Injury Report – 7/1

Hello and welcome to the Injury Report!

This roundup 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 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.

 

Tim Anderson – Right Ankle Sprain

 

Tim Anderson hit the IL retroactive to June 26th with a right ankle sprain. It appears to be a moderate sprain, as Anderson was seen in a walking boot prior to the IL move. A 4-6 week absence is reasonable, though there is potential for re-injury which would extend that timetable.

Estimated return: Mid-August.

 

Mitch Haniger – Ruptured Testicle

 

Mitch Haniger experienced a set-back in his rehabilitation and will now not be an option until mid-July at the earliest; the end of July appears more likely. Haniger is not currently hitting or completing other baseball activities.

Estimated return: End of July.

 

Marcell Ozuna – D3 and D4 Fractures

 

Marcell Ozuna broke two of his fingers when diving back to first base during a pick-off. The fracture is reported to be at the base of these fingers, which is consistent with the mechanism of injury and likely means intra-articular fractures. If the fracture occurred within the joint, Ozuna will require fixation of the fracture, likely via internal wires, which pushes our timetable to 6-8 weeks for bone healing followed by approximately 2 weeks to return to game shape.

Estimated return: Late-August or Early-September.

 

Diego Castillo – Right Shoulder Impingement

 

Diego Castillo has hit the IL due to a shoulder impingement. Castillo will undergo conservative management for his impingement and is likely to be held from throwing for 2-4 weeks, with another 2 weeks to return to pitching.

Estimated return: Late-July.

 

Jimmy Nelson – Right Elbow Effusion

 

Jimmy Nelson is heading back to the IL with what is being described as right elbow effusion. Effusion is a condition in which there is fluid buildup within a joint and is typically the result of underlying injury or infection. Without further details it is difficult to predict a timetable to return, but this injury may end his season.

Estimated return: Depends on cause and treatment modalities, but likely to end his 2019 season.

 

If there is a player you would like information on who I have not detailed in this article please comment below and I will reply as I am able.

Graphic by Michael Haas (@digitalHaas on Twitter)