OHHHHHHH we’re halfway there!
Welcome to your weekly Razzball injury report, friends. It is the halfway point of the 2022 MLB season. The All-Star game offered a reprieve to the broken bodies along this trail.
In 2022 thus far, players have been most widely afflicted by COVID-19 (both precautionary and illness-related), shoulder injuries, and elbow injuries. According to Spotrac, MLB players have earned $38,740,217 while on the COVID-IL this year compared to a cumulative of $39,014,689 for the entire 2021 season. Players who are on the COVID restricted list, like a large portion of the Kansas City Royals, are not paid.
In terms of cash earned on the IL, players have earned $73,536,462 and $51,156,948 while on the IL, respectively, for shoulder and arm injuries. Tommy John IL earnings while on the IL are slightly down this year, but those could catch back up towards the latter half of the season. Players like Michael Brantley, J.P. Feyereisen (I miss him), and Mitch Haniger are just a few who have been visitors to the long-term shoulder injury list.
Shoulder and arm injuries appear to be trending upwards this year (based on players on the IL and cash earned on the IL). However, hamstrings injuries, which were the injuries that afflicted players COVID-19 and shoulder injuries, are trending downward this year so far. All of this can change, but keep an eye on those arms for now.
Although the All-Star Break allowed most players a break, there are a few injury updates:
Brandon Crawford (INF): Crawford is out with knee inflammation. The inflammation has been a chronic issue for Crawford. Evan Longoria, who is also sort of chronically on the IL, has been playing for Crawford. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and Jace Peterson are unrostered in many leagues if you are looking for a backup. Occasional 1B Jurickson Profar, who just returned from rehabbing an injury, is also widely available. Crawford should be able to return at some point as an MRI revealed only bruising and inflammation.
¡Isiah Kiner-Falefa en el "clutch"! pic.twitter.com/EtlGH0mxsd
— Yankees Béisbol (@Yankees_Beisbol) July 21, 2022
Harold Ramirez (OF): The injury bug has bitten yet another Tampa Bay Rays player. Harold Ramirez will be out at least 4-5 weeks with a right thumb fracture. Roman Quinn was signed to replace Ramirez for the Rays. The Rockies Connor Joe could be one potential replacement in your roster for Ramirez.
https://twitter.com/RoxGifsVids/status/1547408005410574336
Trevor Story (INF): On July 12, Trevor Story sustained a hand contusion after being hit by a pitch. Story has not been swinging but is expected to return in the coming weeks. Connor Wong was recalled to replace Story’s roster spot. The Brewers Kolten Wong was just activated off the IL and is only 70% rostered on teams. Alternatively, the Padres Ha-Seong Kim has been on fire lately.
Ha-Seong Kim gives the Padres a 1-0 lead! pic.twitter.com/hKni6CvOGL
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) July 13, 2022
Mike Trout (OF): Sadly, Mike Trout is back on the IL with ribcage inflammation. Folks are starting to think Trout might be afraid of the Braves as he has only played 3 out of 1,367 games against the Braves in 12 seasons. Phil Gosselin will replace Trout on the Angels roster. Connor Joe, Jace Peterson, and some of the other players mentioned above would also be suitable additions in Trout’s spot on your roster.
With Mike Trout landing on the IL this week, he’s played 1,367 career games over 12 seasons and just three of those against the #Braves.
Next fewest are Mets & Brewers (8) with Cardinals, Pirates, Marlins, Reds & Cubs (9) the others with less than 10 career games against.
— Kevin McAlpin (@KevinMcAlpin) July 22, 2022
Lightning Round Updates
Enjoy your weekend with these quick status updates on players across the league:
Tyler Mahle: returning soon
Jeffrey Springs: returning soon
Lance McCullers Jr.: rehab assignment
Mitch Haniger: rehab assignment
Tommy La Stella: rehab assignment
Dane Dunning: rehab assignment
Have a great weekend, and go get ’em!
How are you feeling as we start the new half of the season? Do you have any roster updates in mind? Tell me in the comments or on Twitter (@keelin_12ft).
