Razzkinder, it is time for pain in earnest!
The lockout is over. Spring training has begun. More importantly, there have been quite a few surprises this week. When I say “surprises”, I mean the kind where you are walking through a dark hall and step in something wet and chunky.
Let’s go ahead and rip that Band-Aid off!
What are the latest injury updates?
Get comfortable because there is a lot.
Fernando Tatís (SS): It was impressive but also suspicious when Tatís walked away from a December 8, 2021, motorcycle accident seemingly uninjured. As it turns out, Tatís had multiple motorcycle accidents. In the reported incident, he sustained a broken wrist and will be out for an estimated 3 months.
“Which one?”
Fernando Tatís Jr. when asked about his motorcycle incident in the offseasonpic.twitter.com/7JDHqExNC3
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) March 14, 2022
The lockout seems to have simultaneously protected Tatís’s contract, leaving the burden of proof to change the contract on the Padres. Regardless, the Padres appear to have accepted the issue, and hopefully, Tatís will be back in June or July.
The lockout is another factor. In theory, the Padres would need to prove the December accident caused the scaphoid bone fracture in his left wrist. It took ~3 months for Tatís to report any issues — due to a delay in symptoms arising, the work stoppage, or both. (2/5)
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) March 15, 2022
Chris Sale (SP): Chris Sale caught a break- a stress fracture in his rib cage. The timetable for Sale’s return is uncertain. He mentioned this injury was a “freak accident”. Sale shared that he is still unvaccinated against COVID-19 and would be barred from playing games in Canada.
What to make of Chris Sale's rib injury? A closer look at the stress fracture of his ribcage – why it's considered unusual but not unprecedented, and why his timetable for a return is cloudy https://t.co/hxGyfwd7o0 via @BostonGlobe
— Alex Speier (@alexspeier) March 18, 2022
Chris Sale’s injury indicates a potential reliance on Tanner Houck. However, there has been no formal announcement by the Boston Red Sox.
Jack Flaherty (SP): Jack Flaherty had a tear to the labrum in his shoulder. There is no timetable for his return.
Jack Flaherty will not be available for opening day after receiving a PRP injection to address a small tear in his right shoulder, says Mozeliak. No throw for two week, then treatment plan will be set. #stlcards
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) March 18, 2022
It has been noted in the media that Flaherty, along with several others listed below, is receiving PRP injections. If you are looking to connect with family or friends who are not into baseball, PRP injections are similar to what the Kardashians have reportedly had to regrow hair among and in “Vampire Facials”. Also, I am sorry for mentioning the Kardashians and will go hide in my shame hole now.
Kim Kardashian reaches settlement in "vampire facial" lawsuit: https://t.co/mQp16XbCPc pic.twitter.com/dU44fbZtr2
— Complex (@Complex) February 5, 2020
Zack Wheeler (SP): Zack Wheeler is out with shoulder soreness and the timetable for return is undetermined. In December, Wheeler experienced soreness in his arm. Wheeler has been working out in the bullpen and reportedly feels good.
Zack Wheeler finishing up his first bullpen session of the spring. pic.twitter.com/PCxWJozRUt
— Jim Salisbury (@JSalisburyNBCS) March 14, 2022
The Phillies will reportedly rely on Aaron Nola and Zach Eflin to step up in Wheeler’s absence.
Domingo German (SP): Domingo Germán has been sent to the 60-day IL with no timetable for return with shoulder impingement syndrome. He struggled with his shoulder in the 2021 season as well. The Yankees have a stacked pitching line-up at the moment. Michael King, Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, and Deivi García are other players that may get more time in the New York Yankees bullpen.
Even with Domingo Germán headed to the 60-day injured list, the #Yankees appear to be in a good spot with their rotation (at least as of right now).
Cole
Severino
Montgomery
Taillon (likely ready for season after ankle surgery)
Cortes
+ Gil, King, Schmidt, etc— Max Goodman (@MaxTGoodman) March 17, 2022
Taijuan Walker (SP): While Taijuan Walker has been rehabbing, a true test of his recovery will be today as he starts for the Mets in their Grapefruit League opener. The desire to avoid rushing his recovery makes him questionable for Open Day.
Alex Reyes (RP): Labrum? I hardly know ‘um. The St. Louis Cardinals have a labrum problem. Alex Reyes, like Jack Flaherty, will be out for several weeks. Reyes is receiving stem cell injections, but surgery is a possibility as well.
Starling Marte (CF): Starling Marte has been rehabbing a sore oblique. While Marte is not currently playing in spring training games, he has been participating in drills.
Starling Marte says his oblique is fine and he’s not concerned about it. He will participate in full team workouts today. https://t.co/6aVNW3Sc9b
— Deesha (@DeeshaThosar) March 15, 2022
Adley Rutschman (C): In “Ambulance Chasers: Catching A Case”, I was pretty high on Adley Rutschman. However, Rutschman will reportedly be out for 2-3 weeks with a triceps injury of his throwing arm. The top prospect may miss Opening Day, delaying his MLB debut. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “I think it’s an extremely small blip [for] a guy that’s going to be a long career.”
James Kaprielian (SP): James Kaprielian is considered doubtful for Opening Day with shoulder soreness. Kaprielian had Tommy John surgery to repair his UCL in 2017.
Adbert Alzolay (SP, RP): The Cubs placed Adbert Alzolay on the 60-day IL with a strained lateral. Alzolay could be out 2-3 months. Seiya Suzuki joins the Chicago Cubs 40-man roster in Alzolay’s place.
#Cubs place Seiya Suzuki on the 40-man roster. To make room, Alzolay goes to 60-day IL with a right shoulder strain.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) March 18, 2022
Additionally, Griffin Canning, Joe Ross, Brad Wieck, Danny Duffy, Jake Meyers, Joe Kelly, Lance McCullers Jr., and Chris Rodriguez are other players that are not expected to be ready for Opening Day due to new or existing injuries.
Luckily, it’s not all bad news! Max Muncy, Charlie Morton, Adam Engel, and Ian Happ are now probable for Opening Day. Muncy will now be playing 2B after the LA Dodgers acquired Freddy Freeman.
Speaking of Max Muncy and injuries, what’s the latest for 2B?
There are a few existing injuries that affect 2B players (besides Muncy!) and depth. Tommy La Stella, David Bote, Nick Senzel, and Nick Madrigal are a few players that have been affected by injuries. All aforementioned are questionable for Opening Day, but they have also been participating in drills.
That’s it for this week of Ambulance Chasers! I will, unfortunately, see you next week.
Have you had any early disappointments on your fantasy baseball team? Tell me in the comments or on Twitter: @keelin_12ft .
