Week after week I have important decisions to make: Should I eat this entire sleeve of Girl Scout cookies? Should I call my mom? Should I make my dogs pay rent?
This week the decision around what I would title this week’s edition of “Ambulance Chasers” weighed heavily on me. The choice was to make a casual cannibalism reference about Lars Nootbar’s ribs OR to say something degenerate and euphemistic about all of the back injuries that are amassing this season. The back injury numbers are more encompassing and concerning this week. So, this was simply a war of attrition.
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way: Ronald Acuña Jr. seems fine. That’s very good news for the person in my RazzSlam league that autodrafted Round 1, Pick 1. Despite indicating a return to normalcy, it is safe to expect a small drop off in running related stats, which will be a drop in the bucket. This is Acuña after all.
Let’s review who else took a ride on the ambulance this week.
Hitters
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, TOR), finger: My heart stopped a little when I saw Vladdy’s name pop up for an injury, but fear not, it is simply a jammed finger. Where can we get some gloves made out of chain mail for Vlad? He should be back in the line-up today. So, we need to get those gloves ASAP.
Posting random Blue Jays highlights until Opening Day — Day 140/175:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hits a home run in his first AB after winning the Home Run Derby! (2023) pic.twitter.com/g4ECdMNVS1
— BlueJays Muse (@BlueJays_Muse) February 23, 2024
Ian Happ (OF, CHC), hamstring: What’s Happ-ening? Not much for Ian lately. Happ is out with a mild hamstring injury. Initial reports indicate that Happ will be back in time for Opening Day.
Nolan Jones (OF, COL), back: *Clears throat for an Adam Duritz impression* Mr. Jones and me, look into the future…and see a back injury. The back injury has Jones day-to-day is supposedly not serious. I will check back in next week.
Nathaniel Lowe (1B, TEX), oblique: Another week. Another Lowe Lost. Nathaniel Lowe could be out for weeks with an oblique strain. That means it is Jared Walsh hours. Walsh is predicted to slash .221/.287/.393. You have so many other options!
Alek Manoah (P, TOR), shoulder: The Manoah redemption campaign is cut short because of shoulder soreness. An MRI showed no structural damage in Manoah’s shoulder. We have a very small sample size for Manoah this season, but he has struggled. He is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, and if the control issues we have seen so far in 2024 persist, it may not matter. It’s a rough time for the Jays pitching staff, but I have some good news on the Gausman front in the injury updates section at the end of the article.
Alek Manoah was originally scheduled to throw a side session today but that’s been cancelled as he’s still experiencing some right shoulder soreness
Blue Jays continuing to consider him day-to-day
— Arden Zwelling (@ArdenZwelling) March 7, 2024
Noelvi Marte (3B, CIN), PEDs: Did any of you grow-up with a D.A.R.E program? My school made us rap to an anti-drug song in 5th grade, and I had to rap the line “All you wanna do is drag me down!” in reference to peer pressure. I don’t think it really worked. Maybe it would have worked for Noelvi Marte. Just kidding. The No. 1 Reds prospect just healed up from a nagging hamstring injury only to comeback and receive an 80 game suspension. See you in June, Noelvi! In the interim, we will see a lot more Jeimer Candelario and Jonathan India, who made his season debut yesterday.
Now for some wholesome local news content that will make you wonder “How did the Reds know?”.
The #Reds made a big investment in Jeimer Candelario in the off-season, it feels worth every penny tonight.
Candelario: I wanted to be part of a "special team."
In line for a big role, his role feels even bigger now. pic.twitter.com/dZgT5bOoSZ
— Joe Danneman (@FOX19Joe) March 8, 2024
Lars Nootbaar (OF, STL), ribs: It’s Noot a good year for the Cards outfield. Tommy Edman is out with continuous wrist issues. Now Lars Nootbaar is out with fractured ribs after moving in a way the body is not intended to move while fielding a fly ball. That leaves the Cards with Jordan Walker, Alec Burleson, and Dylan Carlson in the outfield. It could be worse! Alec Burleson seems to be doing something with his time on stage. Let’s see if that continues.
#STLCards POBO John Mozeliak on Alec Burleson, who is 7 for 18 with a double and three RBI, getting more time in LF: “He’s had a very impressive camp, for sure, and we’re happy for him. He’s probably going to get more of an opportunity now given the injuries that we have.”
— John Denton (@JohnDenton555) March 8, 2024
Anthony Rendon (3B, LAA), groin: I’ll give it to Rendon. His grift game is strong.
Ha-Seong Kim (SS, SDP), back: *Read this one to the tune of “Scatman” by Scatman John* He’s a baaaack man! Ski-bi dibby dib yo da dub dub (it is difficult to be my loved ones). Ha Seong-Kim has returned to action after experiencing back spasms. So file this under “Watching, Waiting, Anticipating”.
Trevor Story (SS, BOS), neck: Trevor Story has reported neck soreness that will not be a serious issue. Expect him back soon, but I am sure he will be back again.
Alex Verdugo (NYY, OF), leg: Verdugo was hit by pitch which resulted in a contusion on his left leg. However, he kept playing after the contusion and is back in the line-up. He’ll be fine. Enjoy the internet speculation below.
How is Verdugo’s HBP ‘Leg Contusion’/ Got benched for flipping the bird ?
— reid sterrett (@reidsterrett) March 6, 2024
Pitchers
Lucas Giolito (SP, BOS), elbow: Oof. Giolito may/will probably miss the entire season with a torn UCL and flexor strain. Reports say he is seeking a second opinion on the damage and options on Monday. The Red Sox currently have a projected starting roster of Nick Pivetta, Brayan Bello, Kutter Crawford, Tanner Houck, and Garrett Whitlock.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito will be headed to Alabama for a second opinion on his ailing right elbow. https://t.co/Jwl8AkwoMR
— Washington Times Sports (@WashTimesSports) March 6, 2024
Updates
Let’s hit some lightning round updates:
- Jarren Duran (OF, BOS), foot: back in the line-up.
- Tommy Edman (UTIL, STL), wrist: behind schedule; doubtful for Opening Day.
- J.P. France (SP, HOU), shoulder: faced live batters.
- Kevin Gausman (SP, TOR), shoulder: expected back for Opening Day.
- Sonny Gray (SP, STL), hamstring: won’t be ready for Opening Day.
- Vaughn Grissom (2B/SS, BOS), groin: won’t be ready for Opening Day.
- Gunnar Henderson (3B/SS, BAL), oblique: debuted earlier this week.
- Jonathan India (2B, CIN), foot: debuted yesterday.
- Kenley Jansen (RP, BOS), lat: mentioned a March 15 return.
- Nick Lodolo (SP, CIN), leg: will supposedly pitch tomorrow but will still start the season on the IL.
- Josh Lowe (OF, TBR), hip: will miss another week; hoping to be ready for Opening Day.
- Matt McLain (2B/SS, CIN), oblique: may make debut next week.
- Jeff McNeil (2B/OF, NYM), biceps: hitting again but may not be ready for Opening Day.
- Robert Stephenson (SP, LAA), shoulder: should be ready for Opening Day.
#Reds Manager David Bell:
"Nick Lodolo is 'back on track' – healthy. He will pitch in Sunday's Spring Training game against the Cleveland Guardians."
HOWEVER, David stated that due to the rampup necessary, Lodolo will begin the year on the IL & debut in the 2nd week of szn. pic.twitter.com/CIxZND6dbZ
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) March 7, 2024
Have a great week! I promise there will be light-hearted cannibal jokes next week.
How are your drafts going? Hit me up in the comments. You can also follow me on Twitter (@Wh1sk3r_B1scu1t) and Bluesky (@keelin12ft.bsky.social)
