finally gets an affirmative answer to a question she thought about 4 years ago: “Does experience watching the Derby from the field as a child lead to future Derby success?!” (this is not Cecil and Prince Fielder erasure).
One part of Vlad Jr. reportedly in the HR Derby that I am very excited about is that we can FINALLY get an answer to an age-old question I have pondered…
Does experience watching the Derby from the field as a child lead to future Derby success?! pic.twitter.com/1Hi9DqUrrg
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) June 21, 2019
The skill is incredible, but in a week when other players are healing, Luis Robert Jr. experienced calf tightness after finishing in the semifinals of the Home Run Derby. Although he finished in the semifinals, he had the six farthest HRs of the Derby. As a result of the injury, Robert did not play in the All-Star Game (where he would have been a reserve player). Luckily, Robert is already back in action for the White Sox, which is good news for many rosters. Robert is tied with Pete Alonso, and Mookie Betts for the 3rd most homers in the league.
Luis Robert Jr. is in tonight's starting lineup despite concerns about his calf injury from the Home Run Derbyhttps://t.co/4iyz8YFz3T
— White Sox Talk (@NBCSWhiteSox) July 14, 2023
If he can avoid injury, there is no reason Robert should slow down. Malachi Hayes shows how Robert has adjusted his stance to better hit 4-seam fastballs and nowhere within the strike zone (or even outside of it) is safe.
Unfortunately, Robert wasn’t the only All-Star who was injured. Toronto’s Jordan Romano left the game in the 7th inning with lower back pain after giving up a homer turned foul ball to Lourdes Gurriel Jr.. Luckily, Romano is, reportedly, all clear from any serious injury.
Jordan Romano’s back came out of the pregame clean.
“If we need him tomorrow he’s ready to roll” Schneider said. #BlueJays
— Mitch Bannon (@MitchBannon) July 15, 2023
While those injuries were mostly minor, I did want to provide some injury updates as we head into the second half of the season:
- Yordan Alvarez (HOU, DH) oblique- set to rehab along with Jose Urquidy; there are a host of other Astros who may be returning to the line-up soon with Jose Altuve and Michael Brantley hitting again.
- Shane Bieber (CLE, SP) forearm- getting an MRI; be on the lookout.
- Edward Cabrera (MIA, SP), shoulder- rehab! Avisail Garcia (RF), Andrew Nardi (RP), and Jazz Chisholm (CF) will also be eligible to return soon.
- Esteury Ruiz (OAK, CF), shoulder- no set timetable for return but reportedly healing well.
- Hunter Greene (CIN, SP), hip- has reportedly been throwing off the mound. Early August return.
- Liam Hendriks (CWS, RP), elbow- has reportedly been throwing off the mound.
- Merrill Kelly (ARI, SP), blood clot- pitching in simulation game today (7/15).
- Clayton Kershaw (LAD, SP), shoulder- not back until August; same for CF Trayce Thompson.
- Ramon Laureano (OAK, RF), hand- starting live batting practice today (7/15).
- A.J. Minter (ATL, RP), pec tightness- playing catch but not pitching yet.
- Anthony Rendon (LAA, 3B) left shin contusion- could return as soon as next week. He is on the IL with Jo Adell (7/28), Max Stassi (7/25), and Ben Joyce (8/11).
- Max Scherzer (NYM, SP), minor injury not related to his arm- could pitch again next Tuesday.
- Dansby Swanson (CHC, SS), heel – out until July 16.
- Will Vest (DET, RP), leg strain- no update.
- Garrett Whitlock (BOS, RP), bone bruise in elbow- still not throwing; Tanner Houck and Chris Sale are eligible to return around early August.
If you want to follow up on other injuries you’ve been watching or wondering about, chat with me in the comments.
Have a great weekend!
What was your favorite or least part of the All-Star Game or Home Rub Derby? Are you looking to make any changes during the latter half of the season? Talk to me in the comments or over on Twitter:
