Injury Report — 5/3

Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!

The Injury Report is a biweekly 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.

 

Carlos Rodon — Left Forearm Inflammation

 

Carlos Rodon is on the 10-day IL because of inflammation in his left forearm. General Manager Rick Hahn did not shy away from questions about Tommy John surgery, so it is at least on the table. From what I can gather, Rodon is experiencing edema in the flexor mass of his forearm, though I’ve not seen a report that notes UCL damage. This fluid buildup could be a response to a compromised UCL, but that’s not a foregone conclusion at this point. This appears, at least with the current information available, to be more of a conservative management situation than surgery. I would anticipate Rodon being shut down for a few weeks, at which point we will get an update. I don’t think Tommy John is the ticket here, but further evaluation could determine a need for the surgery.

Estimated return: Late June to early July if conservative management indicated.

 

Christian Yelich — Back Discomfort

 

Christian Yelich has remained out for the first half of this week. Manager Craig Counsell reported that Yelich is on track to return at some point this weekend.

Estimated return: This weekend.

 

Juan Soto — Back Spasms

 

Juan Soto was scratched a couple times this week because of back spasms. There is no indication this is a major concern, and typically absences for back spasms range three to five days. An MRI came back clean, and it’s likely that Soto returns to the lineup at some point this weekend.

Estimated return: This weekend.

 

Fernando Tatis Jr. — Left Hamstring Strain

 

Fernando Tatis Jr. is on the IL retroactive to April 29 with a left hamstring strain of an unknown grade. While the injury looked forceful and Tatis appeared to be in a lot of pain very quickly, it is a good sign that he was able to walk off the field independently. I don’t feel this will be a minimum IL-stint, instead looking for a return after approximately four weeks.

Estimated return: Late May.

 

Corey Kluber — Right Ulna Fracture

 

Corey Kluber sustained a right ulna fracture after being struck by a line drive on May 1. The fracture has been described as nondisplaced, and it appears to be within the middle third of the shaft of the bone. Kluber will require a four- to six-week shutdown to allow the bone to heal followed by a throwing program to return to game form. In total, we are likely looking at an eight- to 12-week absence.

Estimated return: Mid-July.