Injury Report 3/04: Spring Training Continues

My apologies for the delay in the posting of Monday’s article. Thank you to commenters Mike and Dustin — I have included the mentioned players in today’s Injury Report.

 

Josh James — Right Quad Strain

 

Josh James has strained his right quad and will be limited to flat-ground throwing for the time being. James was a sleeper going into 2019 after an electric debut late this past year. He is, as of this injury, not in the picture for a rotation spot. This quad injury appears minor and likely something James will be able to work through prior to the end of spring training.

James’ right quad is his push-off leg, so by limiting him to flat-ground work much of the forceful use of his leg can be eliminated while the arm continues to build strength in preparation for the season. Manager A.J. Hinch has said that James can still make the roster as a reliever, though he will likely not be in the rotation to begin the year. This is all subject to change, but for now, James looks like a waiver acquisition rather than a draft-day target.

Estimated return: Ready for Opening Day.

 

Collin McHugh — Back Soreness

 

Collin McHugh was limited to just one inning in his spring debut on Feb. 27 because of back soreness. McHugh has not previously missed time because of a back issue, and this seems minor in nature. McHugh has said his removal was precautionary, which makes sense in spring training.

McHugh was expected to take the mound today, though he is reportedly pushed back to next weekend. This doesn’t appear to be severe enough to impact McHugh’s start of the regular season.

Estimated return: Ready for Opening Day.

 

Clayton Kershaw — Left Shoulder Soreness

 

Clayton Kershaw appears to have turned a corner in his battle with left shoulder discomfort. Kershaw threw on consecutive days on Thursday and Friday this past week without issue and followed up with a throwing session Sunday after an off-day Saturday. Kershaw remains behind, but he is moving in the right direction — increasing intensity in his throwing up to 80%. He has yet to throw off a mound since the shoulder discomfort began.

Kershaw may not be entirely ready for Opening Day, but he should be close barring a setback. If he continues to progress well he may get on a mound by next weekend.

Estimated return: Ready for Opening Day or shortly thereafter.

 

Mike Foltynewicz — Right Elbow Soreness

 

Mike Foltynewicz reported discomfort in his right elbow following his Feb. 24 spring training outing. This soreness held him out from his scheduled start on Friday. Folty was further evaluated on Saturday, and no concerns were noted with that evaluation. Folty is expected to return to throwing today.

Folty reportedly pitched through similar discomfort this past season and stated he would have thrown through the discomfort had this been the regular season. This elbow soreness appears minor in nature. Folty is not currently expected to start for the Braves on Opening Day, though it appears likely that he will be able to begin the season in the rotation.

Estimated return: Ready for Opening Day.

 

Carlos Martinez — Right Shoulder Inflammation

 

Carlos Martinez received a second evaluation, which validated the first medical report: There is no structural damage to his right shoulder and thus no surgery indicated. With that said, Martinez is still battling inflammation and reduced strength in his right throwing shoulder. Martinez received a PRP injection, which should assist with the inflammation. However, this injection will sideline him until he is re-evaluated in two weeks. Martinez will not be returning to throwing until at least mid-March. If Martinez is ready to begin the season — and it doesn’t look like he will be — it will be in a relief role. His estimated return could continue to be pushed back pending that re-evaluation.

Estimated return: Mid-April.