Injury Report – 4/26

Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!

The Injury Report is a bi-weekly article, published on Mondays and Fridays, where I aim to detail approximately five relevant injuries that have occurred over the past few days or provide an update on the injury of a prominent MLB player. I will try to incorporate the available information as well as my own knowledge and experience in order to approximate a return date in each case, noting the individual characteristics of the injuries and of the players themselves.

If you have questions regarding an injury not detailed in this article, feel free to comment below, and I will give my best effort to provide a timely update.

 

Matt Kemp — Rib Fracture

 

Matt Kemp was initially expected to be DTD with a chest contusion, which has been revised and Kemp has been placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to April 22. Without knowing the severity of the fracture, Kemp can be expected to miss four to six weeks to facilitate bone healing alone and some additional time to return to full play.

Estimated return: Mid-June.

 

Carlos Carrasco — Left Knee Discomfort

 

Carlos Carrasco underwent and MRI on his left knee, which came back negative, after leaving his start on 4/23. Carrasco expects to make his next start, but given that the left leg is put under pressure when landing, that plan may be revised. Carrasco could be placed on the 10-day IL retroactive to April 23 if that move is made today, which would indicate only one missed start.

Estimated return: Expected to make next start.

 

Hunter Dozier — Lower Back Spasms

 

Hunter Dozier has missed two straight starts as a result of back spasms. No updates have been provided regarding his status for today as this is a true DTD situation. Hopefully his symptoms resolve and he can return to the lineup without a DL stint.

Estimated return: May return on Friday, though information is limited.

 

Joey Wendle — Right Wrist Fracture

 

Joey Wendle fractured his wrist after getting hit by a pitch and has been placed on the 10-day IL. Reviewing video, it seems that the ball struck Wendle on the ulnar, below the ulnar styloid. As far as fractures go, this one should be pretty straightforward and preferred compared with fracturing one of the smaller and poorly vascularized carpal bones. Wendle will be out four to six weeks for bone healing with likely two weeks added for return to play.

Estimated return: Mid-June.

 

Drew Smyly — Left Arm Neuritis

 

Drew Smyly was placed on the 10-day IL, retroactive to April 20, with inflammation impinging a nerve in his left arm. The timetable for a condition like this depends heavily on when symptoms began and how quickly conservative management was instituted. In general, if this injury was addressed quickly, Smyly may return when first eligible, though there will be a chance of recurrence of symptoms.

Estimated return: Expected to miss one start. May benefit from a longer absence.